Associate Durable Solutions Officer

Organizational Context

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) protects refugees and stateless persons globally, assisting millions in over 130 countries. UNHCR Mexico operates in a complex protection environment, focusing on durable solutions like local integration through decent work and socioeconomic inclusion. The country's industrial sector, particularly Japanese companies in automotive and manufacturing, offers potential for employment partnerships. This role supports UNHCR's strategy, leveraging synergies with JICA's development experience, amidst significant budget constraints and staffing reductions.

Job Purpose

This JICA-funded position aims to advance UNHCR Mexico's livelihoods and socioeconomic inclusion agenda in priority locations, fostering strategic collaboration between UNHCR and JICA. The role will expand inclusive employment opportunities and strengthen partnerships under UNHCR’s Local Integration Programme. It is crucial for sustaining operational capacity and ensuring program continuity, especially given UNHCR Mexico's financial constraints and anticipated budget reductions. The assignment aligns with global Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus priorities and Japan's diplomatic initiatives in Latin America, promoting strengthened cooperation.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of UNHCR’s Local Integration Programme and livelihoods interventions, focusing on employability, access to livelihoods, financial inclusion, and services, adhering to AGD principles. Facilitate job matching and labor inclusion for refugees and asylum-seekers, monitoring placements and working conditions with partners and employers. Engage with employers and the private sector by mapping companies, providing guidance on inclusive hiring, and connecting them with specialized services. Coordinate with implementing partners, civil society, local authorities, and service providers on livelihoods, training, documentation, and integration. Contribute to community-based inclusion through outreach and feedback mechanisms. Monitor livelihoods and integration activities, collecting data on results and challenges. Assist in preparing reports, briefs, and donor updates. Document lessons learned and best practices. Support UNHCR in liaising with key Japanese stakeholders. Additionally, promote volunteerism and contribute to UNV's outreach efforts.

Work Experience

Requires 3-5 years of professional experience in refugee integration or reintegration of internally displaced persons, including policy development and program implementation. Experience in community development, working with private sector entities, UN institutions, or NGOs is essential. Demonstrated interest/experience in socioeconomic inclusion, financial inclusion, human rights, refugee law, or the humanitarian-development nexus is required. Previous volunteer experience or cross-cultural exposure is highly desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Creativity, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Judgement and Decision-making, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, and Self-Management. Expertise in Development programmes and Community development is also highlighted.

Explore related opportunities