Field Assistant

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

B

FamilyUNOPS LICA4

2023-01-02-08:00December 10, 2022Operational context:
It is estimated that Guyana, a small developing nation, has welcomed thus far over 23,000 refugees and migrants from Venezuela. The increasing number of refugees and migrants from Venezuela has put additional strain in already limited resources and impacted host communities, especially vulnerable local communities in the country’s interior where service provision is already limited. The protection concerns in Port Kaituma, Region 1, include Gender-based Violence (GBV), child protection issues, limited access to livelihoods opportunities, lack of information and barriers to access basic services, such as health and education. Food insecurity and the health risks associated to it are persistent in indigenous communities. Due to the proximity to the mining areas, UNHCR works with partner Guyana Sex Work Coalition (GSWC) to support sex workers and women who engage in survival sex to access these services and implements measures to respond to cases of GBV. UNHCR also works with partner Blossom Inc. to ensure the safe identification and referral of cases with child protection concerns and to liaise for school enrollment.
The Field Assistant will work under the supervision of the Protection Officer and will be responsible for timely and effectively coordinating with partners, service providers and authorities in Port Kaituma to ensure that persons in situation of displacement access services, receive information about rights, duties and services available, and that cases are referred in line with procedures, guidelines and principles. The Field Assistant will also collaborate with partners and authorities to undertake missions to the field to monitor protection concerns and carry out knowledge sharing sessions.

Desired candidate profile:
- Skills to build and foster collaborative relationships with partners and authorities.
- Interest to learn about displacement and the associated protection concerns, in particular for disproportionately affected groups, such as indigenous persons, sex workers and other groups at risk.
- Ability to build trusting relations with the community, ensuring those are based on mutual respect and free from discrimination.
- Commitment to strictly adhere to UNHCR’s Code of Conduct and policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and to uphold the principles to work with survivors of violence, including GBV.
- Knowledge of Warao language is desirable.
The position is based in Port Kaituma, Region 1 Barima-Waini.
Please note that this position is offered under UNOPS LICA contract at LICA-4 level until 31 December 2023, with possible extension subject to budget, good performance and operational needs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Persons interested in applying for this position must be legally present in Guyana at the time of recruitment.

 

Standard Job Description

Field Assistant Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Field Assistant is normally supervised by the Field Officer/Associate and performs a variety of functions related to Field activities within the office. The supervisor exercises close control and regular review of the 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 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. - 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 For G4 - 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 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.

Required Languages

Spanish

,

English

Desired Languages

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

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

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance