UN Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is dedicated to leading and coordinating international efforts to protect refugees and resolve refugee-related issues globally. Its 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. UNHCR also assists stateless individuals. As of December 31, 2021, UNHCR employed 18,879 personnel, with approximately 91% working in field locations. The organization operates in 137 countries and territories, with staff based in a mix of regional and branch offices, as well as sub-offices and field offices. UNHCR's teams are committed to aiding displaced individuals, specializing in various disciplines such as legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs, and health.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of a JICA-funded project titled 'Enhancing Protection and Solutions for Forcibly Displaced Persons in Zambia.' This project aims to bolster Zambia's asylum system and promote inclusive, government-led responses to forced displacement. Zambia currently hosts over 114,000 asylum-seekers, refugees, and former refugees, while also receiving new arrivals, particularly from neighboring regions. This influx has placed significant pressure on national systems responsible for reception, registration, documentation, and refugee status determination. Capacity constraints within government institutions have led to delays in processing, documentation gaps, and increased protection risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as women and children. Concurrently, the Zambian government is pursuing an ambitious policy and development agenda focused on refugee inclusion, aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees and Zambia's National Refugee Policy. This agenda includes efforts to integrate forcibly displaced individuals into national systems such as education, health, and social protection, promoting sustainable, locally led solutions through a comprehensive government approach. The project aims to enhance coordination among national and sub-national authorities, improve operational systems, and strengthen the capacity of frontline actors. The UN Volunteer will contribute to these efforts by supporting various operational, coordination, and capacity development activities, working closely with government counterparts and partners at both national and field levels, and facilitating stakeholder engagement while contributing to analysis and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Protection Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake several key tasks:

• Support government counterparts and partners in enhancing procedures related to refugee reception, registration, documentation, and refugee status determination, focusing on improving efficiency, consistency, and protection outcomes.
• Contribute to field-based activities, including missions to districts and refugee-hosting areas, to support implementation, identify operational challenges, and follow up on agreed actions, as budget allows.
• Assist in organizing and delivering training sessions, workshops, and on-the-job support for government officials and partners regarding relevant procedures and standards.
• Facilitate coordination with government institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, referral pathways, and access to services.
• Monitor the implementation of activities, identifying gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement, and proposing practical solutions as necessary.
• Support data collection, analysis, and reporting on project activities, including preparing briefings, updates, and inputs for donor reporting.
• Assist in facilitating dialogue and engagement with stakeholders to support the implementation of policy and programmatic priorities.
• Contribute to community engagement activities to ensure that interventions are informed by the perspectives and needs of affected populations.
• Perform other related tasks as required to support project implementation. Additionally, UN Volunteers are expected to strengthen their understanding of volunteerism by engaging with relevant UNV and external publications, participating in UNV activities, and reflecting on the quality of their voluntary actions. They should also contribute articles on field experiences for UNV publications and assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived volunteers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and a commitment to the principles of volunteerism. They should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in their approach to work, as well as integrity and respect for diversity. The ideal candidate will have a proactive attitude and the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and affected populations. Strong analytical and reporting skills are essential, along with the ability to monitor and evaluate project activities effectively.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, international relations, law, or a related field is required. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in refugee protection, human rights, or related areas will be given preference. Relevant certifications or training in project management, monitoring and evaluation, or capacity building will also be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in humanitarian or development contexts, particularly in refugee protection, asylum systems, or related fields. Experience working with government institutions, civil society organizations, or international agencies is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Zambian context and the challenges faced by forcibly displaced persons will be an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and capacity development activities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the UNHCR and the primary language used in Zambia. Knowledge of local languages, such as Bemba or Nyanja, is considered an asset and will enhance communication with affected populations and local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Volunteer role, which typically involves a contract duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and funding availability. The role is full-time, and candidates may be recruited nationally or internationally, depending on their qualifications and experience. Compensation for UN Volunteers includes a monthly stipend, health insurance, and other benefits as per UNV policies. The position is based in Lusaka, Zambia, which is a vibrant city with a growing expatriate community and various amenities, although candidates should be prepared for some adjustments to local living conditions.