Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate

Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

October 13, 2026November 13, 2026AleppoSyria
Job Description
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, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to help with their voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization focuses on providing protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons, working closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to implement programs that support the needs of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate will play a crucial role in operationalizing the strategic vision of UNHCR to align livelihoods and economic inclusion efforts with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). This position requires the incumbent to work under the direct supervision of the (Senior) Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer, focusing on enhancing the economic inclusion and self-reliance of persons of concern (PoC) and host community members. The associate will collaborate with various stakeholders, including UNHCR partners, government agencies, and private sector entities, to mobilize additional actors and adopt a whole-of-society approach. The role also involves documenting good practices, generating knowledge, and ensuring effective communication of economic opportunities to refugees and host communities. The associate will be expected to engage with diverse groups, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the potential benefits of economic inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: exploring partnerships with relevant stakeholders to enhance economic inclusion of UNHCR PoC; working with economic development agencies to adapt their programs for inclusivity; collaborating with the private sector to improve labor force inclusion; liaising with financial service providers to enhance financial inclusion; and working with public and private sector service providers to include UNHCR PoC in supporting services such as business development and micro-finance. The associate will also collect information about the legal framework for the right to work, support socioeconomic surveys, participate in assessments, and prepare field reports with recommendations for interventions. Additionally, the associate will manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives in their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include experience in facilitating economic inclusion for vulnerable groups, working with various stakeholders, and knowledge of livelihood programming. Desirable qualifications include prior exposure to UNHCR operations and knowledge of the latest developments in the livelihoods sector, including the SDGs and the Global Compact on Refugees. Completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the position is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma for candidates with 3 years of experience or a Bachelor’s degree or higher for those with 2 years of relevant experience. The field of education is not specifically applicable, but relevant fields may include Management, Economics, Financial Management, Agriculture, or other related areas.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in facilitating the economic inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups, ideally in varied field contexts. Experience in partnership with private sector entities, NGOs, UN organizations, and government authorities in sectors relevant to livelihood programming is essential. Candidates should also have experience in project management, monitoring, and evaluation, particularly in humanitarian and community-based programming.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is required if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is necessary, along with local language proficiency being advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified at the GS6 grade level and is a regular assignment. The target start date for the position is November 2, 202
  • The role is categorized under a hardship level E, indicating a challenging living and working environment. The position does not require a functional clearance, and UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants to apply.
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