Senior Repatriation Assistant

Assist in planning and coordinating voluntary repatriation activities.

UNHCR - UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Open positions at UNHCR
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Overview

Assist in planning and coordinating voluntary repatriation activities.

You have:

  • 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
  • Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
  • International Law, International relations, Political science or other relevant field certification.
  • Good knowledge of UNHCR's protection mandate and operations.
  • Experience in conducting interviews and supporting individuals in challenging circumstances.
  • Strong data analysis skills and ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Deadline for Applications

August 5, 2026Grade

GS5Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General ServiceReason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ AppointmentHardship Level

DFamily Type

Non Family with Residential Location<p></p><p></p>Residential location (if applicable)

Yaounde, CameroonTarget Start Date

2026-08-01Target End Date

2026-12-31Standard Job Description

Senior Repatriation Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Senior Repatriation Assistant reports to the Repatriation Associate, Senior Repatriation Associate, Associate Repatriation Officer, Associate Protection Officer, Repatriation Officer or Protection Officer in a Field Office, Sub Office or Country Office. The Senior Repatriation Assistant is relied upon to contribute to the advancement of repatriation activities. The incumbent should implement the voluntary repatriation programme, in compliance with requisite standard operating procedures. S/he should contribute to ensuring that all repatriation movements respect the principle of voluntariness and occur in safety and dignity, with the full participation and support of persons and communities of concern. 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 - Interview candidates for voluntary repatriation and ensure that they make informed decisions on returns, based on up to date information on the conditions in the country of origin. - Assist in proposing documents (including Voluntary Repatriation Forms) and ensure that refugees are provided with the appropriate documentation. - Facilitate UNHCR's access and communication to/with individual and communities of concern, including through translation and cultural mediation. - Participate in mass information activities aimed at informing refugee communities and other relevant stakeholders about the voluntary repatriation programme. - Provide logistics and administrative support to voluntary repatriation border-crossing/return movements. - Assist in assessing the specific needs of vulnerable categories of returnees during return movements and advise on responses. - Interview candidates for voluntary repatriation and advise senior colleagues on their decision to return is voluntary. - In line with the existing SOPs, advise senior colleagues on which individuals to register for further return processing. - Enter information on voluntary repatriation into available databases, in line with SOPs.

- 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 For 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 International Law International relation Political science or other relevant field.

Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified

Desirable Good knowledge of UNHCR's protection mandate and operations.

Functional Skills IT-Computer Literacy UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators (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

Le/La Senior Repatriation Assistant appuie la planification, la coordination et la mise en œuvre des activités de rapatriement volontaire. À ce titre, il/elle assure le suivi des cas complexes, entretient la liaison avec les partenaires et les autorités compétentes, veille à la qualité et à l’intégrité des données, réalise des analyses opérationnelles, contribue au suivi post-retour et fournit un appui technique aux équipes de terrain. Il/elle participe également aux missions de suivi, aux évaluations sur le terrain et aux différents mécanismes de coordination. Le candidat idéal doit démontrer une bonne connaissance en conduite d’entretiens et en accompagnement des personnes, ainsi qu’une bonne maîtrise des systèmes d’information biométriques (BIMS) et de l’outil Kobo. Il/elle doit également posséder de bonnes compétences en analyse des données, et une capacité avérée à travailler efficacement avec une diversité d’interlocuteurs dans un contexte opérationnel exigeant.Functional Clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance****Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)****

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Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-Computer Literacy, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic PrioritiesEducation

Certifications

International Law - Other, International Relations - Other, Political Science - OtherWork Experience

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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Other information

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you had to assist someone in making an informed decision regarding repatriation? This question assesses your experience and understanding of repatriation processes. Discuss a specific case, focusing on how you provided information and support.
What strategies would you use to facilitate communication with communities of concern during repatriation? The interviewer wants to know your approach to community engagement. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you assess the specific needs of vulnerable returnees? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of how you've handled logistical challenges in a previous role? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What knowledge do you have about UNHCR's protection mandate? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with databases. How would you ensure accurate data entry? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure your actions align with organizational values and core competencies? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
In what ways do you think you can contribute to a positive and safe working environment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 7 days ago - Updated 1 day ago - Source: unhcr.org