Senior Field Assistant

Hardship LevelU (unclassified)

Family TypeNo designation

Family TypeNo designation

Residential location (if applicable)

GradeGS5

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service

ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date2025-09-01

Deadline for ApplicationsAugust 6, 2025

Standard Job Description

Senior Field Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Field Assistant is normally supervised by the (Senior) Field Officer/Associate and performs a variety of functions related to Field activities within the office. The supervisor defines work processes and provides regular advice and guidance.
The incumbent keeps frequent internal contacts with staff members in the same duty station to exchange information and with the external contacts generally with officials of national and international institutions, leaders of the refugee community, local population and/or Implementing Partners (IPs) on routine subject matters under the direction of the supervisor.

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
- Assist in monitoring the implementation of UNHCR programme including the delivery of all assistance items and monitoring of infrastructure.
- Assist in administrative tasks as required such as preparation of reports and meeting authorized personnel and assisting them during field missions.
- Act as interpreter in the exchange of routine information, contribute to related liaison activities and respond directly to routine queries.
- Collect data and other information relevant to UNHCR and report to the supervisor accordingly.
- Keep regular contacts with local authorities and implementing partners as requested by supervisor.
- In coordination with implementing partners, assist in the reception, registration and provision of assistance to persons of concern to UNHCR.
- Follow up, on a regular basis, the overall situation of persons of concern in camps and other areas where they have been accommodated and report accordingly.
- Liaise with local authority counterparts, partners and populations of concern.
- Direct incidents and problems to the supervisor when they cannot be resolved at their level.

- 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
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 Administration Law Political Science
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.

Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
CO-Drafting and Documentation
CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community
(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 The ideal candidate for the Senior Field Assistant position should bring hands-on experience in field-based protection activities, particularly in detention settings and high-risk deportation contexts. He/she shall have proven experience while implementing international protection frameworks, including statelessness, refugee and human rights law, and be capable of providing guidance on individual case management, legal documentation, and humanitarian assistance. The candidate must exhibit analytical and communication skills, with the ability to observe political and social developments, produce evidence-based recommendations, and engage effectively with national authorities, civil society organizations, community leaders, and service providers. Proficiency in data collection and analysis tools such as KOBO and proGresV4 is essential, along with experience in designing and facilitating capacity-building initiatives and inter-agency coordination. Proven experience while implementing community-based protection, participatory approaches, and the integration of Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) principles is key. The candidate shall demonstrate integrity, adaptability, and a results-oriented mindset to support planning, emergency response, and the delivery of high-quality protection services. Fluency in Spanish is required, with Haitian Creole and English highly desirable.

No late applications can be accepted. Candidates must be nationals of the Dominican Republic or have legal residence with valid work permit in the Dominican Republic at the time of submitting their applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. A written test and/or interview may be conducted as part of the selection process.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

UNHCR’s presence in Dajabón is critical to the protection and solution strategy in the Dominican Republic. given the province’s strategic location along the northern border with Haiti. The area is characterized by high levels of cross-border movement, mixed migration flows, and a significant presence of individuals at risk of statelessness, deportation/refoulement, and other protection concerns.The Senior Field Assistant, based in Dajabón, will play a role in implementing protection and community-based protection activities, including the identification and referral of persons under UNHCR´s mandate, monitoring of detention and deportation practices, and provision of legal and humanitarian assistance. Under the supervision of the Associate Protection Officer and in coordination with the Head of National Office and the Field Associate (Santiago de los Caballeros), the incumbent will liaise with local authorities, civil society organizations, and community leaders to strengthen protection networks and ensure timely responses to urgent needs. The role also involves supporting the issuance of documentation, conducting participatory assessments, integrating Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) principles. The Senior Field Assistant will be expected to observe political, social, and economic developments in the region, provide evidence-based recommendations, and contribute to inter-agency coordination and capacity-building efforts.

Living and Working Conditions:

Dajabón is a small border town in the northwest of the Dominican Republic, directly adjacent to Ouanaminthe, Haiti. It is a key transit point for cross-border trade and migration and hosts a binational market that draws large crowds several times a week. While the town offers basic amenities such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and health centers, infrastructure is limited compared to larger urban centers like Santiago or Santo Domingo.

The security level in Dajabón is classified as Level 2 – Low, but staff should exercise caution due to the dynamic nature of border areas, including the potential for civil unrest, irregular migration flows, and organized crime. UNDSS provides regular security updates and guidance, and staff are expected to follow all safety protocols, especially when traveling to rural or remote areas.

Healthcare services in Dajabón are basic, and for more complex medical needs, referrals to Santiago or Santo Domingo are necessary. The region is prone to seasonal flooding during the rainy season and may be affected by tropical storms during the hurricane season. Vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya are present, and preventive health measures are recommended. The local population primarily speaks Spanish, though Haitian Creole is widely spoken due to the proximity to Haiti.

Additional Qualifications

SkillsCL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy

Education

CertificationsHCR Learning Program - UNHCR

Work Experience

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

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional InformationPlease note: This is a locally recruited position. All applicants must be legally residing in the Dominican Republic and possess a valid work permit or permanent resident status at the time of application.

Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance