Community Engagement and Outreach Assistant
Organizational Context
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well-being of refugees globally, ensuring they can seek asylum and find safe refuge. In Tunisia, UNHCR collaborates with authorities and partners to identify protection needs, provide information and counselling, and promote solutions. This assignment, supported by the Embassy of Switzerland, aims to strengthen youth inclusion, particularly for young persons with disabilities, within UNHCR's operations.
Job Purpose
This role supports UNHCR's mission in Tunisia by assisting the solutions team and enhancing communication with refugee communities. The UN Volunteer will conduct interviews, prepare assessment forms, provide individual counselling, and facilitate participatory activities like focus group discussions and intention surveys. The position involves analyzing findings and following up on recommendations and referrals. A key aspect of this assignment is contributing to an initiative focused on strengthening youth inclusion, with a special emphasis on young persons with disabilities, aligning with UNHCR's commitment to equitable solutions and support.
Responsibilities
The UNV Protection Assistant - Solutions will support resettlement submissions by organizing and following up on interviews and completing necessary documentation. They will assist with return counselling, including preparing and following up on Kobo forms, ensuring informed decision-making. The role involves providing basic information on solutions and referral pathways, escalating complex cases. Community engagement includes assisting in preparing and facilitating focus group discussions and participatory assessments. The assistant will conduct protection interviews and vulnerability assessments, identifying and reporting protection concerns and urgent needs, and supporting referral follow-up. Responsibilities also include preparing interview notes, counselling records, and statistical updates, ensuring accurate data entry and filing. Coordination with various UNHCR teams and partners is crucial for case follow-up, adhering to confidentiality and data protection. The role requires applying age, gender, diversity, and accountability to affected populations principles in all activities, while upholding UNHCR standards on PSEA and fraud prevention.
Work Experience
A minimum of one month and up to one year of relevant professional, internship, or volunteer experience is required in areas such as protection, social work, counselling, case management, legal assistance, or humanitarian response. Experience with interviewing, active listening, and communicating sensitively with vulnerable individuals is essential. Basic understanding of protection principles, informed consent, confidentiality, and data protection is necessary. Proficiency in computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite and databases, is also required.
Skills
Key competencies include Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism, Accountability, Planning and Organizing, Communication, Teamwork, Adaptability, Flexibility, Creativity, and Self-Management. Expertise in community development, education, and legal affairs is desirable. Strong interviewing, active-listening, and interpersonal skills are crucial for sensitive communication with vulnerable populations.