Senior Field Assistant at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Deadline 11 December 2025
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Remote work accepted
No
Target Start Date
2025-04-01
Deadline for Applications
December 11, 2025
Standard Job Description
Senior Field Assistant
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Field Assistant is normally supervised by the (Senior) Field Officer/Associate and performs a variety of functions related to Field activities within the office. The supervisor defines work processes and provides regular advice and guidance.
The incumbent keeps frequent internal contacts with staff members in the same duty station to exchange information and with the external contacts generally with officials of national and international institutions, leaders of the refugee community, local population and/or Implementing Partners (IPs) on routine subject matters under the direction of the supervisor.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
– Assist in monitoring the implementation of UNHCR programme including the delivery of all assistance items and monitoring of infrastructure.
– Assist in administrative tasks as required such as preparation of reports and meeting authorized personnel and assisting them during field missions.
– Act as interpreter in the exchange of routine information, contribute to related liaison activities and respond directly to routine queries.
– Collect data and other information relevant to UNHCR and report to the supervisor accordingly.
– Keep regular contacts with local authorities and implementing partners as requested by supervisor.
– In coordination with implementing partners, assist in the reception, registration and provision of assistance to persons of concern to UNHCR.
– Follow up, on a regular basis, the overall situation of persons of concern in camps and other areas where they have been accommodated and report accordingly.
– Liaise with local authority counterparts, partners and populations of concern.
– Direct incidents and problems to the supervisor when they cannot be resolved at their level.
– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
G5 – 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable
Certificates and/or Licenses
Business Administration Law Political Science
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified
Desirable
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
CO-Drafting and Documentation
CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
1. Given the size of the Operation in Mahama camp, the suitable candidate must possess experience with planning, coordinating the implementation of Non-food Items (NFIs).
2. An essential requirement is a demonstrated expertise in Energy and Environment programme including implementation of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) within a humanitarian context.
3. Knowledge and experience relating to sphere standards, UNHCR standards and indicators, Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) Severity mapping, Persons with Specific Needs (PSN) and Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) are essential.
4. Capacity to establish and maintain good working relations is essential. Good interpersonal and communication skills are important for the position. Proven experience, technical knowledge of applicable UNHCR tools and systems, and a good understanding of programmatic processes are essential for the position. Prior experience of working in Refugee, Return and Reintegration programmes is a huge advantage.
5. A minimum of one year experience with monitoring and identifying potential gaps and problems and recommending appropriate solutions to ensure the continued efficient implementation of humanitarian programme activities and effective coordination with other partners. The position requires knowledge and experience with contingency planning, emergency response and risk management.
6. Given the demanding nature of humanitarian work, the incumbent is expected to be capable of working under very stressful circumstances, manage short deadlines, unplanned for activities and focus on priorities.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
Desired languages
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
Skills
CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy
Education
Certifications
HCR Learning Program – UNHCR
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional Information
N/A
The English version is considered original and authoritative, translation to other language(s) serve the purpose of advertisement of local positions where applicable but are not considered as official translations
N/A
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance