Senior Field Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to promote lasting solutions for those who have been forced to flee. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to helping millions of people worldwide. The organization is committed to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and works closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to provide assistance and protection to refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Senior Field Assistant position is crucial for the effective implementation of UNHCR's programs in the field. The incumbent will be supervised by the (Senior) Field Officer/Associate and will perform a variety of functions related to field activities. This role requires maintaining frequent internal contacts with staff members at the same duty station to exchange information and engage with external contacts, including officials from national and international institutions, leaders of the refugee community, and local populations. The Senior Field Assistant is expected to uphold UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity while executing their duties. The position involves a significant amount of fieldwork, requiring the incumbent to be present in refugee camps and settlements, ensuring continuous engagement with refugees and community leaders. The role also includes supporting the day-to-day implementation of UNHCR and partner activities in the field, monitoring interventions, and reporting on operational issues and community concerns.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Field Assistant include assisting in monitoring the implementation of UNHCR programs, including the delivery of assistance items and monitoring infrastructure. The incumbent will assist with administrative tasks, such as preparing reports and meeting authorized personnel during field missions. Acting as an interpreter for routine information exchange, the Senior Field Assistant will contribute to liaison activities and respond to routine queries. The role also involves collecting data relevant to UNHCR and reporting to the supervisor, maintaining regular contacts with local authorities and implementing partners, and assisting in the reception, registration, and provision of assistance to persons of concern. The incumbent will follow up on the overall situation of persons of concern in camps and report accordingly, liaise with local authority counterparts, and direct unresolved incidents to the supervisor. Additionally, the Senior Field Assistant will support risk management and decision-making processes, ensuring that risks and issues are raised to the supervisor or relevant colleagues. Other related duties may be assigned 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 qualifications include knowledge of IT and computer literacy, drafting and documentation skills, and multi-stakeholder communications with partners, government, and community. Completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position is desirable. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong experience in coordination and collaboration, particularly with refugees and multiple stakeholders, and possess good communication and reporting skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. Relevant fields of education include Business Administration, Law, or Political Science. Certificates and licenses in these areas are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant experience for those with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience in field-related activities, particularly in coordination and collaboration with refugees and community representatives, is essential. The ideal candidate should also have a solid understanding of the local context and familiarity with the Sahrawi refugee camps.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include proficiency in English and the UN working language of the duty station, which is Arabic. The expected overall ability in these languages should be at least at the B2 level. Knowledge of local languages is also beneficial but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the General Service category and is a regular assignment. The target start date for the position is June 1, 202

• The role is based in a residential location in Tindouf, Algeria, which is classified as a hardship level E area, indicating significant challenges in living and working conditions. The position is non-family, meaning that the incumbent will not be accompanied by family members. The job advertisement specifies that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.