Durable Solutions Associate at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

Kawambwa, Luapula Province, Zambia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

21 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

23 Oct, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Database Management, Microsoft Office Productivity Software, Counselling, Interviewing, Documentation, Statistical Reporting, Risk Management, Community Engagement, Advocacy, Negotiation, Data Analysis, Project Management, Communication, Cultural Awareness, Problem Solving, Teamwork

Industry

International Affairs

Description

Deadline for Applications October 29, 2025 Hardship Level E (most hardship) Family Type Family Family Type Family Residential location (if applicable) Grade GS6 Staff Member / Affiliate Type General Service Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2025-11-01 Standard Job Description Durable Solutions Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Durable Solutions Associate reports to a more senior Durable Solutions or Protection colleague. The incumbent is relied upon to contribute to the implementation of a durable solutions strategy. S/he works closely with protection, programme and field staff, contributes to fostering an environment to enhance partnerships is a critical element of the work, as are activities designed to strengthen the involvement of refugee communities and their hosts in the design and implementation of solutions strategies. 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 - Provide counselling to refugees and other persons of concern (POC) to identify the most appropriate durable solution and to enable them to make a well-informed decision. - Interview candidates for voluntary repatriation and prepare documentation for their return, in line with Voluntary Repatriation SOPs. - Interview and prepare Resettlement Referral Forms (RRF), in line with Resettlement SOPs. - Interview candidates for local integration and prepare the appropriate documentation for onward submission to local authorities or partners, in line with Local Integration SOPs. - Assist in updating the electronic database for resettlement, voluntary repatriation and local integration, in line with Standard Operating Procedures. - Process documentation to ensure that POC receive the documents required for their durable solutions in a timely manner. - Prepare statistical and ad-hoc reports to ensure accurate information is available and shared with relevant offices and partners. - Interview and advise on the appropriate durable solution to be provided to POC. - Prepare documents relating to durable solutions. - Enter information into available database, in line with SOPs. - Draft and submit reports relating to durable solutions. - 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 G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable. Certificates and/or Licenses HCR Protection Induction Prog; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified. Desirable Diverse field experience. Experience in interviewing. Functional Skills DM-Database Management IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software (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 Operational Context UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to support States to ensure that everyone forced to flee can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org). In Zambia, UNHCR supports the Government of Zambia to provide an enabling protection environment that allows asylum-seekers, refugees and former refugees to be protected, be self-reliant and achieve durable solutions. UNHCR has been present in Zambia since 1967. UNHCR in Zambia has three field offices/units (one in Solwezi, one in Kawambwa, one in Kaoma) and a Representational Office in Lusaka. Zambia has adopted a comprehensive refugee response approach, as outlined in the New York Declaration (2016) and the Global Compact on Refugees (2018), which guide the country’s refugee and asylum response. This framework promotes an all-of-society approach, emphasizing strong investment and international support to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term socio-economic development solutions for forcibly displaced and local host communities. In fulfilling its mandate, UNHCR proactively pursues and advocates for sustainable responses that not only meet urgent needs but also foster long-term benefits, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach integrates economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection to ensure present needs are met without compromising the well-being of future generations. Zambia is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, reaffirming its commitment to international refugee protection standards. The country's asylum and refugee response are governed by the Refugees Act of 2017, which provides the legal framework for refugee status determination, rights, and obligations of refugees, as well as their access to protection and assistance in Zambia. In addition, Zambia's National Refugee Policy and its Implementation Plan provide a structured approach to refugee management, promoting self-reliance, inclusion in national systems, and durable solutions in line with international and regional commitments. As of 30 September 2025, Zambia hosts some 113,054 forcibly displaced persons (82,535 refugees; 12,366 asylum seekers and 18,153 former refugees and others of concerns) in three refugee settlements and other urban areas including Lusaka. The vast majority live in the three refugee settlements, namely Mayukwayukwa (27,217) Meheba (46,794) Mantapala ( 10,435), and some (28,757) have settled in urban locations. Overall, 75% of refugees and asylum-seekers reside in settlements, while 25% live in urban settings. The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) coordinates asylum and refugee management through the office of the Commissioner for Refugees (COR) in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security and in close collaboration with other government departments and the inter- governmental steering committee established for this purpose, with the direct support of UNHCR. UNHCR Multi Country Office (ZAMCO) has a Representation Office in Lusaka, two field offices (one in Solwezi and in Kaoma), as well as a Field Unit in Kawambwa. The Multi Country Office also oversees operations in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Nature of Position The Durable Solutions Associate (G6) will work under the supervision of the Associate Protection Officer (P2) in the Field Unit and in the Country Office. The incumbent is relied upon to support the operation with the implementation of a broad – range of comprehensive durable solutions opportunities for forcibly displaced populations in Mantapala refugee settlement, Nchelenge District, Luapula Province. The Government of the Republic of Zambia has, in January 2024, launched a National Refugee Policy and Implementation Plan which includes important commitments towards local long-term solutions for forcibly displaced populations in Zambia. These commitments are further reflected in Zambia’s pledges to implement the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) during the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. Working in collaboration with a diverse range of partners, particularly government agencies and development actors in Zambia, the Durable Solutions Associate contributes to UNHCR’s support to the government to implement the Refugee Policy. This includes leveraging UNHCR’s convening capacity to engage new partners, guiding government actions, and fostering collaboration with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including refugee communities and leaders, local municipal authorities, NGOs and civil society. By