Hardship LevelB
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeGS6
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2025-09-01
Deadline for ApplicationsAugust 3, 2025
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 Nature of Position
The Durable Solutions Associate (G6) works under the supervision of the Assistant Durable Solutions Officer and under the overall supervision of the Associate Durable Solutions Officer. As part of the Lusaka Branch Office Protection Team, led by the Senior Protection Officer, the Durable Solutions Associate supports the identification and implementation of durable solutions for refugees and former refugees in Zambia, with a particular focus on those in an urban context.
In 2024 the Government of Zambia launched a National Refugee Policy and Implementation Plan committing to long-term solutions for both refugees and Angolan and Rwandan former refugees in Zambia. These commitments are further reflected in Zambia's pledges to implement the Global Compact on Refugees 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.
Key areas of work involve supporting the UNHCR team to develop and leverage opportunities for sustainable responses that can lead to long term solutions and the traditional durable solutions of voluntary repatriation, resettlement and complementary pathways, and local integration to identify sustainable solutions for refugees and former refugees in Zambia. Support the strengthening of mechanisms and initiatives that facilitate the local solutions and integration of refugees and former refugees in Zambia in legal, socio-economic, socio-cultural dimensions of society.
Building on commitments under the Global Compact on Refugees, the Durable Solutions Associate will support the UNHCR team to develop strategic partnerships with UN agencies, development actors, civil society, NGOs, peacebuilding stakeholders, and others. This involves identifying policy and practical obstacles forcibly displaced people face to achieving self-reliance and solutions, the risks and obstacles to durable solutions and supporting forcibly displaced people to take up opportunities that will lead to long term solutions.
The incumbent will support UNHCR Zambia advance local solutions, including integration, for refugees and former refugees, especially for specific protracted populations. In addition, the Durable Solutions Associate will support the team to explore and expand opportunities for complementary pathways to third countries, including avenues for labour mobility and education, private sponsorships, family reunification, and humanitarian admissions, alongside existing third-country resettlement processes.
The Durable Solutions Associate will engage in work to 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.
Finally, the incumbent will work closely with colleagues facilitating voluntary repatriation for refugees opting to return to their countries of origin in safety and dignity. The incumbent will also work with the Development team in the operation.
Key responsibilities:
Policy and Advocacy Support
• Liaise with government counterparts, development actors, and stakeholders to implement Zambia’s National Refugee Policy and align with Global Refugee Compact commitments.
• Support advocacy efforts for legislative harmonization and procedural reforms related to durable solutions.
• Prepare communication materials and organize events to promote refugee contributions and inclusion in development plans.
Stakeholder Coordination and Partnerships
• Maintain stakeholder records and coordinate meetings with government, civil society, and partners to strengthen partnerships for durable solutions.
• Assist in preparing documentation and reports to address risks and obstacles to durable solutions.
Durable Solutions Implementation
• Facilitate data collection and documentation for local integration initiatives and complementary pathways such as labor mobility, education, and family reunification.
• Process durable solutions applications and support logistical aspects of resettlement and integration processes.
• Collaborate with partners to coordinate voluntary repatriation efforts.
Community Engagement
• Conduct community engagement activities, including intention surveys and participatory assessments, to identify durable solutions.
• Ensure effective communication with populations of concern and support urban community engagement initiatives.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Capacity Building
• Update databases to track progress on durable solutions and prepare statistical reports for decision-making.
• Organize training sessions and workshops for stakeholders on durable solutions, including resettlement, integration, and voluntary repatriation.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for initiatives to build capacity and improve data systems.
Perform other related duties as required.
Desired Candidate Profile
The incumbent must have relevant experience, preferably in community development, and experience working with government entities and NGOs. The position requires demonstrated expertise in advocacy, negotiation, and the development and implementation of comprehensive solutions and protection responses. Strong organizational and planning skills, along with the ability to meet deadlines, are essential.
Demonstrated experience in coordination and collaboration with a diverse range of partners, including government officials, is required.
The incumbent is expected to uphold UNHCR’s integrity standards and commitment to fraud prevention, and have a thorough understanding of the duty to report suspicions of fraud, the consequences of fraud, and proper documentation of incidents involving forcibly displaced populations, colleagues, partners, or third parties.
Strong ICT skills are essential.The incumbent must possess excellent English communication skills, both oral and written, and be an effective and clear communicator.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to manage responsibilities in a dynamic work environment that requires meeting deadlines.
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.
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 April 2025, Zambia hosts some 110,518 forcibly displaced persons (81,295 refugees; 11,199 asylum seekers and 18,024 former refugees and others of concerns) in three refugee settlements and other urban areas including Lusaka. UNHCR provides technical support and guidance to the Government on policy formulation, asylum and refugee management matters. Most forcibly displaced persons in Zambia are from Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Somalia. UNHCR has a Representation Office in Lusaka, with 3 field offices in Solwezi, Kawambwa and Kaoma. 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 in Zambia has three field offices/units (one in Solwezi, one in Kawambwa, one Kaoma) and a Representational Office in Lusaka.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Additional Qualifications
SkillsDM-Database Management, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
Education
CertificationsHCR Protection Induction Prog - UNHCR
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, 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
Additional InformationOnly short-listed candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for written test and/or oral interview.
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance