Humanitarian Field Assistant

Volunteering Crisis & Emergency Response

Overview

Support day to day operational coordination at the camp level.

You have:

• Desired work experience at the national and/or international level. Experience in working with refugees is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
• Excellent oral and written skills; good drafting, formulation, and reporting skills.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; sound security awareness and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

In the Syrian refugee camps, UNICEF delivers a wide range of essential services through comprehensive, multi-sectoral programmes that ensure children can survive, thrive, learn, access clean water and sanitation, and remain protected so they can reach their full potential. These interventions rely on strong field presence, continuous coordination with government counterparts, effective engagement with community structures, and timely monitoring to ensure service continuity and accountability to affected populations. The successful candidate will support day to day operational coordination at the camp level, working closely with government authorities, implementing partners, refugee committees, and Inter-Agency actors to facilitate programme implementation and ensure that UNICEF activities are carried out in accordance with established standards and guidance. They will contribute to programme monitoring, issue follow-up, emergency preparedness, data collection, and reporting, while providing essential support to UNICEF sections in managing field interventions. The candidate will also play a key role in identifying bottlenecks, communicating emerging needs, and ensuring that refugees have uninterrupted access to UNICEF services, thereby strengthening overall field effectiveness and operational impact. This assignment requires frequent field missions to the Azraq and Zaatari Camps to support implementation and monitoring activities.

Home to almost 51,000 Syrian refugees, Zaatari camp is under the joint management of the Syrian Refugee Affairs Directorate (SRAD) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Located 10 km east of Mafraq in the Governorate of Mafraq, since its establishment in 2012, Zaatari has become emblematic of Syrian displacement across the Middle East. The camp is divided into 12 districts and possesses a vibrant local market with over 800 shops, in addition to key facilities and services such as Clinics, schools and electricity for part of the day. Close to 40 organizations, United Nations agencies, international and national Non-Governmental Organizations as well as private companies operate in Zaatari camp.

Azraq camp opened in 2014 to avoid overcrowding in Zaatari camp, Azraq currently hosts around 34,000 Syrian refugees. Under the Governorate of Zarqa, the site, located 30 kilometers west of Azraq town and 90 kilometers from the Jordan-Syrian border is in hot desert terrain. About 14.7 km2 in size, the camp has four operational villages. The village-based approach aims to foster a greater sense of ownership and community among residents. Some of the key facilities in Azraq camp include a hospital, health clinics, a solar power plant, schools, and community centers.

Additional Information: National UN Youth Volunteers in Jordan are entitled to: • Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 916.06; • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; and • Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Under the direct supervision of the Humanitarian Affairs Officer the UN Volunteer will: • Assist with daily coordination with partners, refugee committees, and camp management. • Support the organization of field visits, meetings, and small events at camp level. • Liaise with government officials at the camp level to facilitate the entry of UNICEF contractors and visitors to the camps and Maintain tracking sheets for related work. Conduct routine checks on service access points and report any issues. • Assist in monitoring IBV SOP basic compliance tracking, implementation, documentation. • Support AAP mechanisms by collecting feedback and referring cases. • Collect and compile field data for assessments and monitoring missions. • Draft basic field notes, incident logs, and weekly updates. • Assist with logistics arrangements for field missions and partner visits. • Support with documentation filing, scheduling, and basic reporting needs. • Assist in rapid information gathering during emergencies. • Provide logistical support to emergency assessment teams. • Regular Field Visits to the Refugee Camps is an essential component of this assignment. • Maintain readiness of emergency supplies and documentation tools at camp level.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organizing • Professionalism • Self-management

• Desired work experience at the national and/or international level. Experience in working with refugees is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
• Excellent oral and written skills; good drafting, formulation, and reporting skills.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Amman, the capital, is a peaceful city with over four million residents. People are friendly to visitors. Services in terms of banking, transportation, health, and communications are easily available. Though Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken among the majority of the population, especially in Amman. Road network is good both in terms of spread and quality of the roads. Public transportation in Amman is limited. Taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. There are a number of shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found; however, it is worth noting that prices in Amman have generally increased in the past few years. There are no specific security threats. Amman is a very easy city in which to live; large, many amenities, very modern and serviced by an international airport with direct flights to most capital cities. According to the assessment of the UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) Jordan is a family duty station (category A hardship).

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the insurance plan.

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: unv.org