Senior Durable Solutions 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, to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to providing protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons, and it plays a crucial role in addressing the global refugee crisis, particularly in regions with high numbers of displaced individuals, such as Lebanon, which hosts a significant population of Syrian refugees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Durable Solutions Assistant position is critical in supporting the implementation of the Inter-Agency Voluntary Return Action Plan, which aims to facilitate the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of up to 400,000 Syrian refugees in 2025 and an additional 300,000 in 202

• The incumbent will manage voluntary return interviews, coordinate community engagement activities, and ensure that return assessments are conducted efficiently. This role requires a deep understanding of protection principles and the ability to assess the voluntariness of return for individuals and families, ensuring that vulnerable populations, including children, receive adequate support during the return process. The position also involves conducting regular missions to border crossing points to monitor returns and prepare comprehensive reports on return activities, including statistical data and qualitative insights. The Senior Durable Solutions Assistant will work closely with various stakeholders, including caseworkers, social workers, and NGO partners, to ensure a coordinated approach to voluntary return and durable solutions for refugees.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Durable Solutions Assistant include: providing counseling to refugees regarding their durable solutions needs; conducting interviews with candidates for voluntary repatriation and local integration; preparing necessary documentation for return in accordance with established SOPs; identifying resettlement needs and assisting in updating electronic databases; preparing statistical and ad-hoc reports; ensuring timely processing of documentation for persons of concern; and supporting the identification and management of risks related to durable solutions. The incumbent will also be responsible for maintaining effective communication with communities of concern and coordinating with various stakeholders to facilitate operational delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Durable Solutions Assistant position must possess a strong understanding of UNHCR's protection principles and policies, along with technical skills in protection case management. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, particularly in working with forcibly displaced populations. Previous experience in protection case management, including counseling and conducting assessments, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNHCR's corporate systems, such as proGres, BIMS, RAIS, and Kobo, is also preferred. The candidate should demonstrate professionalism, analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma with two years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with one year of relevant work experience. While specific fields of education are not mandated, a background in social sciences, international relations, or humanitarian studies may be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or one year of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience in interviewing, case management, and working with refugee populations is highly desirable. Previous experience in border or protection monitoring, including reporting and analysis, is also considered an asset.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which is Arabic in Lebanon. Familiarity with additional languages relevant to the refugee population may be advantageous.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a UNOPS LICA5 role and is not remote. The target start date for the position is July 1, 2025, and the application deadline is June 15, 202

• The role requires a full-time commitment and involves regular field presence, including visits to designated Return Centers in Beirut and the South. The incumbent must be prepared to navigate a complex and sensitive operational environment, requiring a high level of political, cultural, and social awareness.