Senior Field Assistant

Deadline for Applications

May 25, 2026

Hardship Level

E (most hardship)

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Residential location (if applicable)

Tunis, Tunisia

Grade

GS5

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-06-01

Standard Job Description

Senior 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.

- 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
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 ideal candidate should demonstrate strong experience in coordination and collaboration, particularly with refugees, partners, and multiple stakeholders, in the context of the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf, where effective field presence and close engagement with communities are essential. S/he should possess good communication and reporting skills, sound knowledge of the local context, and familiarity with the Sahrawi refugee camps. Strong experience in outreach, communication, and counselling to refugees is required, with the ability to build trust and maintain continuous interaction with individuals, families, and community representatives.

S/he should have solid experience in field-related activities and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multi-functional team under sometimes challenging and remote field conditions. Excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English and Arabic is essential to ensure clear communication with refugees, partners, local authorities, and UNHCR staff.

The incumbent will maintain regular field presence across refugee camps and settlements, ensuring continuous engagement with refugees and community leaders, and will serve as the primary liaison between UNHCR and refugees at the field level, facilitating two-way communication and trust-building. S/he will conduct routine outreach, counselling, and follow-up with individuals and families, including referrals to appropriate services when needed.

The role involves supporting the day-to-day implementation of UNHCR and partner activities in the field, ensuring that activities are delivered as planned, and monitoring field-level interventions while reporting on operational issues, gaps, and community concerns in a timely manner. S/he will facilitate operational coordination with implementing partners, community leaders, local authorities, and relevant Sahrawi structures, ensuring smooth collaboration and access.
The incumbent will collect basic field information and contribute to situation reports, activity reports, and other field updates, as well as support the organization of field visits, community meetings, distributions, and awareness-raising sessions. S/he will also assist in resolving day-to-day operational and access challenges affecting refugees and partners.
In carrying out these responsibilities, the incumbent will promote adherence to UNHCR codes of conduct, accountability principles, and protection-sensitive approaches in all field activities, while working closely with multi-functional teams to ensure effective and timely service delivery. The role also requires providing Arabic–English language support to facilitate communication between refugees, partners, and UNHCR personnel.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

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Desired languages

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy

Education

Certifications

HCR Learning Program - UNHCR

Work Experience

Competencies

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

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Additional Information

This position is advertised internally. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance