Jobs and Careers

JOB DESCRIPTION : 

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Mission and Objectives
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also known as the UN Refugee Agency, operating in 130 countries in the world, is mandated to lead and coordinate international actions for the worldwide protection of refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless persons and to seek, together with Governments, durable solutions for them. In Armenia, UNHCR operates since 1992 and is engaged in provision of humanitarian assistance, legal counselling, and advocacy for the inclusion and integration of refugees. In parallel, UNHCR helps build the capacity of the authorities to ensure protection, wellbeing and integration of refugees.

Context
The core mandate of UNHCR is the international protection of refugees. The provision of international protection by UNHCR implies ensuring the basic human rights of refugees in their countries of asylum and that refugees will not be returned involuntarily to a country where they could face persecution. Longer term, the organization helps refugees find appropriate durable solutions to their plight, by repatriating voluntarily to their homeland, integrating in countries of asylum or resettling in third countries.
UNHCR has presence in the Republic of Armenia since 1992, under a Co-operation Agreement signed with the Government. The overarching focus of UNHCR Armenia is the UNHCR global mandate to provide protection to displaced populations and assist the Government in finding durable solutions for them. UNHCR works to ensure that the rights of asylum-seekers, refugees, persons in refugee-like situation, and stateless persons are respected and protected and that they can access their rights in safety and with dignity.

UNHCR’s standard work in Armenia concentrates on capacity-building activities geared towards strengthening national authorities, laws, and policies to ensure the proper handling of refugee and asylum issues, the reception and care of refugees, the promotion of self-reliance of refugees and the realization of durable solutions. These are carried out in combination with other activities such as advocacy, information dissemination and monitoring. As a result of the recent escalation of the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, many people had to spontaneously arrive in Armenia to seek emergency support and humanitarian assistance. UNHCR has been engaged in interagency coordination and humanitarian response and leads the Protection and NFI/Shelter Working Groups.

UNHCR Armenia strategy supports the implementation of relevant elements of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework in continuing dialogue and cooperation with the Government and other partners in Armenia notably regarding:
- Continuous efforts to strengthen the national protection systems in admission, registration, reception and processing of applications of asylum-seekers, as well as integrating recognized refugees and stateless persons;
- Sufficient capacities for preventative action and emergency preparedness through regular review of early warning, risk monitoring, disaster risk reduction, contingency planning and emergency preparedness, and humanitarian response.
- Support for sustainable development programmes in order to enhance resilience for host communities and refugees in the areas of education, jobs and livelihoods, health, gender equality, child protection, accommodation, environment, food security and nutrition, civil registration, legal assistance, and social cohesion and reconciliation;
- Support for creating durable solutions in cooperation with countries of origin to ensure conditions are conducive for safe and dignified return, and in the long term through offering resettlement and other legal pathways for admission in Armenia.

RESPONSIBILITIES : 

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of UNHCR Assistant Programme Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the National UNV Programme Assistant will:
- Provide administrative assistance and support in routine services and activities within Programme unit thus better able to meet the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons;
- Participate in the preparation of draft project documents including partnership agreements, project submissions, revisions; and translate project documents as required;
- Work closely with UNHCR Armenia’s partners to assess the needs of vulnerable asylum-seekers, refugees and others of concern and identify assistance as required;
- Assist in exploring opportunities for mainstreaming UNHCR’s persons of concern into available national services and available projects;
- Support the Programme Unit in contributing to the community outreach initiatives within the multi-functional team setting, and the focused group discussions with the refugee community;
- In coordination with the Programme and Project Control, carry out monitoring visits to UNHCR Armenia’s implementing partners to oversee programme implementation and provide inputs for further planning;
- Maintain and update the Programme Unit’s filing system (hard copy and online);
- Support processing of payments for UNHCR direct implementation, as well as support organisation of meetings, workshops under Programme Unit;
- Conduct the research and assessment to support the UNHCR Armenia Strategy implementation and planning;
- Perform any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the Supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
- Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities;
- Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/ websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
- Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/ Expected Outputs:
As an active UNHCR team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNHCR Representation in the Republic of Armenia and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
- The UNV is able to prepare draft project documents, reports, assessments and other programme related documents;
- The UNV is able to and assess the needs of vulnerable asylum-seekers, refugees others of concern and identify assistance as required;
- The UNV is able to explore opportunities for mainstreaming forcibly displaced and stateless persons into available national services;
- The UNV is able to carry out community outreach meetings and focused group discussions with the refugee community;
- The UNV is able to incorporate the specific protection concerns and priorities of UNHCR’s persons of concern in the projects implemented under the operation;
- The UNV is able to monitor UNHCR Armenia’s implementing partners to oversee programme implementation;
- Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment;
- A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS : 

- 3 years of experience in related fields;
- Previous job experience related to refugees and asylum-seekers, or in the human rights field desirable;
- Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
- Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
- Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
- Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
- Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
- Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
- Sound security awareness;
- Initiative, sound judgment and dedication to the United Nations principles.

Required Education Level:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Business Administration, Law or other related field.

Languages:
- Fluency in spoken and written English and Eastern Armenian languages is required;
- Working knowledge of other UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and/or Spanish) is an advantage.

Area(s) of Expertise:
- Administration.

Competencies and Values:
- Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
- Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNHCR in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
- Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
- Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment;
- Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
- Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
- Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
- Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNHCR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES : 

Applicants are invited to fill in the online application available at: https://app.unv.org/opportunities/1749001059861760. No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test (conducted in person at the same venue for all candidates) and a competency-based interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. For any technical problems encountered during the on-line application please contact the UNHCR Armenia HR Unit at: armyehr@unhcr.org well before the deadline to allow sufficient time for problems to be resolved.

Please clearly mention in your application letter that you learned of this job opportunity through Career Center and mention the URL of its website - www.careercenter.am, Thanks.

REMUNERATION/ SALARY : 

https://app.unv.org/calculator

OPEN TO/ ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA : 

Age: 27 - 80
Nationality: The candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

INTENDED AUDIENCE : 

UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

ADDITIONAL NOTES : 

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Living Conditions and Remarks
As of February 2024, National UN Volunteer Specialists in Armenia receive AMD 374,248/month as their Volunteer Living Allowance.

Other benefits and entitlements include:
1. Pre-assignment:
Entry lump sum - USD 400 (one time payment)
Relocation costs - $200 at beginning and end of assignment if duty station is outside of commuting distance (as determined by UNV)

2. During assignment:
Volunteer living allowance - AMD 374248.5 (as mentioned above)
Learning - Access to UNV's learning and career development resources
Annual leave - 2.5 days per month
Insurance - Comprehensive coverage for health, life and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer and health insurance coverage for up to 3 eligible dependents . See the Conditions of Service for more details on eligibility criteria.

3. End of assignment:
Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment)

Yerevan is safe city with occasional public unrest related to the current situation. The climate is continental, with hot and dry summers, cold and snowy winters. The air pollution high during winter time months. The city offers a huge variety of restaurants, cafes, clubs, and other possibilities of diversion. Usually culturally highly active, all over the year one can enjoy on-going programmes of theatre (also international), classic and modern music, ballet, concerts, at everyone 's average. Art expositions are organized quite often, and spring and autumn programmes of international cinema are shown at the National Gallery. Water and electricity are mostly available everywhere in the city, and shops offer all kind of goods (though mostly of local production). Health facilities are good though were overloaded at the time of covid-19 situation.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

Inclusivity Statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds.