Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)U (unclassified)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Pending
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS LICA4
Target Start Date2024-01-15
Job Posting End DateJanuary 4, 2024
Terms of ReferenceTitle: Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant
Project: UNHCR – Integración Socioeconómica
Duty sation: Manta, Ecuador
Section/Unit: Field Unit- Manta
ICA Level: Local Support, LICA, Level 4
Duration: From 15 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
Supervisor: Mr. Francisco Carrion, Head of Field Unit, Manta- Ecuador
1. General Background
Ecuador is part of the United Nations Convention of 1951 relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, as well as major international and regional human rights instruments that recognize the right to asylum. It is also part of the United Nations Convention of 1954 relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the United Nations Convention of 1961 on the Reduction of Statelessness. The asylum procedure in Ecuador is regulated by the Organic Law of Human Mobility, effective February 6, 2017.
According to the estimate of the R4V Coordination Platform (2023), approximately 7.3 million people have left Venezuela, of which 6.1 million Venezuelans have settled in 17 countries in the region, people have left Venezuela, of which 6.1 million Venezuelans have settled in 17 countries in the region, with Ecuador being the third country of destination of the Venezuelan population, after Colombia and Peru, and hosting 474,945 refugees and migrants from Venezuela. It is also important to mention that Ecuador is the country that has recognized the largest number of refugees in the region, with around 70 thousand people historically recognized with that status, coming from more than 80 countries. Colombian citizens are the main foreign group that has received international protection as refugees (97%). For several years, Ecuador has been witnessing the arrival of new groups requesting international protection, especially Venezuelan citizens.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees works in Ecuador supporting the Ecuadorian government to protect refugees. UNHCR's operation in Ecuador began in 2000 as part of the strategy of the organization to protect and provide assistance, particularly to the victims of the Colombian conflict. The operation aims to support the Government of Ecuador to: (i) the development of mechanisms of protection, (ii) strengthening national asylum system, (iii) and identification of durable solutions for refugees.
UNHCR Ecuador works closely with government authorities, non-governmental organizations and communities to provide protection and sustainable solutions to the continued arrival of Colombian and Venezuelan populations in need of international protection. UNHCR aims to design response mechanisms that alleviate pressure on host communities, promote self-reliance of persons of concern and enable access to solutions such as local integration and resettlement.
Improving livelihoods through economic inclusion is a key component of achieving protection outcomes and solutions for refugees. Economic inclusion involves access to labor markets, finance, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities for all, including host communities. Economic inclusion contributes to refugees being able to rebuild their lives in dignity and peace. In this work, UNHCR identifies partnerships with the private sector to design programs and tailor services that improve access and expand opportunities for refugees and migrants in both the labor market and entrepreneurship, in a sustainable manner and as a real contribution to the local and national economy.
Considering the concentration of population under UNHCR's mandate in the city of Manta, from 2021 the Field Unit in that city intensifies the attention and response in terms of socioeconomic integration, consolidating partnerships with the private sector, facilitating access to public services for entrepreneurship and employment, and coordinating with cooperation and civil society organizations.
In this context, UNHCR is looking for a person committed to humanitarian principles and with functionally relevant work experience in local integration, livelihoods and economic inclusion. UNHCR is looking for a technical position that can continue to expand opportunities in the city of Manta, and ensure technical assistance and support to nearby locations, strengthen the local Livelihoods team, and provide particular support to activities carried out through direct implementation.
The candidate must analyze, adapt and work effectively in a variety of situations, often under demanding conditions, and deal with the unforeseen or unexpected. Team spirit is also required, as well as results-oriented performance. Previous experience in implementing initiatives for entrepreneurship and inclusive employment from an age, gender and diversity approach is highly desirable. Finally, the position demands competencies in generating partnerships and coordination with social actors, academia, private sector, NGOs and government.
2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
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.
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Field Unit of the UNHCR Manta Office, and under the strategic guidance of the Livelihoods Unit, the Livelihoods and Economic Incentive Assistant will be responsible for:
- Ensuring the alignment of the livelihoods strategy in the field through multi-level coordination, support to implementing partners, and direct implementation of innovative and demonstrative projects.
- Provide technical advice to partners, strategic allies, and other actors, to strengthen their capacities in the implementation of livelihood projects with an inclusive market approach, circular economy, ensuring sustainable interventions and durable solutions for refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees and stateless persons.
- Accompanying and participating in the monitoring of UNHCR partners' livelihood projects. In coordination with the program unit provide support in the participatory evaluation of programs and projects with an Age, Gender, and Diversity approach.
- Map opportunities and generate links with financial services actors for productive and/or associative credit options, as well as financial education for UNHCR's target population.
- Identification and consolidation of alliances with the private sector, decentralized autonomous governments, economic development agencies, social organizations, inter-institutional and community networks and other actors of the local productive ecosystem.
- Facilitate and coordinate with actors of the local productive ecosystem actions that favor an increase in employability and sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities for UNHCR's target population and host communities. Actors include public service operators (ARCSA, IESS, Ministries of Labor and Production), local governments (academia, institutional and community networks, among others).
- Advocate for existing public and private policies, programs, and services to have a human mobility approach to strengthen the care route for the refugee population and improve their local integration strategy.
- Include in livelihood interventions a community approach through the strengthening of associative at the community level, solidarity economy perspective, developing savings groups, productive associations, community development funds, among others that benefit people in vulnerable situations (women, SGBV, LGBTI+ population, youth).
- Contribute to the capacity building of partners and allies regarding the economic inclusion of refugees through technical training in partnership with specialized actors (IESS, SRI, Ministry of Labor, universities).
- Be part of the UNHCR multifunctional team in the field and work in coordination with the different units of the field office in specific protection and programs, and with the Livelihoods Unit at the national level.
- Conduct field visits to ensure technical assistance and support to nearby localities in the implementation of economic inclusion projects, according to strategic need and operational capacity.
- Monitoring and follow-up of livelihoods programs and projects. Preparation of progress reports, collection of indicators and data analysis in coordination with the program unit, and direct reporting to the assigned supervisor. Support in the preparation of reports required from the field office: monthly status reports, Weekly Highlights, documents and presentations, among others.
- In collaboration with the Public Information team, participate in communication activities, collect results of flagship livelihood projects, stories and initiatives for advocacy activities.
- Contribute to the creation of a community of good practices of UNHCR Ecuador, through self-learning, exchange of experiences between livelihoods teams, and the creation of a community of good practices.
- Provide assistance in administrative and logistical issues required as part of the direct implementation processes of the Livelihoods Unit.
- Other functions as required by the Office in function and inherent to his/her position.
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
- Monthly progress reports.
- Monitoring system and indicators to report results of the actions developed.
- Final systematization of the actions developed.
4. Qualifications and Experience
a. Education
University Degree (4 years) in Economics, Engineering, Business Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Socio-Economic Development, Rural Development, Finance, Gender Studies or related fields. Postgraduate studies will be considered.
b. Work Experience
- 1-year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher.
- At least 1 year of experience in work related to the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up of productive and economic inclusion projects in urban and rural areas.
- Work experience in livelihood generation and strengthening employment or self-employment/entrepreneurship.
- Experience of socioeconomic integration of women, refugee population or groups in vulnerable situations, development of economic and social inclusion, humanitarian-development-peace nexus.
Mandatory
- Experience in working with vulnerable and marginalized groups in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, ideally in varied field contexts. Experience in working in partnership with private sector, NGOs, UN organizations, development actors, or government authorities.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of refugee protection principles and framework. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
- Desirable experience working with the private sector in generating initiatives or inclusive business practices in value chains and market access from a shared value approach.
- Experience with refugee population or groups in vulnerable situations is desirable.
c. Key Competencies
- Market-based programming and management of productive projects.
- Analytical capacity to generate technical reports and periodical reports.
- Initiative, organizational and logistical skills.
- Ability to work within an international and multicultural environment.
