Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate

Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

May 22, 2026July 6, 2026Rwanda
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR, established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly, is dedicated to leading and coordinating international efforts to protect refugees and resolve refugee issues globally. The agency's primary mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The UNHCR Representation Office in Rwanda primarily serves a refugee population that includes individuals from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, with operations spread across various locations including the Country Office in Kigali and multiple field offices. The UNHCR Rwanda Operation is actively involved in addressing the needs of refugees and host communities, focusing on protection, solutions, and economic inclusion initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate will play a crucial role in supporting UNHCR Rwanda's strategic priorities related to protection, solutions, livelihoods, and economic inclusion. This position aims to strengthen self-reliance among refugees and host communities by collaborating with government institutions, UNHCR partners, private sector actors, and financial service providers. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing and coordinating economic inclusion initiatives, requiring strong leadership, communication, and partnership-building skills. The role also involves community mobilization, knowledge management, and documentation of best practices, ensuring effective collaboration across various UNHCR programs, particularly in the Southern Province of Rwanda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will assist the operation in identifying potential opportunities for collaboration between UNHCR's protection work and the economic inclusion objectives pursued by development partners and the Government of Rwanda. Responsibilities include supporting UNHCR staff in aligning policy and operational priorities, establishing reporting and knowledge exchanges among stakeholders, engaging in development planning with local government entities, and exploring partnerships to enhance economic inclusion for persons of concern. The incumbent will work closely with the private sector to improve labor force inclusion, financial inclusion, and access to supporting services for refugees. Additionally, the role involves collecting information on legal frameworks, participating in assessments, providing technical assistance on livelihoods strategies, and preparing field reports with recommendations for enhancing refugee economic inclusion.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong leadership and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build partnerships across various sectors. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for collaboration and enhancing economic inclusion for refugees. Familiarity with the legal frameworks surrounding refugees' rights and work is essential, as is the ability to engage effectively with government entities and development partners. The candidate should also have experience in community mobilization and knowledge management.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in social sciences, development studies, economics, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in livelihoods programming, economic development, or refugee studies would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in livelihoods programming, economic inclusion, or related fields, preferably within a humanitarian or development context. Experience working with refugees or displaced populations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the operational environment in Rwanda.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of French or Kinyarwanda would be considered an asset. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the refugee populations served would also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Volunteer role, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The living conditions in Huye require staff to rent accommodation, with guidance provided upon arrival. The area has limited healthcare and educational facilities, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security is rated at Level
  • The Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (MVLA) is provided to cover basic living costs, ensuring a secure standard of living in line with United Nations standards.
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