Field Assistant

Job Description

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based): B

Family Type (not applicable for home-based): Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type: NUNV National

Target Start Date: 2025-09-01

Deadline for Applications: August 22, 2025

Terms of Reference

Mission and objectives: UNHCR works to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home.  Since 1950, UNHCR has provided support in the face of multiple crises globally, and provided vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to.  UNHCR helps save lives and build better futures for millions forced from their homes. 

Assignment context: Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima state in northern Brazil, is a key point of entry for refugees and migrants arriving from Venezuela. Located near the border, the city has become one of the main hubs of the humanitarian response in the country, hosting a significant number of displaced individuals in need of protection and assistance. Since 2018, UNHCR has been operating in Boa Vista as part of the emergency response to the arrival of Venezuelan refugees and migrants. In close coordination with the Brazilian government through “Operação Acolhida” (Operation Welcome), UNHCR supports key areas including protection, shelter, registration, community engagement, and durable solutions. Boa Vista hosts several temporary shelters and reception sites, and UNHCR works with partners, local authorities, and communities to ensure access to rights, services, and pathways to integration. In 2022, UNHCR established the Centro de Sustentabilidade (Sustainability Center) in Boa Vista, a pioneering initiative that promotes circular economy, environmental education, and green skills training for refugees, migrants, and host communities. The Center serves as a space for innovation and inclusion, strengthening community engagement through climate-smart and sustainable solutions.

To fulfil this role, the Field Assistant is required to spend a substantial percentage of the workday outside the office, building and maintaining networks within communities of people we serve. The development and maintenance of constructive relationships with people we serve that measurably impact and enhance protection planning, programming and results, form the core of the work of the incumbent.

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.

Task description:

Within the framework of delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Field Unit and/or their designated representative, the UN Volunteer will carry out the following tasks:

• Assist in monitoring the implementation of UNHCR programme including the delivery of all assistance items and monitoring of project implementation.
• 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.
• Follow up, on a regular basis, the overall situation of persons of concern in camps and other areas where they have been accommodated and report accordingly.
• 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.

Required education: Bachelor degree and equivalent

Area(s) of specialization (education): Development studies, Social Science, Community Development/Social Work, Environment Management or a related field.

Required experience: At Least 3 years of relevant of job experience.

Required skills and experience:

• Essential: Relevant of Job experience working with refugees and/or vulnerable populations with specific needs. Experience in the fields of indigenous community mobilization, development, environment and/or climate resilience. Excellent communication skills.
• Desirable: Good knowledge of United Nations financial rules and procedures and previous experience working with indigenous communities and climate.

Area(s) of expertise: Community development; development programmes; and energy and environment.

Languages: Fluency in English and Portuguese is required. Fluency in Spanish desirable.

Living conditions and other remarks: The assignment will be in Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima state in northern Brazil. Boa Vista is considered a family duty station with a moderate hardship classification. Living conditions are generally adequate, with reasonable access to health services and basic amenities. Accommodation options vary from shared housing to individual rentals, and the UNHCR operation does not provide housing; therefore, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation and living essentials. Boa Vista, like other urban centers in Brazil, has areas with security concerns. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) classifies Brazil as security level 3 (moderate) and advises exercising caution due to the risk of serious and violent crime, including theft, armed robbery, and assaults. It is recommended to avoid unsafe neighborhoods, especially at night, and to follow UNDSS security guidelines strictly. Demonstrations or public gatherings can occur unexpectedly and may turn violent; UN personnel must comply with UNDSS recommendations at all times.

Additional information regarding the selection process, position, and working conditions will only be made available to pre-selected candidates. Information on entitlements at the duty station is available at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Inclusivity statement: United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

In the selection process for this UNV position, UNHCR aims to hire candidates from groups still underrepresented in its workforce in Brazil, namely black people, indigenous people, transgender persons and persons with disabilities. Refugees of all nationalities, regardless of race, sex, gender identity, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other status are highly encouraged to apply. Candidates will be treated equally regardless of their social status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements: Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity’s policy.

Other information: This position doesn’t require a functional clearance.

Remote: No.

Deadline for Applications: August 22, 2025

“While we try our best to keep our information updated, the closing date of the actual job source may be changed by the recruiter without prior notice. With this, please make sure to check the official job link when submitting your application. Thank you.”