UN Volunteer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: UN Volunteer
Location: Bogotá
Country: Colombia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the United Nations General Assembly. Its mission is to lead and coordinate international action for the protection of refugees worldwide. UNHCR aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone can exercise their right to seek asylum and enjoy it, while also identifying durable solutions for refugees, such as voluntary repatriation in dignified and safe conditions, integration into host societies, or resettlement in a third country. The organization also extends its mandate to stateless persons. UNHCR operates globally, providing vital assistance to millions of people who have been forced from their homes due to violence, persecution, war, or disaster. Since its inception, UNHCR has been at the forefront of addressing multiple crises and continues to work tirelessly to save lives and build better futures for those in need.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer will operate under the delegated authority and supervision of the Field Associate or their designated representative. The role involves supporting the implementation of protection strategies for internally displaced persons, refugees, and returnees within the coverage area. The volunteer will also assist in strengthening the state response to the differential protection needs of the populations served. This position requires active participation in the development, implementation, and continuous monitoring of specific community-focused projects, collaborating with other units and focal points in various offices, and conducting field missions. The volunteer will be responsible for timely and efficient collection and provision of necessary inputs for the preparation of documents and reports as required by the programmatic and protection areas of UNHCR. Additionally, the volunteer will promote and support methodologies for conducting participatory assessments from an ethnic, gender, age, and diversity perspective to understand the needs of displaced and refugee populations regarding protection and solutions, as well as priorities in care, resources, and available capacities. The role also includes case management of identified protection cases within communities and activating institutional and community responses to ensure the rights of the individuals served by UNHCR. Furthermore, the volunteer will provide training and capacity-building opportunities to the populations served regarding relevant legal frameworks and public policies, in coordination with local authorities, partners, and UNHCR allies. Monitoring and follow-up on humanitarian emergencies and institutional advocacy will also be part of the responsibilities, along with participation in multifunctional teams and collaboration within UNHCR and with strategic partners as required. The UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate into the mandate of the UNV program during their assignment and promote voluntary action through community engagement in their work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of protection strategies for internally displaced persons, refugees, and returnees in the designated area.
• Assist in strengthening the state response to the specific protection needs of the populations served.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and continuous monitoring of community-focused projects in collaboration with other units and focal points.
• Collect and provide timely inputs for the preparation of documents and reports as required by UNHCR's programmatic and protection areas.
• Promote and support methodologies for conducting participatory assessments to understand the needs of displaced and refugee populations.
• Manage protection cases identified in communities and activate institutional and community responses to ensure rights are upheld.
• Provide training and capacity-building opportunities regarding legal frameworks and public policies relevant to the populations served.
• Monitor and follow up on humanitarian emergencies and institutional advocacy.
• Participate in multifunctional teams and collaborate with strategic partners as required. 1
• Engage in additional tasks that contribute to team efforts and the implementation of protection strategies.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of protection issues and the humanitarian context in Colombia.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis.
• Familiarity with legal frameworks and public policies related to refugees and displaced persons.
• Commitment to the principles of humanitarian action and the mission of UNHCR.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, international relations, law, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in protection, humanitarian assistance, or related areas are highly desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in humanitarian work, protection, or related fields is required. Experience working with refugees, internally displaced persons, or in a similar context is an asset. Familiarity with community engagement and participatory approaches is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory. Proficiency in English is desirable. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context is a plus.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role under the UNV program. The duration of the assignment is typically for a specific period, which may be extended based on performance and organizational needs. The role is full-time, and the volunteer will be expected to engage actively with local communities and stakeholders. Compensation details, including any allowances or benefits, will be provided during the recruitment process.