Mission and objectivesUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is mandated to protect and assist people forced to flee due to conflict, persecution, or violence. Since its establishment in 1950, it has worked to ensure access to asylum, prevent forced return (non-refoulement), and promote durable solutions such as voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement. UNHCR responds to emergencies, provides legal protection, and collaborates with governments, civil society, and other UN agencies. It also addresses statelessness and supports host communities, guided by the 1951 Refugee Convention and humanitarian principles. In the Southern Cone of Latin America, UNHCRโs Multi-Country Office supports Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay in strengthening access to international protection and promoting stabilization. It also works to reduce protection risks for people in transit through Bolivia. The region continues to receive forcibly displaced and stateless populations, primarily Venezuelans, who made up 95% of the 830,000 displaced people in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year. Aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees and pledges made at the Global Refugee Forum, UNHCR fosters partnerships with states, local governments, UN agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Through its co-leadership of the R4V Platform and engagement in UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, UNHCR promotes inclusion and shared responsibility.
ContextAs of December 2024, there are over 7.8 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants living outside their country of origin, including 6.5 million in Latin America and the Caribbean. On 12 April 2018, the UN Secretary General confirmed that the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) co-led the coordination of a response of Venezuelan outflows. The Response for Venezuelans (R4V) comprises 17 countries that host Venezuelan refugees and migrants across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It includes a regional platform located in Panama, which is complemented by local coordination mechanisms, dedicated national and sub-regional platforms, working directly with host country governments, and responsible for the operational coordination and implementation of the Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan (RMRP). The R4V is also organised by sectors of assistance and working groups. In 2023-2024, the RMRP includes 228 partners (over 90% of non-UN agencies), of which 47 are refugee and migrant-led organisations. The R4V, through its Refugee and Migrant Needs Analysis (RMNA) and RMRP, aims to raise the profile of refugees and migrants from Venezuela and drive consistent advocacy and fundraising efforts to the benefit of R4V partners, including through constant engagement with institutional and non-traditional donors and annual donor events; ensure an informed, efficient, and coordinated response, including through a wealth of information management and reporting tools, reports and briefings; promote positive policies and related dialogues for refugees and migrants, including with the Quito Process; convene all relevant stakeholders, including R4V response actors, host governments, the donor community, and affected refugee and migrant communities; and deliver humanitarian and integration/inclusion-focused assistance at the regional, national and subregional levels. The Multi-Country Office of UNHCR in Argentina co-leads jointly with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) the Southern Cone Chapter of the R4V comprising Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Each of the countries has a National Platform that meets periodically and develops the cycle of joint programming: assessment, planning, implementation, and reporting. The UN Volunteer will give support to the leadership role of the Platforms, benefiting from a challenging learning experience in a multi-partner and multi-country context.
Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Inter-Agency Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Support for R4V tasks: a) Sorting and updating mailings and contact lists for R4V in 4 countries. b) Periodic forwarding of relevant information to partners and of publications and other key resources of R4V or partners. c) Organization of R4V meetings (considering that there are 4 meetings per country per year, although we have generally held 3 in Paraguay and Uruguay due to capacity constraints). d) Support in the logistical organization of meetings for 4 countries (hiring, venue identification, venue preparation, etc.). e) Preparation of draft minutes for R4V meetings and support for sending them to partners. f) Calendar of meetings and other regional events. g) Support in hiring and monitoring for publications, design, etc. h) Support in coordinating with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Coordination on monitoring specific issues with partners. 2. Assistance in tasks related to Cooperation Frameworks and UN Migration Networks: a) Maintain an updated internal calendar of inter-agency spaces and a list of focal points for the Argentine MCO. b) Support in compiling inputs from various units for diagnosis (CCAs, other evaluations, etc.), planning, evaluation, and reporting of inter-agency processes such as PMTs, Results Groups, and other inter-agency initiatives etc. c) Support in compiling inputs for Migration Networks initiatives. 3. Other general support for daily tasks as required
Competencies and valuesAdaptability and Flexibility Commitment and Motivation Communication Empowering Others Judgement and Decision-making Knowledge Sharing Respect for Diversity Working in Teams
Living conditions and remarksAs of 2025, living conditions in Argentina reflect a complex interplay between economic recovery and persistent social challenges. Following a deep recession in 2023, the country has shown signs of stabilization under a macroeconomic reform program initiated by the government. Inflation, which peaked at 25.5% monthly in late 2023, dropped significantly to 2.4% by early 2025, and the government achieved a fiscal surplus for the first time in years. Despite these improvements, poverty remains a pressing issue, with over half the population affected as of mid-2024. The government has implemented social protection measures, such as increased benefits under the Universal Child Allowance and the Alimentar program, to support the most vulnerable. Argentinaโs economy, one of the largest in Latin America, is rich in natural resources and has strong agricultural and energy sectors. However, structural challenges like informality, unemployment, and inequality continue to affect daily life, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. While economic indicators suggest a projected growth of 5.5% in 2025, the benefits of recovery are unevenly distributed, and many households still face difficulties accessing stable employment, quality services, and affordable housing. As of 2025, living conditions in Buenos Aires reflect a dynamic mix of affordability, cultural richness, and economic challenges. The average monthly cost of living is around \\$1,130, while the median after-tax salary is approximately \\$635, covering just over half of monthly expenses. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages \\$530, with utilities and internet adding about \\$80 monthly. While the city offers excellent air quality, public healthcare, and a vibrant cultural scene, inflation and rising prices have significantly impacted localsโ purchasing power. Many residents struggle to afford basic goods, as prices for food, dining, and services have increased to levels comparable with the U.S. or Europe. Despite these challenges, Buenos Aires remains one of Latin America's most liveable cities, thanks to its efficient public transport, diverse neighbourhoods, and strong educational and healthcare infrastructure. The cityโs cultural life, ranging from tango shows and historic cafรฉs to world-class museums, continues to attract both locals and newcomers seeking a high quality of life in an urban setting.