Field Associate

August 2, 2027

E (most hardship)

Non Family

GS6

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-08-27

Field Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Field Associate is normally supervised by the (Senior) Field Officer or Head of Office and performs a variety of functions related to Field activities within the office. The supervisor defines general work objectives and provides necessary advice and guidance. The Field Associate may supervise some General Service support staff.
The incumbent keeps frequent internal contacts with staff members in the same duty station to exchange information, to establish understanding of respective needs; to ensure provision of services and resolution of problems 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 subject matters which may be of importance to the Organization.

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
- Monitor the situation in the AoR, collect data and other information relevant to UNHCR and report to the supervisor accordingly.
- Monitor the implementation of UNHCR programme including the delivery of all assistance items and monitoring of infrastructure.
- Undertake regular visits to various sites in order to assess needs of persons of concern, with particular attention to vulnerable groups.
- Keep regular contacts with local authorities and implementing partners as requested by supervisor.
- Act as interpreter when required.
- Contribute to the preparation of status and progress reports by providing info, preparing tables, etc.
- Assist in administrative tasks as required such as preparation of reports and meeting authorized personnel and assisting them during field missions.
- Inform and act on the reports received on persons of concern within the refugee community or from the local authorities.
- In coordination with implementing partners, assist in the reception, registration and provision of assistance to persons of concern to UNHCR.
- Negotiate with local authority counterparts, partners and populations of concern.
- Represent UNHCR in physical monitoring of projects.

- 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
For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years 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.
UNHCR field experience.

Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
CO-Drafting and Documentation
CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community
PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
(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.

1. Knowledge of the local context in Deir Ezzor and the NES area or similar context.
2. Experience monitoring and managing programs with UN agencies and/or NGOs.
3. Solid Field background, previous work experience with the UN and partners in field/shelter/protection/livelihood and project monitoring activities.
4. Very good negotiation skills in coordinating with local authorities and partners.
5. Skills in data collection/information analysis and report writing.
6. Experience in coordination/managing relations with multiple stakeholders.
7. Preferred degrees (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Business Administration, International Law, Political Science, and/or Civil Engineering.
8. 2 years of experience in emergency planning and response, particularly working with IDPs, returnees, and refugees, in camps, urban areas, and shelters.
9. Working experience with the authorities and the multi-sector/partners coordination/stakeholders.
10. Solid experience with conducting field monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, reporting, and solutions to improve project fund implementation.
11. Familiarity with UNHCR Field Work will be an asset.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To review the occupational health and safety considerations for this duty station, please click on the following link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel 

Nature of Position:

UN humanitarian hub in Deir ez-Zor city.  The position is envisaged to lead the on-the-ground response to increasing returns of IDPs and refugees. Most of the population in Deir ez-Zor consists of returnees.  Its activities are coordinated with the relevant authorities and line departments in the governorate, as well as with humanitarian partners at the UN hubs in Deir ez-Zor.

 

UNHCR provides humanitarian assistance and protection services, core relief items, and shelter assistance to the returnees, IDPs, and affected host communities. UNHCR’s protection assistance includes strengthening community engagement, providing livelihood support, improving access to basic services, and supporting legal clinics, civil registries, and HLP to improve access to documentation. UNHCR also provides core relief items, livelihood assistance and shelter assistance (both in cash and in-kind), and repairs socio-economic infrastructure. In the context of increased returns, the field office's efforts are focused on reintegration support for returnees. The field office in Deir ez-Zor will, hence, be responsible for leading the UNHCR response to returns in the Deir ez-Zor governorate.

 

The incumbent will oversee all field activities in the field unit, including shelter, NFI, and livelihood interventions, carried out through partners or through direct implementation, and will participate in the assessment of field activities, monitoring and evaluation of the implemented/provided projects/services in the governorate. S/he will be reporting to the head of the field unit based in the Deir ez-Zor UNHCR office, while working closely with the Head of Office. The incumbent may have supervisory responsibilities. Within this sensitive and volatile operation, the incumbent will need to establish good working relations with all stakeholders. The incumbent will negotiate with internal and external stakeholders to effectively coordinate UNHCR-led sectors.

In a very polarised, sectarian, and political working environment, the incumbent will also have to contribute to strengthening the team spirit while maintaining the UNHCR protection agenda in all situations. Within the incumbent's roles, there is also an element of capacity building for implementing and operational partners. It is critical that the incumbent understands the emergency context and is willing to work under emergency conditions and pressure

Living and Working Conditions:

The UNHCR office is located in the UN Hub in Deir ez-Zor, hosting UN agencies present in the governorate. The Hub contains office space, meeting rooms, a recreational area, a gym, a backyard, a garden, and a rooftop terrace. The second floor in the Hub is allocated for the accommodation of international staff and contains bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen.
The national colleagues have the option to use the approved hotels or rent their own apartments.
Official travel is by armoured vehicles, and there are security requirements for the movements of UN staff.

The Internet is available at the hub, but citywide coverage is unreliable. There are often prolonged internet disruptions, and the city's electricity supply is unpredictable. Roads are generally paved, and public transportation is available between sub-districts. Weather conditions in winter can be cold, and it is very important for staff to have appropriate clothing and heating to maintain good health.

The present situation in North East Syria and in the area is complex, and the outlook is uncertain. This creates ongoing pressure at work and in daily life, as priorities are frequently upended by other urgent, ad hoc tasks. The incumbent should be prepared to work under very challenging conditions and manage stressful situations.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)

Certifications

Business Administration - Other, Law - Other, Political Science - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

“No late applications will be accepted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants

This position doesn't require a functional clearance