Senior Repatriation Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its 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 country. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights of refugees and displaced persons, providing them with assistance and support, and working towards durable solutions for their plight.

Job Overview:
The Senior Repatriation Assistant plays a crucial role in the implementation of the voluntary repatriation programme, ensuring that repatriation activities are conducted in a manner that respects the principles of safety, dignity, and voluntariness. This position requires the incumbent to work closely with various stakeholders, including refugees, local communities, and UNHCR colleagues, to facilitate the return of refugees to their home countries. The Senior Repatriation Assistant is expected to conduct interviews with candidates for voluntary repatriation, provide them with accurate information about the conditions in their country of origin, and assist them in making informed decisions regarding their return. The role also involves logistical and administrative support for repatriation movements, ensuring that all processes are compliant with UNHCR's standard operating procedures. The incumbent must demonstrate a commitment to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity while performing their duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Repatriation Assistant's duties include interviewing candidates for voluntary repatriation, ensuring that they are well-informed about the conditions in their country of origin. The incumbent will assist in proposing necessary documentation, such as Voluntary Repatriation Forms, and ensure that refugees receive appropriate documentation. They will facilitate communication between UNHCR and the communities of concern, including providing translation and cultural mediation. The role also involves participating in mass information activities to educate refugee communities about the voluntary repatriation programme. Additionally, the Senior Repatriation Assistant will provide logistical and administrative support for border-crossing and return movements, assess the specific needs of vulnerable returnees, and advise senior colleagues on registration processes. The incumbent will enter information into databases in accordance with standard operating procedures and support the identification and management of risks impacting repatriation objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Repatriation Assistant position must possess 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 higher. Essential qualifications include a good understanding of UNHCR's protection mandate and operations, as well as functional skills in IT and computer literacy. Knowledge of protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators is also required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders in challenging operational contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a preference for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field. Relevant certifications in these areas are also advantageous, as they demonstrate a commitment to the field and an understanding of the complexities involved in repatriation and refugee protection.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Senior Repatriation Assistant position includes at least 2 years of relevant experience in a similar role, particularly in the context of refugee assistance and repatriation. Candidates with experience in conducting interviews, providing logistical support for repatriation movements, and working with vulnerable populations will be highly regarded. Experience in data management and analysis, particularly with biometric information systems, is also beneficial.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which is French in this case. Additionally, knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication with the communities of concern and facilitate better understanding of their needs.

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 August 1, 2026, and an end date of December 31, 202

• The role is based in Bangui, Central African Republic, and is categorized as a non-family position with residential requirements in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to UNHCR's standards of conduct, promoting a safe and respectful working environment free from harassment and discrimination. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UNHCR's policies and the local salary scale.