Senior Field Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of people worldwide. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. UNHCR is committed to upholding the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence in its operations, and it strives to create a world where every person can live in dignity and safety.

Job Overview:
The Senior Field Assistant position at UNHCR involves a variety of functions related to field activities within the office. The incumbent will work under the supervision of a (Senior) Field Officer/Associate and will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of UNHCR programs, assisting in administrative tasks, and acting as an interpreter during exchanges of routine information. The role requires regular contact with local authorities, implementing partners, and populations of concern, ensuring effective communication and coordination in the field. The Senior Field Assistant will also be involved in collecting data relevant to UNHCR's operations and reporting findings to the supervisor. This position is crucial for maintaining the flow of information and support to refugees and displaced persons, ensuring that their needs are met and that they receive the assistance they require.

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 in the exchange of routine information and contributing to liaison activities.
• Collecting data and information relevant to UNHCR and reporting to the supervisor.
• Maintaining regular contacts with local authorities and implementing partners as requested by the supervisor.
• Coordinating with implementing partners to assist in the reception, registration, and provision of assistance to persons of concern.
• Following up on the overall situation of persons of concern in camps and other areas and 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 and seeking opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

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

• 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 functional skills include IT-Computer Literacy, CO-Drafting and Documentation, and CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community.
• Completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position is desirable.
• Strong communication, negotiation, organizational, and drafting skills are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Field Assistant 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, and Political Science. Certifications and licenses related to these fields are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Senior Field Assistant position is at least 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in field operations, refugee assistance, or related areas is highly valued, and familiarity with UNHCR's operational context is beneficial.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is required. Additionally, fluency in Turkmen and Russian is essential for effective communication in this role, with an expected overall ability of at least B2 level in these languages.

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

• The position is family-type and is expected to be full-time. The incumbent will work closely with the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan (NRCST) on project activities and will be involved in various logistical and administrative tasks. The role may require participation in meetings and workshops, and the incumbent will represent UNHCR in relevant working groups. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UNHCR policies and guidelines.