Research and protection support

Organizational Context

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) was established in 1950 to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring they can exercise their right to seek asylum and find safe refuge. The UNHCR Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa supports country operations and partners in strengthening protection responses for refugees and asylum-seekers across the region.

Job Purpose

This online volunteer assignment aims to support the UNHCR Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa by contributing to selected research and analytical activities. The role will assist in developing analytical products, policy briefs, and knowledge-management tools to strengthen protection responses and support evidence-based decision-making. The volunteer will contribute to regional protection priorities and institutional learning efforts, gaining valuable exposure to international protection, asylum capacity development, and regional initiatives within the West and Central Africa region.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a protection officer, the online volunteer will conduct desk research on protection, asylum, and mixed movements. Responsibilities include collecting, reviewing, and organizing information from various sources, and supporting the preparation of analytical summaries, briefing notes, and background papers. The role involves assisting with the compilation and synthesis of information from multiple countries and stakeholders, and supporting the development of knowledge products, presentations, and communication materials. Additionally, the volunteer will help document good practices, lessons learned, and emerging trends, support information management and knowledge-sharing, and contribute to organizing reference materials. Assistance will also be provided for preparing materials for regional meetings, webinars, and workshops.

Work Experience

The assignment requires strong research and analytical skills, excellent drafting and written communication abilities, and the capacity to synthesize information clearly. The volunteer must be able to work independently and meet deadlines. Prior experience in preparing summaries, briefing notes, presentations, or research products is desirable.

Skills

Key skills include strong research and analytical capabilities, excellent drafting and written communication, information synthesis, independent work ethic, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. A strong interest in humanitarian affairs, international protection, refugee issues, or human rights is essential. Fluency in French is required.

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