- Ability to coordinate with different professional and multifunctional teams present in the location.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information in a professional manner.
- Excellent command of computer packages, database, statistical software for data processing and analysis.
- Excellent command of Spanish (oral and written), intermediate level English desirable.
Functional Skills
- LV-Partnership for Economic Inclusion
- IT-Computer Literacy
Core Competencies
- Accountability
- Communication
- Organizational Awareness
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Client & Result Orientation
Cross-Functional Competencies
- Analytical Thinking
5. Submission of applications
A. English Desirable. Level intermediate (B2).
B. The shortlisted candidates may sit a technical examination.
C. Foreign candidates, to be considered eligible for this position, must have a temporary or permanent residence in Ecuador that allows them to carry out work activities in the country.
D. If hired, the candidate must submit a current and updated RUC Unique Taxpayer Registry and a voluntary contribution certificate to the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security IESS. Voluntary IESS securities will be covered by the staff member. The salary offered is in net terms.
E. If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your application according to the following instructions:
- CANDIDATES WITH ACCESS TO THE WORKDAY: In order to apply, you must first create your profile in the WORKDAY system.
- EXTERNAL CANDIDATES:
Candidates who do NOT have access to the WORKDAY system must submit their application through UNHCR's official site for applications: https://www.unhcr.org/careers.html
NOTE
UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
If you are a person with a disability and need additional assistance during the application and/or recruitment process, please contact us by email: ecuquhr@unhcr.org
CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL. ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS SENT BY THE SYSTEM WILL BE CONSIDERED.
Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant will be part of the livelihoods team within the Operation. The incumbent will support in operationalizing the strategic vision to align livelihoods and economic inclusion efforts with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), which underscores the need to mobilize additional actors and to adopt a whole-of-society approach to strengthen refugee self-reliance and help ease pressure on host countries. S/he will contribute to the objectives of the unit under the direct supervision of the (Senior) Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer.
The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant will participate in the collaboration with UNHCR livelihoods partners, government agencies, private sector and financial services providers as well as other relevant stakeholders to enhance the economic inclusion and improve self-reliance of both persons of concern (PoC) and host community members. The incumbent will support the collaboration with other UNHCR cross cutting areas such as protection, education, cash, partnerships, research and analytics, GBV, solutions, complementary pathways and more. To document good practices, results and to generate knowledge, the Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant will work closely with the supervisor to build on UNHCR databases and support regular information sharing and coordination among different humanitarian, developmental and governmental stakeholders. S/he will assist to mobilize refugees of different age, gender and background and to ensure that all stakeholders well understand the potential of economic inclusion of refugees and host community members, and to help communicate opportunities to PoC.
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
- Support the partnerships with relevant stakeholders to enhance economic inclusion of UNHCR PoC.
- Support work with the multi-functional team, more specifically with the Protection Unit, to compile information about the legal framework for the right to work and rights at work.
- Contribute to the implementation of socioeconomic surveys to inform targeting, monitoring and facilitation of the engagement of development programmes.
- Work closely with relevant teams and provide assistance on livelihoods interventions.
- Contribute to the preparation of field reports and other relevant reports relating to livelihoods and make recommendations for interventions that enhance refugee economic inclusion to the designated officer.
- Assist in organization of meetings, workshops and working sessions.
- 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 G4 - 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Business Administration, Development Studies, Economics,
Rural Development, Financial Management, Agriculture.
or other related field
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in working with vulnerable and marginalized groups in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, ideally in varied field contexts. Experience in working in partnership with private sector, NGOs, UN organisations, development actors, or government authorities.
Desirable
Knowledge of refugee protection principles and framework. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
Functional Skills
LV-Partnership for Economic Inclusion
IT-Computer Literacy
(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.
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SkillsIT-Computer Literacy, LV-Partnership for Economic Inclusion
Education
CertificationsAgriculture - Other, Business Administration - Other, Development Studies - Other, Economics - Other, Financial Management - Other, Rural Development - Other
Work Experience
Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance