Senior Durable Solutions Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in December 1950 with the mission to save lives, protect rights, and build a better future for asylum seekers, refugees, returnees, internally displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 6,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to providing international protection and assistance to millions of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Italy oversees operations in Italy, the Holy See, Malta, and San Marino, focusing on diverse asylum systems and legal frameworks in these regions.

Job Overview:
The Senior Durable Solutions Assistant plays a crucial role in implementing the durable solutions strategy within the UNHCR framework. Reporting to a Durable Solutions Associate or Officer, the incumbent is responsible for fostering partnerships and enhancing the involvement of refugee communities in the design and implementation of solutions strategies. This position requires a commitment to the core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, as all UNHCR staff members are accountable for their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and relevant regulations. The role involves providing counseling to refugees regarding their durable solutions needs, conducting interviews for voluntary repatriation and local integration, and participating in identifying resettlement needs. The incumbent will also assist in updating electronic databases and preparing reports to ensure accurate information sharing with relevant offices and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Durable Solutions Assistant include:

• Providing counseling to refugees and persons of concern about their durable solutions needs.
• Conducting interviews for voluntary repatriation and preparing necessary documentation in accordance with Voluntary Repatriation SOPs.
• Interviewing candidates for local integration and preparing documentation for submission to local authorities or partners, following Local Integration SOPs.
• Participating in identifying resettlement needs of refugees in line with Resettlement SOPs.
• Updating the electronic database for resettlement, voluntary repatriation, and local integration.
• Processing documentation to ensure timely receipt of necessary documents for durable solutions.
• Preparing statistical and ad-hoc reports for accurate information sharing.
• Advising on appropriate durable solutions for persons of concern.
• Entering information into databases in accordance with SOPs. 1
• Supporting risk management and decision-making processes in the functional area of work. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential functional skills include database management and proficiency in Microsoft Office productivity software. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of the operational context and issues related to international protection and resettlement schemes. Previous experience with UNHCR is considered an asset, as is diverse field experience and experience in interviewing.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a High School Diploma or equivalent, with a Bachelor’s degree being advantageous. No specific field of education is required, but relevant certifications such as the HCR Protection Induction Program are essential for the role.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in the field of refugee protection, resettlement, or related areas is highly desirable.

Languages:
Knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station (Italian) is mandatory. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is required. Fluency in both Italian and English is essential for this position, and knowledge of additional languages is considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a GS5 staff member and is a temporary assignment with a target start date of May 16, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 202

• The role is based in Rome, Italy, which is a HQ Duty Station with a high standard of living and a relatively high cost of living. The Italian authorities will issue a visa and residence permit to UNHCR international staff members. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy, and only applications completed in English will be considered. The UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates will undergo mandatory clearance checks prior to receiving an offer.