Senior Durable Solutions Assistant

UNHCR Ethiopia is recruiting a Senior Durable Solutions Assistant (GS‑5) for a General Service appointment in Field Office Jijiga, Somali Regional State, starting April 2026. This full‑time role is central to supporting durable solutions strategies for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. The position requires strong case management, interviewing, and counselling skills, along with the ability to manage sensitive information with discretion. Candidates must demonstrate resilience, political awareness, and cross‑cultural communication skills to ensure effective delivery of UNHCR’s durable solutions program in Ethiopia.

About UNHCR Ethiopia

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects and assists refugees and displaced persons worldwide. In Ethiopia, UNHCR supports large refugee populations across multiple regions, including Jijiga, through durable solutions, protection, and humanitarian assistance. The agency operates under UN Charter principles, UN Staff Regulations, and UNHCR’s policies, ensuring professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Job Overview

The Senior Durable Solutions Assistant provides counselling and administrative support to refugees and other persons of concern. Reporting to the Associate Field Officer, the incumbent interviews candidates for voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement, prepares documentation, and updates databases.

The role also involves preparing reports, advising refugees on durable solutions, and liaising with local authorities and partners. The incumbent contributes to the implementation of durable solutions strategies and fosters partnerships with communities and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide counselling to refugees and persons of concern on durable solutions.
• Conduct interviews for voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.
• Prepare documentation and ensure timely processing of durable solutions cases.
• Update electronic databases in line with SOPs.
• Prepare statistical and ad‑hoc reports for partners and offices.
• Advise on appropriate durable solutions and prepare related documents.
• Support risk identification and management in the area of responsibility.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education

• High School Diploma with 2 years relevant experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree with 1 year relevant experience.

Work Experience

• Experience in interviewing and case management.

Technical Skills

• Database Management*
• Microsoft Office Productivity Software*

Soft Skills

• Communication, organizational awareness, teamwork, and stakeholder management.

(*Essential skills as per UNHCR standards)

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Experience in humanitarian or non‑profit settings.
• Strong drafting and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of Somali language and prior experience in Somali Regional State.
• Strategic thinking, political awareness, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast‑paced environments.

Duty Station Work Location

• Primary Location: Field Office Jijiga, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia
• Work Mode: Onsite, hardship duty station (non‑family assignment)

Salary & Benefits

Salary and benefits will be provided in accordance with the organization’s pay scale and Ethiopian labor standards.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit applications through the official UNHCR recruitment portal before February 15, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UNHCR Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of background, promoting fair employment practices in Ethiopia.