Assistant Inter-Agency Coordination Officer at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

, , Bangladesh -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

09 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

08 Feb, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Inter-Agency Coordination, Strategic Planning, Monitoring And Analysis, Partner Engagement, Reporting, Joint Response Plan (JRP), Data Collection, Information Sharing, Project Management, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Needs Assessment, Contingency Planning, Humanitarian Response, Inter-Sector Coordination, Public Speaking, Drafting

Industry

International Affairs

Description

Deadline for Applications February 21, 2026 Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based) D Family Type (not applicable for home-based) Family Staff Member / Affiliate Type UNOPS LICA8 Target Start Date 2026-03-01 Terms of Reference General Background Although Bangladesh is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol and the Government does not recognize the Rohingya as refugees, referring to them as “Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals”, the country is generously hosting some 1.2 million Rohingya refugees across 33 camps in Cox’s Bazar, including some 140,000 new arrivals who fled renewed violence and persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and have entered the camps since 2024 despite the border being officially closure, and 30,000 Rohingya refugees residing on Bhasan Char island. The presence of large numbers of refugees – who now represent two-thirds of the local population in Cox’s Bazar – has had important impacts on local communities, service delivery, the economy and the environment. The Government considers return to Myanmar, as soon as possible, as the only viable solution. This policy approach impacts on the humanitarian operation, with the Government discouraging medium or longer-term approaches, including the development of permanent infrastructure, providing formal education or livelihoods opportunities for the refugees and the use of cash to deliver assistance. Following significant global funding reductions in 2025, the Rohingya response entered a period of structural transformation. In close consultation with the Government of Bangladesh and other relevant stakehodlers, the overall coordination architecture has been streamlined and aligned more closely with the Refugee Coordination Model (RCM). As part of this transition, coordination functions are now organized under a series of coordination bodies, including the Rohingya Coordination Team as the principal decision strategic decision making platform, led by UNHCR, closely supported by the Rohingya Coordination Platform (RCP) (formerly, the Inter-Sector Coordination Group/ISCG). The RCP encompasses Sector Coordinators, Cross-Cutting Focal Points and a lean Secretariat led by the Principal Coordinator, and closely supported by the Senior Inter-Agency Coordination Officer and a core small team. The principal inter-agency planning and fundraising framework for the response remains the Joint Response Plan (JRP). The RCP Secretariat plays a central role in supporting inter-sector coordination, partner engagement, reporting, and the preparation and follow-up of JRP-related processes, while ensuring continuity and coherence across Sectors during a period of transition and constrained resources. The incumbent of this post will be based at the RCP Secretariat, reporting to the Senior Inter-Agency Coordination Officer. The incumbent must be highly motivated, capable of working independently and as part of a team, and agile to keep pace with a dynamic, fast-paced operation with complex inter-agency coordination challenges and a multitude of humanitarian actors. In carrying out the role, the incumbent will need to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Sector Coordinators and inter-agency partners, as well as other stakeholders including donors, development actors and government counterparts. The incumbent will ensure that support is provided for strategic planning, assessment, monitoring and analysis, of any joint assessments or inter-agency plans at the field level. The incumbent will have direct contact with other staff members in the inter-agency structure, most especially Sector Coordinators and coordination focal points in Bhasan Char, as well as national and international organizations, and must have the technical and soft skills required to demonstrate the added value of inter-sector coordination. The post requires the ability to prioritize tasks, project manage and work autonomously in line with guidance from the supervisor. The incumbent will put particular emphasis on multi-sectorial information, coverage of information sources (UN and non-UN) and contributions to programs and projects, and inter-sector processes and products. The incumbent will be tasked with setting up and, when needed, leading different inter-sector meetings to ensure effective coordination of the response. S/he will also be tasked with ensuring note taking and information sharing across a number of actors. The incumbent may also be tasked with the collection, presentation and dissemination of agreed inter-agency/sector data and information. The incumbent will closely support the Senior Inter-Agency Coordination Officer and Principal Coordinator in maintaining a constant dialogue with donors on the overall funding/resource status of the humanitarian programs in close collaboration with all partner agencies (UN and NGOs). In particular, the incumbent is expected to monitor implementation of the JRP and proactively identify problems and propose solutions for wider consultation. A key task in this regard will be the facilitation and support of frequent inter-agency/sector meetings aligned with the Joint Response Plan and other strategic plans, while supporting the timely sharing of well-presented inter-agency/sector information through meeting reports, situation updates and newsletters. Scope of Assignment : a. Provide skilled, hands-on, support to inter-sector processes, including for coordination of the inter-agency Rohingya response. b. Provide appropriate support for operational planning and forward-looking coordination of the inter-agency/sector humanitarian and development response. c. Support the planning of adequate contingency and preparedness for new emergencies / scenarios is in place. d. Close follow up on the strategic, operational, and day to day basic assistance sector issues. e. Provide timely and strategic guidance and support to Sectors and working groups at field level. f. Conduct regular programmatic and funding gap analysis, aligned with the Joint Response Plan and other strategic documents and plans. g. Engage effectively with government counterparts on issues related to the Rohingya response to address problems and develop sustainable approaches. Essential Work Experience and expected skill sets : - Relevant experience in humanitarian or development programme management / implementation, including experience in facilitating inter-agency coordination at sector or macro-level. - Good knowledge of the UN system, NGOs and related planning and coordination practices. - Knowledge of / experience of work with refugee protection principles and framework. - Impeccable written and verbal English. - Presentation delivery and/or public speaking experience. Desirable Work Experience and expected skill sets : - In-depth field coordination experience focused on the Rohingya response in Cox’s Bazar, including emergency response, preparedness planning and monitoring. - In-depth experience in inter-agency/sector coordination related to the Rohingya response. - In-depth experience with UNHCR or another UN agency involved in the Rohingya response. - In-depth experience in disaster risk management and contingency planning, assessments and policy/context analysis related to the Rohingya response. - In-depth experience supporting funding analyses, appeals and reports related to the Rohingya response. - In-depth experience in leading and facilitating meetings, delivering presentations, and conducting trainings for technical and non-technical audience. - Proven relationship building and negotiation skills with counterparts with competing agendas and interests. Standard Job Description Assistant Inter-Agency Coordination Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Assistant Inter-Agency Coordination Officer is usually located in Country Operations, Multi-Country Offices, Regional Bureaux, and Regional Refugee Coordinator's Office or in the Partnership and Coordination Service (PCS) in Headquarters. S/he plays a crucial support role in ensuring UNHCR's approach to partnership and inter-agency processes are coherent. The main aim is to assist senior management, as well as partner agencies, to ensure that UNHCR can fulfil its role to support the Government to lead the refugee response, coordinate other actors - including development actors at the early stages of a refugee response - and support the adherence to UNHCR inter agency commitments in IDP situations. This should be done in line with UNHCRs Mandate, the Global Compact for Refugees, the 2019 IDP policy, and agreed inter-agency commitments. The Assistant Inter-Agency Coordination Officer ensures that support is provided for strategic planning, assessment, monitoring and analysis, of any joint assessments or interagency plans at the field level The Assistant Inter-Agency Coordination Officer will support all the inter-agency planning and reporting activities. The incumbent will support the Inter-Agency Coordination Officer in maintaining a constant dialogue with sector partners on the overall protection context in close collaboration with all partner agencies (UN and NGOs). A key tool in this regard will be the facilitation and support of periodic working group meetings, as well as to support the broadening of inter-agency information through meeting reports, situation updates and newsletters. 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 - Include partners in the refugee response, respecting their respective mandates and programme priorities. - Provide appropriate support for operational planning and forward looking coordination of the inter-agency humanitarian and development response. - Facilitate humanitarian response coordination activities and support coordination meetings as required, including by preparing meetings, drafting minutes and follow-up documentation. - Manage the flow of information to/from the supervisor and other senior staff, including heads of field offices and field based coordination staff; identify priority matters that need to be urgently addressed by the Supervisor. - Draft correspondence, documents and reports, and prepare tables and ensure follow-up. - Prepare background information for meetings to be attended/chaired by the Supervisor (i.e. agenda, information on the person/organization, information on the topic). - Assist the Sector Coordinators when necessary. - Assist in ensuring appropriate coordination with all refugee partners (including national and international NGOs, the International Red Cross/Red Crescent movement, UN agencies, civil society actors ), through establishment/maintenance of appropriate sectorial coordination mechanisms, including working groups at the national and local level. - Ensure appropriate links with national and local authorities, state institutions, local civil society and other relevant actors and ensure appropriate coordination and information exchange with them. - Contribute to the development and maintenance of a common strategic framework and appropriate guidelines on the IA response by way of facilitating relevant group discussions. - Identify geographical and thematic gaps in IA Coordination, and facilitate the appropriate response to those gaps. - Establish technical groups or task forces as necessary to resolve ad-hoc issues as they arise. - Ensure approval by all relevant national and sub-national authorities of the strategic documents produced by the IA Coordination Unit. - Provide stakeholders with regular reports. - Ensure review of coordination related information management products and work closely with the information management team. - Perform regular field visits and take part in regional coordination meetings. - 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 Years of Experience / Degree Level For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Social Sciences; Development Studies; Journalism; International Relations; Political Affairs; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses Not specified. Relevant Job Experience Essential Relevant experience in humanitarian or development programme implementation, including experience in facilitating inter-agency coordination at sector or macro-level. Good knowledge of the UN system, NGOs and related planning and coordination practises. Desirable Expertise in emergency response and preparedness planning and monitoring, including a good understanding of related standards and indicators. Experience in change management and innovation. Work experience in refugee settings. Functional Skills IT-Computer Literacy ER-Inter-Agency External Relations ER-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination ER-Inter-Agency Resource Mobilisation PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework CO-Public Speaking CO-Drafting and Documentation (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. Required Languages , , Desired Languages , , Additional Qualifications Skills CO-Drafting and Documentation, CO-Public Speaking, ER-Inter-Agency External Relations, ER-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination, ER-Inter-Agency Resource Mobilisation, IT-Computer Literacy, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework Education Bachelor of Arts: Development Studies, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Journalism, Bachelor of Arts: Political Affairs, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science Certifications Work Experience Other information Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the Assessment Exercises for the recruitment of the position, which may include Written/Technical tests and/or Interviews, as applicable for recruitment of the position.This position doesn't require a functional clearance Remote No Important notice: Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing or training). Read about how to avoid scams and fraudulent job offers. Please note that applications are only accepted via the UNHCR online recruitment platform. CVs and/or application requests sent via email will not be answered, reviewed nor considered. For external applicants: We would like to call your attention on the eligibility of International Professional (P) category: According to our Recruitment and Assignments Policy, P staff members will not normally serve in the country of their nationality, and the first regular appointment in the P category must be outside the staff member's country of nationality. In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of. In case of technical difficulties when applying, external applicants (not current UNHCR workforce members) can write to recruitmentcase@unhcr.org. For former UNHCR Colleagues: Former UNHCR employees who are on mandatory break-in service or have separated from UNHCR after 1 October 2022 should create an account through this platform. Once you fill in your basic personal information (employee ID, birth date, name, email address), Workday will identify you as prior personnel and merge your employee account with your external applicant account. The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee wars and persecution around the world, providing life-saving aid including shelter, food and water to ensure their basic safety, rights and dignity. With 18,879 women and men working in 137 countries, we work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of 89.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Our dedicated and professional staff work around the clock in roles including legal protection, community services, public affairs, health and more. Despite the challenges they can face, our staff are proud to work for UNHCR and determined to make a positive impact. Why a career with UNHCR? Our dedicated staff work to protect and assist people fleeing conflict and persecution at a time when global forced displacement is at a record high. Our colleagues bring a wide range of specialized skills, including expertise in legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs, health and other disciplines. Disability inclusion If you are a person with a disability and you expect you may face challenges during the recruitment process, you can indicate it in your application form. There are options to select any health conditions you may have and outline any necessary adjustments related to disabilities during the recruitment phases. Providing this information is optional. It will be treated as strictly confidential and used only for the purpose of finding out how to better assist you during the recruitment process. Adjustments for candidates with disabilities will be provided as best as possible and as needed upon request. All candidates will be assessed based on meeting the requirements for each vacancy in relation to experience, skills, and education.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will provide skilled support to inter-sector processes for coordinating the Rohingya response, including supporting operational planning, forward-looking coordination, and contingency planning for new emergencies. Key tasks involve setting up and leading inter-sector meetings, ensuring note-taking, information sharing, and monitoring the implementation of the Joint Response Plan (JRP).