focusing on sustainable responses, the incumbent will contribute to building the resilience and self-reliance of the forcibly displaced and host community and promoting their long-term inclusion by accessing national services and opportunities. The incumbent will also engage in building social cohesion between the forcibly displaced communities and host community. Key areas of work involve supporting the UNHCR team to develop and leverage opportunities that can lead to long term solutions through the development and implementation of a sustainable response that will promote the resilience and self-reliance of forcibly displaced populations in Mantapala and support them to take up the traditional durable solutions of voluntary repatriation, resettlement and complementary pathways, and local integration. The Durable Solutions Associate will support the strengthening of mechanisms and initiatives that facilitate the meaningful inclusion of refugees in Zambia in legal, socio-economic, and socio-cultural dimensions of society, and will collaborate with communities to ensure effective communication and participatory processes for identifying the most suitable solutions. This includes enhancing two-way communications, conducting assessments, intention surveys, and other community-based assessments. The incumbent will explore and expand opportunities for refugees in Zambia to take advantage of complementary pathways in third countries, including in the southern Africa region, through initiatives such as humanitarian admissions programs, family reunification, private sponsorship, and opportunities for labour mobility and education. The incumbent is expected to: Provide information and counselling to refugees, and other displaced persons to identify the most appropriate sustainable solutions and enable them to make a well-informed decision; interview candidates in relation to durable solutions. This includes preparing documentation that is in line with the different standard operating procedures (SOPs) for these solutions; assisting to update the electronic database for solutions identified or referred; processing documentation to ensure that displaced persons receive the documents required in a timely manner; preparing statistical and other reports to ensure accurate information is available to inform internal planning and partners; advising refugees on the most appropriate durable solutions available; efficiently using the available database, in line with SOPs; drafting and submitting reports relating to durable solutions; supporting the identification and management of risks and seizing opportunities that will advance strategic objectives in the area of responsibility; supporting the operation’s contributions to the Project under the World Bank IDA 20 grant to Zambia that supports local solutions and that was approved in 2024 Q4 for implementation as of 2025; and performing other related duties as required. The incumbent will also support efforts to Protect forcibly displaced persons from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), support the strengthening of Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) measures through training for staff and partners, and support efforts to further enhance outreach counselling initiatives jointly with partners. The aim of these efforts is to identify vulnerable individuals and maintain safe and accessible points for community members to voice concerns, seek assistance, and provide feedback directly to UNHCR and partners. The role demands coordination of quality, timely, and effective solutions focused responses to the needs of forcibly displaced populations but also the integration of protection safeguards across all operational sectors. S/he is expected to monitor and elevate protection standards, operational procedures, and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards. Additionally, the incumbent will contribute significantly to the implementation of the operation’s multi-year strategy, generate awareness of the specific situation of refugees and actively liaise with external authorities and partners on protection doctrine and policy as guided by the supervisor. The incumbent must be fully conversant with anti-fraud, integrity and accurate identity data management policies, standards and operating procedures to ensure their full application at the operational level. Desired Candidate Profile The incumbent must have demonstrated relevant experience in advancing community-based and protection focused solutions for forcibly displaced populations or vulnerable communities, in community development, in working directly with communities conducting interviews, assessments, and providing counselling, and working with government entities and NGOs. Experience in advocacy and negotiation, is required. The position requires a sound understanding of and demonstrated experience in developing and implementing a comprehensive solutions and protection response. A demonstrated understanding of community-based development approaches to solutions and working with marginalized communities is required. The candidate should also have experience in collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data. S/he must have experience in organizing and leading programmes and projects that protect the rights of forcibly displaced populations, achieve the implementation of inclusive socio-economic development programmes and solutions approaches tailored to the needs of forcibly displaced populations or other vulnerable groups. The incumbent must have demonstrated experience working and negotiating with government authorities and agencies, with non-governmental partners, and development actors. Candidates with prior experience working with forcibly displaced communities and an understanding of related challenges are encouraged to apply. The incumbent must understand and be able to use risk-based approaches to work, particularly fraud mitigation and prevention. S/he will be required to report suspicions of fraud, exploitation, as well as document suspected or reported incidents of fraud by clients, colleagues, partners, or third parties. The incumbent must have excellent English communication skills and be an effective and clear communicator both orally and in writing. Familiarity with online/digital tools is essential and full computer literacy is required, including the use of Microsoft Excel. The incumbent must be able to demonstrate the ability to make timely and sound decisions in rapidly changing situations, the ability to uphold the highest ethical standards, and the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and multiethnic environment. The candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment that requires producing high quality work and meeting tight deadlines. Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): , , Desired languages , , Operational context Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: Nature of Position: Living and Working Conditions: Additional Qualifications Skills DM-Database Management, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software Education Certifications HCR Protection Induction Prog - UNHCR Work Experience Competencies Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness UNHCR Salary Calculator https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales Compendium Additional Information Functional clearance This position doesn't require a functional clearance 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 Durable Solutions Associate will support the implementation of durable solutions strategies for forcibly displaced populations, providing counselling and documentation for various solutions. The role involves collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and refugee communities to enhance self-reliance and social cohesion.