Associate Durable Solutions Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The UNHCR project “Promotion of economic inclusion and sustainable integration of the refugee population through collaboration with the private initiative and the “Servicio Nacional de Empleo” in Mexico City has a country-wide reach. The International UN Volunteer will assess the project in El Bajío (Querétaro, Guadalajara, Aguascalientes, Leon, Silao, Irapuato, San Luis Potosí, Saltillo, Monterrey y Torreón).

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation as well as the sound development of Japanese and global economy by supporting the socioeconomic development, recovery or economic stability of developing regions. JICA, with its partners, will take the lead in forging bonds of trust across the world, aspiring for a free, peaceful and prosperous world where people can hope for a better future and explore their diverse potentials.

JICA dispatches experts and overseas volunteers to developing countries, and in return welcomes government officials and specialists as training participants and overseas students. People-to-people connections established through human resource development are the foundations of trust between developing countries and Japan.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Durable Solutions Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Strengthen the Country Office’s capacity to mobilize private sector actors, supporting socioeconomic inclusion programming in Mexico. • Support the Country Office in mobilizing Japanese companies, which face human resource shortages in the Central part of Mexico, in particular within El Bajío. • Support the Country Office in monitoring the needs of private sector companies, that partner with the local integration programme, maintain a fluent communication and capitalize on shared interests for advocacy purposes. • Travel often to the destinations of the Local Integration Programme with all the security measures applicable to all United Nations personnel in Mexico.

Results/Expected Outputs

• Consolidate UNHCR’s Local integration programme in Mexico.
• A permanent dialogue with chambers of commerce, private sector companies and local authorities guaranteed an efficient match between profiles of relocated refugees and the needs of the labour market.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • 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 in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • 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.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☐ Commitment and Motivation ☐ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☐ Communication ☐ Creativity ☐ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☐ Judgement and Decision-making ☐ Knowledge Sharing ☐ Leadership ☐ Managing Performance ☐ Planning and Organizing ☐ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☐ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☐ Vision ☐ Working in Teams

socio economic inclusion, financial inclusion, human rights, refugee law, humanitarian-development nexus (applies for demonstrated interest). • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly desirable. • Experience working in community organization and/or development cooperation projects. • Understanding or familiarity with political and drivers of violence in Latin America and Mexico will be considered an asset. • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills. • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team dedicated to serve others. • Flexible and open to learning and new experiences. • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions. • Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

*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.

Mexico City is the capital of the United Mexican States. It is in the center of the country, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. It covers a total area of 1,485 square kilometers and its population is approximately 8.8 million people.

Climate: Daily high temperature is around 26°C throughout the year, exceeding 29°C or dropping below 22°C. Daily low temperatures range from 9°C to 11°C, falling below 6°C or exceeding 13°C. Carrying a light sweater is strongly recommended.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in most commercial establishments; however, it is recommended that you carry some cash, as there are small establishments that do not accept credit cards.

Local time: Mexico City’s time zone is UTC/GMT-6

Electricity: 110 volts, 60 hertz (similar to the United States), and wall sockets may be for two- or three-pin plugs. Visitors wishing to use devices not designed for use in North America should bring an adapter with a voltage transformer.

Water: Drinking tap water is not recommended; visitors are advised to consume only boiled or bottled water.

Sales tax and tipping: Value added tax of 16% is levied on most products and services. In restaurants it is customary to leave a tip of between 10% and 15% of the total bill.

Altitude: Mexico City stands at 2,239 metres above sea level.

Due to the constant travels of the candidate to the Bajío: El Bajio (Aguascalientes, Leon, Silao, Irapuato, San Luis Potosí) The Bajío is a geographic, historical, economic, and cultural region in north-central-western Mexico. This region includes part of the states of Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí. This territory includes metropolitan areas and regions with an important industrial corridor that today houses national and multinational corporations and their industry.

Health: In the metropolitan areas there are first-level private and public hospitals. In the areas of Irapuato and Silao, you will have to travel for 1 hour to have access to this type of health services. However, you will find private and public medical services in Irapuato and Silao. - Education: Metropolitan areas have first-class universities: Most private schools are bilingual (English Spanish). Silao and Irapuato are 1 hour away.

Housing: Apartments can be rented both furnished and unfurnished. International UNHCR personnel must obtain approval by UN security for a selected residential place BEFORE signing rental contract.

Weather: El Bajío During of the year, the temperature generally varies from 19 °C to 35 °C and rarely drops below 16 °C or rises above 38 °C.

Communications: Internet is available almost everywhere, but in houses and offices, a contract has to be made in order to access to this service.

El Bajio belongs to Security Risk Management Areas North, South, and Center, with the current General Threat Level 3, MODERATE, and 1 LOW with Crime specific category at High level. There are no known direct threats to UNHCR, yet the UNHCR personnel may be affected by opportunistic crime, to include: homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and Residential burglary. Organized crime is on the rise and the violence caused by cartel activities can indirectly affect UNHCR staff and activities. Several drug cartels are present in the region.

The UNHCR personnel must remain security aware and vigilant at all times, apply personal security measures and avoid movement after darkness. The crime incidence at night hours is high. Perform activities in daylight.