Field Assistant

Organizational Context

UNHCR safeguards the rights and well-being of people forced to flee, ensuring their right to seek asylum and find safe refuge. In Romania, since February 2022, the organization has responded to the influx of nearly 7 million refugees from Ukraine and Moldova. The response focuses on immediate protection and assistance, facilitating access to legal statuses and services, and ensuring accountability and effective communication with the refugee population.

Job Purpose

The Field Assistant will support the UNHCR Romania field team in Bucharest, contributing to the strengthening of engagement with national and local authorities, civil society, and refugee communities. This role involves supporting the planning and monitoring of field activities, ensuring compliance with UNHCR policies, and facilitating two-way communication with refugee communities to gather feedback on needs and assistance. The position aims to enhance advocacy efforts for basic needs, inclusion, and integration, and support the smooth operation of the UNHCR Community Centre at Romexpo.

Responsibilities

The Field Assistant will contribute to strengthening engagement with authorities, organizations, and refugee communities, identifying collaboration opportunities. Responsibilities include supporting the planning and monitoring of field activities, ensuring compliance with policies, and engaging refugee communities through two-way communication to gather feedback. The role involves contributing to advocacy for basic needs, inclusion, and integration, and supporting the coordination and monitoring of the UNHCR Community Centre at Romexpo. Additionally, the Field Assistant will conduct needs assessments, support data collection, assist with post-distribution monitoring of non-food items, and facilitate communication between UNHCR units. The position also includes supporting the planning of meetings and field missions, conducting field visits for protection monitoring, providing interpretation, contributing to capacity-building initiatives, and performing administrative tasks such as report preparation.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of professional work experience is required, preferably in political science, law, international relations, development, or related programs. Experience with Community-Based Organizations, participatory methods, or within the UN system is considered an asset. Strong drafting, reporting, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and adapt to challenging conditions.

Skills

Key competencies include professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and respect for diversity. The role requires strong planning and organizational skills, effective communication abilities (written and spoken), and flexibility to work in challenging environments. A genuine commitment to volunteerism principles and UNHCR's mission is essential. Additional desirable skills include proficiency in English, Romanian, and Ukrainian languages.

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