Senior Field Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, which is a global organization dedicated to protecting individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in 128 countries worldwide, providing life-saving support and safeguarding fundamental human rights for millions of people. The organization is committed to helping refugees and displaced persons build a better future, and it has a significant presence in Lithuania, particularly in response to the influx of refugees from Ukraine since February 2022.

Job Overview:
The Senior Field Associate position is crucial for monitoring and assessing the needs of forcibly displaced persons, particularly asylum-seekers, refugees, and stateless individuals. The role involves regular visits to various sites, including border guard units and accommodation centers, to evaluate the conditions and requirements of vulnerable groups. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Associate Legal Officer, contributing to the preparation of reports, managing individual protection cases, and ensuring effective communication with local authorities and NGO partners. The Senior Field Associate will also engage in participatory assessments and public awareness activities, facilitating the involvement of displaced persons in decision-making processes that affect their lives. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying protection issues and advocating for the rights of those in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Field Associate include:

• Conducting regular site visits to assess the needs of persons of concern, focusing on vulnerable groups.
• Advising the supervisor on program requirements and formulating project submissions in collaboration with authorities and implementing partners.
• Monitoring and supervising the implementation of UNHCR programs, including the delivery of assistance items and infrastructure improvements.
• Maintaining regular contact with local authorities and implementing partners as directed by the supervisor.
• Acting as an interpreter when necessary.
• Contributing to the preparation of status and progress reports by providing relevant information and data.
• Monitoring refugee movements related to repatriation and inter-camp transfers.
• Responding to reports concerning persons of concern within the refugee community or from local authorities.
• Coordinating with implementing partners for the reception, registration, and assistance of persons of concern. 1
• Negotiating with local authorities, partners, and populations of concern. 1
• Representing UNHCR in physical monitoring of projects. 1
• Providing inputs for the country operations plan and other submissions and reports. 1
• Identifying and managing risks while seeking opportunities that impact objectives in the area of responsibility. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Field Associate position include:

• For G7 level: 4 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma; or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Essential knowledge of international legal affairs related to asylum, migration, and related issues.
• Desirable completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position.
• UNHCR field experience is also desirable.
• Functional skills required include IT-Computer Literacy, CO-Drafting and Documentation, CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, and PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Field Associate position includes a High School Diploma with 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree or higher with 2 years of relevant experience. Fields of education that are relevant include Business Administration, Law, and Political Science. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Senior Field Associate position is as follows: Candidates must have 4 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. This experience should be in fields related to international legal affairs, asylum, and migration, with a strong emphasis on practical fieldwork and engagement with displaced populations.

Languages:
For this position, fluency in English and Lithuanian is essential. Knowledge of Russian and/or Ukrainian is considered an asset, enhancing the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders in the region. Proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is also required, ensuring that the incumbent can perform their duties effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The Senior Field Associate position is classified as a temporary assignment with a hardship level of H (no hardship). The target start date for this role is July 20, 2026, with an expected end date of July 19, 202

• The position is full-time and may involve working with a diverse team of national and international staff. UNHCR emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive working environment, and all staff members are expected to contribute to this goal. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Additionally, candidates may be required to take a test as part of the selection process.