Senior Field Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR also works to ensure that refugees can access education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, and advocates for their rights and protection.

Job Overview:
The Senior Field Assistant position is a critical role within UNHCR, primarily focused on supporting field activities related to the organization's programs. The incumbent will work under the supervision of a (Senior) Field Officer/Associate and will be responsible for a variety of tasks that contribute to the effective implementation of UNHCR's initiatives. This role requires frequent interaction with both internal staff and external stakeholders, including local authorities, implementing partners, and the refugee community. The Senior Field Assistant will play a vital role in monitoring the delivery of assistance items, collecting relevant data, and ensuring that the needs of persons of concern are met. The position is temporary, with a target start date of July 1, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 2026.

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 of infrastructure.
• Performing administrative tasks such as preparing reports and assisting authorized personnel during field missions.
• Acting as an interpreter for routine information exchanges and contributing to liaison activities.
• Collecting data and information relevant to UNHCR and reporting findings to the supervisor.
• Maintaining regular contact with local authorities and implementing partners as directed.
• Assisting in the reception, registration, and provision of assistance to persons of concern to UNHCR in coordination with implementing partners.
• Following up on the overall situation of persons of concern in camps and other areas, reporting accordingly.
• Liaising with local authority counterparts, partners, and populations of concern.
• Directing unresolved incidents and problems to the supervisor. 1
• Supporting the identification and management of risks, ensuring decision-making is risk-based. 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 qualifications include strong communication, negotiation, organizational, and drafting skills. The candidate should demonstrate proficiency in IT and computer literacy, as well as the ability to draft and document effectively. Experience in multi-stakeholder communications with partners, government, and community is also essential. Completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a High School Diploma, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. Relevant fields of education include Business Administration, Law, or Political Science. Certifications and licenses related to these fields are considered 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 humanitarian work, particularly in refugee assistance or related fields, is highly valued. Familiarity with UNHCR operations and procedures is also beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station, which is Turkmen. Knowledge of Russian is also required. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is essential. Candidates should demonstrate at least a B2 level of proficiency in the required languages, ensuring effective verbal and written communication.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS5 level and is temporary in nature. The target start date is July 1, 2026, with an end date of December 31, 202

• The position is family-type, indicating that it may accommodate family members of the employee. The incumbent will work closely with the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCST) and will be involved in various project activities. The role may require participation in workshops and meetings, and the incumbent will represent UNHCR in relevant working groups. The position emphasizes a commitment to creating a safe and respectful working environment, free from harassment and discrimination.