Resettlement Assistant

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

• The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR works to safeguard the rights of refugees and other displaced persons, providing them with essential services and support in their time of need.

Job Overview:
The Resettlement Assistant position is crucial in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis involving Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The primary function of this role is to facilitate communication between Rohingya refugees and UNHCR staff during resettlement processes. This includes providing accurate interpretation services during confidential interviews and counseling sessions, ensuring that the refugees' voices are heard and understood. The Resettlement Assistant will also be responsible for organizing logistical support for the unit, maintaining accurate records of resettlement statistics, and assisting in the preparation of reports. The role requires a high level of professionalism and adherence to confidentiality, as the assistant will be dealing with sensitive information. The position also involves regular travel to refugee camps and processing sites, highlighting the need for flexibility and a commitment to the welfare of the refugee community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Resettlement Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Providing accurate and professional interpretation between Rohingya language and English during confidential protection interviews, counseling sessions, and resettlement interviews.
• Translating Bengali into English and vice versa as required.
• Adhering to the principles of confidentiality and impartiality while interpreting.
• Assisting in logistical arrangements for selection missions by resettlement countries.
• Carrying out preliminary screenings and initial assessments of refugees for resettlement.
• Maintaining accurate resettlement statistics and up-to-date records on individual cases.
• Reporting suspected fraud to mitigate resettlement fraud.
• Regularly traveling to refugee camps and processing sites to perform the above functions.
• Reporting weekly to the direct line manager and participating in mid-year and end-year reviews of objectives in line with operational targets for resettlement.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several essential qualifications, including:

• Fluency in Rohingya or Chittagonian, Bengali, and English.
• Proven skills in proficient communication from the assigned language to English and vice versa, including accurate listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• High standards of professional conduct and ethics in interpretation and translation services.
• Knowledge of computer applications, particularly Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and respect diversity. Desirable qualifications include fluency in Burmese, experience in conducting resettlement activities, familiarity with UNHCR’s work, and field experience with NGOs or UN agencies working with refugees.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes:

• A high school diploma is mandatory.
• Additional education or training is desirable, particularly in fields related to interpretation or humanitarian work.
• Completion of interpreter training courses is preferred, as this will enhance the candidate's ability to perform the duties effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience, particularly in interpretation or translation. Prior experience in humanitarian settings, especially with refugees, is highly desirable. The role demands a diverse field experience, including interpreting in various contexts in the required languages, and the ability to work effectively in stressful situations and hardship locations.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Rohingya or Chittagonian, Bengali, and English. Fluency in Burmese is considered a desirable skill that would enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under UNOPS LICA4 and is not remote. The target start date for the position is June 1, 2025, and the deadline for applications is May 21, 202

• The role is full-time and involves regular travel to refugee camps and processing sites in and around Cox’s Bazar. Candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in a humanitarian context, including the need for flexibility and resilience.