Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeGS5
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2024-01-01
Job Posting End DateNovember 5, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionSenior Field Assistant Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Senior Field Assistant is normally supervised by the (Senior) Field Officer/Associate and performs a variety of functions related to Field activities within the office. The supervisor defines work processes and provides regular advice and guidance. The incumbent keeps frequent internal contacts with staff members in the same duty station to exchange information 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 routine subject matters under the direction of the supervisor. 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 - Assist in monitoring the implementation of UNHCR programme including the delivery of all assistance items and monitoring of infrastructure. - Assist in administrative tasks as required such as preparation of reports and meeting authorized personnel and assisting them during field missions. - Act as interpreter in the exchange of routine information, contribute to related liaison activities and respond directly to routine queries. - Collect data and other information relevant to UNHCR and report to the supervisor accordingly. - Keep regular contacts with local authorities and implementing partners as requested by supervisor. - In coordination with implementing partners, assist in the reception, registration and provision of assistance to persons of concern to UNHCR. - Follow up, on a regular basis, the overall situation of persons of concern in camps and other areas where they have been accommodated and report accordingly. - Liaise with local authority counterparts, partners and populations of concern. - Direct incidents and problems to the supervisor when they cannot be resolved at their level. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year 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. Functional Skills *IT-Computer Literacy CO-Drafting and Documentation CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community (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.
Desired Candidate Profile The candidate should have experience in liaising with counterparts within the organization, as well as with officials of national and international institutions, local population, and other stakeholders to collect information, monitor protection standards in reception conditions, undertake focus group discussions and implement administrative requirements. S/he should have a comprehensive understanding of child protection and Gender Based Violence prevention and response, being able to contribute to needs assessment, the relevant services monitoring and the identification of gaps feeding into the local and central advocacy of the Office.
Demonstrated awareness of the local political, economic, social, and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment and awareness of security challenges at the duty station which may impact the relevant activities is needed. S/he is needed to have sound demonstrated skills in dealing with Greek authorities. Excellent knowledge of the Greek and English language -written and oral - is required due to the reporting responsibilities of the position.
Knowledge of Arabic and/or French, or other languages spoken by refugees is an asset.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): English
,Greek
,
Desired languagesFrench
,Arabic
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position
Currently, some 91,000 asylum-seekers and refugees are hosted in Greece. So far in 2023, over 28,500 people have arrived either by sea or land. UNHCR provides expert advice to the State and evidence-based information that helps inform programmes and policies for asylum-seekers and refugees. Access to international protection, identifying durable solutions and support to vulnerable asylum-seekers and refugees, such as unaccompanied children and survivors of gender-based violence, are UNHCR’s key priorities. UNHCR also works with national and local authorities, the private sector, civil society, and refugee communities to advance inclusion, develop support networks and create employability and training opportunities for refugees. The Office retains a readiness to respond to emergencies and new arrivals, with a focus on immediate support to the most vulnerable. UNHCR Greece plays a strong advocacy role since continued support is needed particularly from EU countries and EU institutions in providing immediate protection to those most at-risk through sufficient resources, ensuring capacity in the country and responsibility-sharing. UNHCR will continue to assist Greek authorities in responding to both short and long-term challenges.
The desired candidate reports to the Head of Field Office and works closely with the Protection Unit at the UNHCR Country Office in Athens, performing a variety of functions related to field protection activities within the office, including monitoring the protection situation in State reception /accommodation facilities across the area of responsibility. S/he works to ensure that people with and for whom UNHCR works are involved in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems, supporting the implementation of Community-Based Protection initiatives, building, and maintaining effective interfaces with refugee communities, local authorities, and protection actors. S/he monitors the protection response to the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons, identifying opportunities to mainstream protection methodologies and safeguards, and liaises with the Senior Protection Assistant to ensure a consistent protection response, referring cases and issues as needed. The incumbent also provides support in protection matters in the context of monitoring activities and/or any other priority as required under the UNHCR Greece strategic directions.
Living and Working Conditions
Thessaloniki is a family duty station, classified as H by ICSC. Public Transportation and medical facilities are well-developed and easily accessible. The educational institutions at all levels as well as international schools are available. The climate can be described as Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and cool and mild winters.
Transportation to and from Thessaloniki, can take place through the International Airport of Thessaloniki (Macedonia – SKG), serving domestic and international flights.
In accordance with UNDSS security risk assessment, the whole Greek operation is classified as Security Level 2 (low). Security Clearance is required for travelling in the country.
For more detailed information please consult the continuously updated living conditions booklet on Intranet.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
CertificationsHCR Learning Program - UNHCR
Work ExperienceChild Protection, Field Operations, GBV, Protection
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
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Compendium
Additional InformationOnly shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and will have to undergo an oral interview.
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance