Mission and objectivesUNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is mandated to protect and assist people forced to flee due to conflict, persecution, or violence. Since its establishment in 1950, it has worked to ensure access to asylum, prevent forced return (non-refoulement), and promote durable solutions such as voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement. UNHCR responds to emergencies, provides legal protection, and collaborates with governments, civil society, and other UN agencies. It also addresses statelessness and supports host communities, guided by the 1951 Refugee Convention and humanitarian principles. In the Southern Cone of Latin America, UNHCRโs Multi-Country Office supports Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay in strengthening access to international protection and promoting stabilization. It also works to reduce protection risks for people in transit through Bolivia. The region continues to receive forcibly displaced and stateless populations, primarily Venezuelans, who made up 95% of the 830,000 displaced people in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year. Aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees and pledges made at the Global Refugee Forum, UNHCR fosters partnerships with states, local governments, UN agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Through its co-leadership of the R4V Platform and engagement in UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, UNHCR promotes inclusion and shared responsibility.
ContextThe UN Volunteer will support the implementation of Durable Solutions interventions in the Southern Cone with an emphasis on socio-economic inclusion and resilience, especially in the areas access to the labour market and social protection in accordance with the protection and solutions framework of the operation. Forcibly displaced persons face significant barriers to socioeconomic inclusion. Many struggle to access formal employment, financial services, and recognition of educational credentials. Misunderstandings about refugeesโ legal status among employers, combined with economic instability and rising unemployment, contribute to exclusion and social tension. In Argentina and Bolivia, fragile governance and high poverty levels exacerbate these challenges. In Argentina, 60% of informal workersโ households live below the poverty line, and nearly half of surveyed migrants report informal employment and difficulty accessing jobs. To en hance socioeconomic and cultural inclusion in the Southern Cone, the Cities of Solidarity initiative has become a cornerstone for durable solutions, engaging 16 municipalities in Argentina, 7 in Chile, and 3 in Uruguay to support displaced populations in urban settings. Moreover, UNHCR promotes private sector engagement through initiatives like Talento Sin Fronteras, which aims to expand job opportunities and support self-reliance, key to long-term stabilization and integration.
Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Senior Protection Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: โข Promote initiatives for the development of public policies for economic development and socio-economic inclusion at the local and national levels in the framework of the Cities of Solidarity initiative. โข Deliver technical support to design, execute, and evaluate a strategic collaboration with the private sector and key partners aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable market systems with the Talento sin Fronteras program. โข Produce concept notes and work plans for specific socioeconomic inclusion projects โข Provide technical support to operational partners in the monitoring and evaluation of Durable Solutions projects with the Livelihoods Information Survey (LIS). โข Support productive dialogues with key actors on solutions for forcibly displaced persons, promoting an approach that includes the whole of society, including academia, the private sector, and development entities. โข Provide support to identify barriers to access to effective solutions (income, education, housing, health and social protection, among others) for refugees and forcibly displaced persons. โข Analyse statistics, trends and technical reports, and draft relevant reports within the framework of durable solutions. โข Liaise with relevant UNHCR units to ensure the a โsolutions from the outsetโ approach within the multifunctional teams. โข Attend meetings, working groups and coordination forums (forums, technical roundtables), both at the institutional and inter-agency levels, that are relevant and focused on strengthening durable solutions for refugees and forcibly displaced persons. โข Provide general support for the development of the work, including assistance in organising meetings, workshops and working sessions and in administrative tasks. โข Perform other related tasks as required.
Competencies and valuesAccountability Adaptability and Flexibility Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Working in Teams
Living conditions and remarksAs of 2025, living conditions in Argentina reflect a complex interplay between economic recovery and persistent social challenges. Following a deep recession in 2023, the country has shown signs of stabilization under a macroeconomic reform program initiated by the government. Inflation, which peaked at 25.5% monthly in late 2023, dropped significantly to 2.4% by early 2025, and the government achieved a fiscal surplus for the first time in years. Despite these improvements, poverty remains a pressing issue, with over half the population affected as of mid-2024. The government has implemented social protection measures, such as increased benefits under the Universal Child Allowance and the Alimentar program, to support the most vulnerable. Argentinaโs economy, one of the largest in Latin America, is rich in natural resources and has strong agricultural and energy sectors. However, structural challenges like informality, unemployment, and inequality continue to affect daily life, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. While economic indicators suggest a projected growth of 5.5% in 2025, the benefits of recovery are unevenly distributed, and many households still face difficulties accessing stable employment, quality services, and affordable housing. As of 2025, living conditions in Buenos Aires reflect a dynamic mix of affordability, cultural richness, and economic challenges. The average monthly cost of living is around \\$1,130, while the median after-tax salary is approximately \\$635, covering just over half of monthly expenses. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages \\$530, with utilities and internet adding about \\$80 monthly. While the city offers excellent air quality, public healthcare, and a vibrant cultural scene, inflation and rising prices have significantly impacted localsโ purchasing power. Many residents struggle to afford basic goods, as prices for food, dining, and services have increased to levels comparable with the U.S. or Europe. Despite these challenges, Buenos Aires remains one of Latin America's most liveable cities, thanks to its efficient public transport, diverse neighbourhoods, and strong educational and healthcare infrastructure. The cityโs cultural life, ranging from tango shows and historic cafรฉs to world-class museums, continues to attract both locals and newcomers seeking a high quality of life in an urban setting.