Deadline for ApplicationsFebruary 24, 2026
GradeGS5
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonTemporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment
Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily<p></p><p></p>
Residential location (if applicable)
Target Start Date2026-04-01
Target End Date2026-09-30
Standard Job Description
Senior Integration Assistant
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Integration Assistant is supervised by a more senior integration staff member who provides guidance and a general outline of assignments to be performed independently. S/he works closely with integration, protection, solutions, development, partnership and other staff in HQ, multi-country or country offices, depending on the office setup.
In close cooperation with the supervisor, the main functions of the incumbent are to provide advice to the authorities, civil society and other stakeholders and facilitate the development of required policy, strategy and program interventions that support the integration of refugees in the country in line with relevant policies and guidance.
The Senior Integration Assistant facilitates the establishment of mechanisms to monitor the implementation of integration-related activities and the coordination and cooperation among key stakeholders at local, regional and national levels to address gaps in policy and service provision.
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
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
Field(s) of Education
Not applicable.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Law, International Relations, Social Policy,
Human Rights Community Development/Social Work,
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Relevant working experience in the establishment of integration and other social services for refugees.
Desirable
Experience in refugee integration in the country of assignment or other countries.
Functional Skills
PR-Refugee Reintegration
PR-Local Integration
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.
Competency Requirements
All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies
Not specified.
Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Technological Awareness
Planning & Organizing
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 ProfileOPERATIONAL CONTEXT
The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Italy oversees operations in Italy, the Holy See, Malta, and San Marino—countries situated at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and characterized by diverse asylum systems, distinct legal frameworks, and varying capacities for refugee protection.
This sub region plays a pivotal role in migration and refugee movements to Europe, particularly through the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes. Irregular arrivals by sea and land, secondary movements, and complex protection needs place continued pressure on national asylum and reception systems. Although the number of arrivals fluctuates, the centrality of these countries in broader European migration dynamics remains constant.
Italy and Malta, in particular, continue to serve as primary entry points to the EU for persons seeking international protection. Their geographic proximity to North Africa positions Italy as a key actor in search and rescue (SAR) activities and in receiving persons rescued at sea.
San Marino and the Vatican City, though not primary asylum destinations, are engaged partners in refugee protection through political advocacy, moral leadership, and resettlement or complementary pathways, especially under community sponsorship and humanitarian corridors supported by faith-based organizations.
Improving integration prospects for refugees in Italy remains one of UNHCR’s top protection priorities. As highlighted by the 2024–25 UNHCR commissioned study on the socio economic situation of refugees, 43.5 per cent of refugees live in absolute poverty and 67 per cent in relative poverty in Italy. People granted protection continue to face significant barriers to socio economic inclusion, especially in accessing stable housing, employment, and adequately tailored local services. Limited language proficiency represents a key obstacle to successfully entering the labour market and fully integrating.
Through its whole of society approach, UNHCR has demonstrated a series of replicable and scalable integration models in collaboration with municipalities (Integration Charter and Spazio Comune), the private sector (Welcome. Working for Refugee Integration), universities (Inclusive University Manifesto), and private citizens (Community Matching). These initiatives have delivered tangible results in coordinating local integration services, creating job inclusion pathways, expanding access to tertiary education, and showcasing the multiple benefits of community based social integration through local “buddies.”
In this context, the UNHCR Senior Integration Assistant based in Naples will report directly to the Senior Integration Associate. The Senior Integration Assistant will perform the duties listed in the standard job description and will play a key role in expanding integration activities for refugees in Southern Italy (Campania, Calabria, Apulia, Basilicata, and Sicily). In particular, the incumbent will:
1. Support the implementation of the AMIF project 1177 Fa.Si. (Fare Sistema: reti per l’inclusione).
2. Promote membership in the Integration Charter and support Southern municipalities already part of the network in their engagement in Charter activities.
3. Support the implementation of the Spazio Comune programme in Southern Italy, with a focus on Naples and Bari, working with implementing and operational partners, cooperating with municipalities, and promoting the involvement of other relevant local authorities.
4. Support the implementation in Southern Italy of the Welcome. Working for Refugee Integration programme, promoting the engagement of local companies and civil society organizations within the WelcomeNet network.
5. Support the implementation of other UNHCR solutions programmes in Southern Italy—such as the Inclusive University Manifesto, Community Matching, UNICORE, and labour pathways—in cooperation with implementing and operational partners.
6. Carry out capacity building activities and provide functional support to institutional counterparts.
7. Assist inter agency coordination at local level and contribute to information management activities as required.
8. Conduct consultations with persons of concern and provide advice on appropriate and meaningful approaches to ensure their effective participation and guide integration related programmatic responses.
9. Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information and adhere to the UNHCR Code of Conduct and the Policy on the Protection of Personal Data of Persons of Concern to UNHCR.
10. Report regularly to the Office and upon request.
11. Represent UNHCR in relevant thematic initiatives on integration and related matters.
DESIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE
MCO Italy is looking for a candidate with sound knowledge of the Italian operational context as well as of issues pertaining to international protection, refugee integration and in particular refugee job inclusion. Institutional relations capacity and expertise as project assistant would be an asset. Previous UNHCR experience is an asset. Work experience with UNHCR and experience in activities related to refugee integration in Southern Italy are considered assets. Fluency in both Italian and English is essential.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy.
English is the official working language of UNHCR in Italy. Only applications fully completed in English will be considered.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Assessment of short-listed candidates might comprise of both an interview and a written test.
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 has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer.
UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
In case of any queries, please contact the Italy HR Team at itarohr@unhcr.org.
Functional ClearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance
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Additional Qualifications
SkillsIT-Computer Literacy, PR-Local integration, PR-Refugee Reintegration
Education
CertificationsCommunity Development/Social Work - Other, Human Rights - Other, International Relations - Other, Law - Other, Social Policy - Other
Work Experience
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