Associate Field 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.

In recent times, UNHCR in Liberia has largely focused on supporting voluntary repatriation and local integration of the remaining Ivorian population as well as seeking other potential durable solutions options for the other refugees within its mandate.

The population of refugees and asylum seekers in Liberia as of 30 June 2021 stood at 31,944 persons. The vast majority are Ivorians but there is also a small group of refugees of various nationalities. The latter live in Montserrado County. Since July 2021, there have been several convoys from Nimba County transporting refugees and asylum seekers who have opted for voluntary repatriation to Cote d’Ivoire. This process of voluntary repatriations is expected to continue well into 2022.

Nimba County is the largest county in Liberia and currently hosts the largest number of refugees and asylum seekers in Liberia – 56% of the 30 June 2021 total. Many are located in the areas bordering Cote d'Ivoire and have been the focus of the most recent voluntary repatriations. Bahn refugee camp is also located in Nimba County and is mainly host to refugees from the ‘old caseload’ – those who arrived from Cote d’Ivoire in 2002/03 or 2010/11

Under the direct supervision of a designated Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Assess the needs of persons of concern in the County - in collaboration with relevant district authorities and implementing partners.

• Support voluntary repatriation activities, including logistics-related requirements, at reception/ transit facilities with respect to the preparation of refugees and asylum seekers (e.g. registration, protection assessments, health screening, and payment of entitlements) and the dispatch of convoys (including escort to relevant transit centers and designated hand-over points).

• Support individual case management (working closely with Protection colleagues)  Submit recommendations for protection interventions to the designated Officer  Follow up on other protection-related cases in the Bahn refugee camp in support of protection;  Working closely with the police, and other relevant local agencies, report on refugees coming into conflict with the law - for action by Protection. colleagues.  Keep track of cases of detention.

• Undertake regular monitoring of partners’ activities including:

 Support being provided to local education and health-related institutions

 supporting the Associate Livelihoods Officer with respect to monitoring of livelihood activities

• Support the distribution of core relief items and Covid-19 prevention materials to refugees and other persons of concern

• Contribute to the Mid-term Review of the Local Integration Strategy by supporting consultations and meetings with refugees, participating in focus group discussions, and facilitating meetings with partners and stakeholders.

• Perform other related duties as required by the Supervisor.

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 instance 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.; • Promote capacity development activities and transfer of skills to national personnel during the assignment; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme/Protection/Field 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 • Building Trust • Client Orientation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Empowering Others • Judgement and Decision-making • Working in Teams

• Minimum of three (3) years of work experience relevant to the function • Relevant field experience involving the use of participatory tools • Basic knowledge of refugee law • Good knowledge of UNHCR,s programmes • UNHCR Protection Learning Programme • UNHCR Operations Management Learning Programme • Good computer skills including Excel, Word and Powerpoint

Saclepea, Nimba County, is located approximately 300 km from Monrovia the nation’s capital. The county, once ravaged by 14 years of civil war now enjoys uninterrupted peace since the cessation of hostility in 2003. Security is wholly in the hands of the Liberia National Police (LNP) which assumed this responsibility as of 28 June 2016. Saclapea is extremely limited in terms of social and other amenities such as gyms, restaurants, and supermarkets. Suitable private accommodation can also be difficult to find. Applicants are therefore advised to consider their resilience to life in a small township without the same level or a variety of services as may be found in some of the larger communities.

It is mandatory to complete the BSAFE course in advance of arrival in-country irrespective of whether one has previously completed the Basic Security in the Field (BSITF) and Advanced Security in the Field (ASITF) course. BSAFE replaces both of these courses. Only BSAFE certificates will be accepted. Those who have already successfully completed BSAFE are not required to retake this training. No new certification is required.

The current UN security threat level for Liberia is moderate and the security risk is deemed low. However, there are important security and safety issues to be alert to and, upon arrival in the country, all UN staff receive a security briefing from UNDSS.

The US dollar is widely used and accepted everywhere and can be easily exchanged with the Liberian Dollar. Credit cards and travelers' checks are not accepted in Liberia. Cash machines/ ATMs are available in some parts of Liberia. Medical facilities available in Saclepea are very basic. At Monrovia level, The UN Clinic in Monrovia is staffed with doctors and provides certain medical services (including a dispensary). In making a selection of things to bring, take into consideration that Liberian can get hot and humid. It is therefore advised to come with light clothing that is easy to wash (most accommodation does not have facility for washing machines). Mobile phones (GSM) work in Liberia. A Liberian sim-card can be bought for private use There is a requirement for the sim-card to be registered. There is a choice of mobile service providers, the main ones being MTN/Lonestar and Orange. There are a number of airlines currently operating in Liberia including Brussels Airlines, Air France: Air Maroc, Asky Air Kenyan Airways, and Air Côte d’Ivoire,