Organization: UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Location: Nairobi | Kakuma
Grade: Administrative support – GS-5/GS-6, General Service – No need for Higher Education – Locally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
Economics
Administrative support
Poverty Reduction
Food Security, Livestock and Livelihoods
Disability Rights
Closing Date: 2025-01-28

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The livelihoods unit of the operation will include the Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant. In order to strengthen refugee self-reliance and lessen pressure on host countries, the incumbent will assist in operationalizing the strategic vision to align livelihoods and economic inclusion efforts with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), which emphasizes the need to mobilize additional actors and adopt a whole-of-society approach. Under the close supervision of the (Senior) Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer, s/he will support the unit’s goals.

To increase the economic inclusion and self-reliance of both persons of concern (PoC) and host community members, the Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant will work closely with UNHCR livelihoods partners, government organizations, the private sector, financial services providers, and other pertinent stakeholders. Additionally, it would be required of the incumbent to consciously look for possibilities to work with other UNHCR cross-cutting sectors, including GBV, protection, education, collaborations, research and analytics, complementary paths, and more. The Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant will collaborate closely with the supervisor to expand UNHCR databases, promote frequent information sharing and coordination among various humanitarian organizations, and document best practices, outcomes, and expertise.stakeholders in government and development. He or she will help organize refugees of various ages, genders, and backgrounds, make sure that everyone involved is aware of the possibility for economic inclusion of both refugees and members of the host community, and assist in informing PoC about opportunities.

Every employee of UNHCR has an obligation to carry out their responsibilities as stated in their job description. In accordance with the UNHCR’s regulatory framework, which consists of the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions, and pertinent accountability frameworks, they carry out their assigned responsibilities. Employees must also carry out their duties in a way that aligns with UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity as well as core, functional, cross-functional, and managerial abilities.

Responsibilities:

– Explore partnerships with relevant stakeholders to enhance economic inclusion of UNHCR PoC. This includes working with economic development agencies to adapt their programmes to become inclusive of UNHCR PoC, working with the private sector to enhance inclusion of UNHCR PoC in their labour force and supply chains, working with financial service providers to enhance financial inclusion, and working with public and private sector service providers to include UNHCR PoC in supporting services (business development, micro-finance, training, saving accounts, poverty alleviation and social protection, etc.).
– Support work with the multi-functional team, more specifically with the Protection Unit, to collect information about the legal framework for the right to work and rights at work.
– Support the implementation of socioeconomic and wealth ranking surveys to inform targeting, monitoring and facilitation of the engagement of development programmes.
– In case UNHCR is implementing specific livelihoods activities, work closely with and provide technical assistance on livelihoods interventions to help ensure they are market-based, and that the role of UNHCR has been strategically determined in consideration of its comparative advantage vis-à-vis other partners.
– Prepare field reports and other relevant reports relating to livelihoods and make recommendations for interventions that enhance refugee economic inclusion to the designated officer.
– Provide overall support to the supervisor including assistance in the organization of meetings, workshops and working sessions.
– Organize and participate in workshops, training programmes, monitoring visits and working groups with regards to livelihood programming.
– Draft routine documents, contribute to assessments, and participate in inter-agency 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.

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
Business Management, Socio-Economics Development Economics/International 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 facilitating the economic inclusion of 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, and government authorities in sub-sectors relevant to livelihood programming e.g. financial inclusion, employment, entrepreneurship, private sector development, local economic development, poverty reduction, agriculture, livestock, vocational and technical education and training, etc.

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-Strategic Planning and Advocacy for Refugee Socioeconomic Rights
(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.

The incumbent must have experience in facilitating the economic inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Experience in working in partnership with private sector, NGOs, UN organisations, and government authorities in sub-sectors relevant to livelihood programming e.g. microfinance, employment, entrepreneurship, private sector development, local economic development, poverty reduction, agriculture, livestock, vocational and technical education and training,

Operational context

Nature of Position:

UNHCR Kakuma covers the Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei integrated settlement, hosting some 301,407 refugees from 25 different nationalities. In line with the Global Compact for Refugees (GCR) and the MYMP Strategy, the operation focuses on further expanding the protection of refugees and promoting solutions. In close collaboration with the government, UN Agencies including the WB/IFC and NGOs, the operation developed the Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Plan (KISEDP), which represents the main vehicle for operationalizing GCR in Kenya.

The Senior Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Assistant is based in UNHCR Sub Office Kakuma, typically reporting to the Assistant Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Officer and overall supervision by Head of Sub-Office.

The Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant will be part of the livelihoods’ unit 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 incumbent will be assigned activities in line with Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Strategic Directions as guided by the UNHCR Resilience and Inclusion section covering Kakuma camp and Kalobeyei settlement and in close coordination with relevant sector focal points (e.g. education, legal protection among others). He / She is expected to work in line with the overall UNHCR directions which crucially require working with partners, including with persons of concern, governmental institutions, UN sister agencies, humanitarian and development actors and the private sector. S/he will collaborate closely 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 also be expected to deliberately explore opportunities of collaboration with other UNHCR cross cutting areas such as protection, education, cash, partnerships, research, and analytics, GBV, solutions, complementary pathways and more.

Living and Working Conditions:

Kenya is an open country that enjoys social stability resulting from the smooth functioning of state institutions. Kenya is also provided with a good level of infrastructure (e.g. roads, distribution of water, electricity, etc.) and a popular tourist destination. The current Security Level in the capital and in SRM Area 1A: Northern Rift Valley (Kakuma, Lodwar) is Moderate -3. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Kakuma, Kenya. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents against UN personnel.

Kakuma city is a non-family duty station with a hardship classified D, its living conditions are difficult but the social climate is calm. The weather is hot, dry and sunny hence no heavy clothes would be recommended. Windy storms are common during the months of December and more pronounced in January till March.

Staff live in UNHCR-provided accommodation, which was constructed in 2001, the condition of these houses has improved with time as renovations and painting has been carried out in the past. The accommodation facilities are generally acceptable condition with minimal standard. The incumbent will be briefed deeply on conditions of accommodations, laundry, meals, communications, air and road transports, recreations and others relevant information. However, staff members are charged rental fee predetermined by the organization paid upfront on monthly basis.

The currency used in Kenya is Kenyan Shilling (KES). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all banks here in Kakuma. There are limited banking facilities at Kakuma with two banks (Equity & Kenya Commercial Bank having branches locally

Internet and communications networks are available at the compound with fairly speed. the mobile telephone network remains stable with 3G.

Climatic conditions are relatively harsh, and despite fumigation of the compound, insects and even snakes are present in the environment on seasonal climate changes.

UNHCR has established satellite level 1 JMS medical clinic in the compound following COVID-19 situation readily available 24/7 hours, there is also Kakuma Mission Hospital where a doctor/Surgeon is deployed and paid for by UNHCR provide assistance to refugees but special arrangements can be made during emergencies for staff members. There are also some pharmacies within Kakuma with basic medical facilities. Evacuation opportunities are limited. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be updated. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

LV-Strategic Planning and Advocacy for Refugee Socioeconomic Rights

Certifications

Agriculture – Other, Development Studies – Other, Economics – Other, Financial Management – Other, Rural Development – Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance

How to apply

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