UNOPS Snr Livelihoods & Economic Inclusion Assistant

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

BFamilyUNOPS LICA52024-10-01September 10, 2024Title: Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant
Project: UNHCR
Duty station: Manta, Ecuador
Section/Unit: Field Unit – Manta
Contract/Level: Local Support, LICA 5
Duration: From 01 October to 31 December 2024
Supervisor: Head of Field Unit, Manta, Mr. Francisco Carrion

1. General Background

Ecuador is a party to the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, as well as to the main international and regional human rights instruments that recognize the right to asylum. It is also a party to the 1954 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 United Nations Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. The asylum procedure in Ecuador is regulated by the Organic Law on Human Mobility, in force since February 6, 2017.

Ecuador is the country that has recognized the largest number of refugees in Latin America. As of April 2024, 77,250 people have been recognized as refugees, more than 97% of whom are Colombian nationals. Additionally, it is the fifth destination country for Venezuelan refugees and migrants, and it is estimated to host around 474,000 people according to estimates from the United Nations System's Working Group for Refugees and Migrants.

UNHCR's operation in Ecuador began in 2000 as part of the organization's strategy to protect and provide assistance, particularly to victims of the Colombian conflict. The operation aims to support the Ecuadorian Government in: (i) developing protection mechanisms, (ii) strengthening the national asylum system, and (iii) identifying durable solutions for refugees. UNHCR has its central office in Quito and is present in the provinces of Esmeraldas, Sucumbíos, Guayas, Manabí, Pichincha, Imbabura, Carchi, El Oro, and Azuay.

UNHCR Ecuador works closely with government authorities, non-governmental organizations, and communities to provide protection and sustainable solutions in response to the ongoing arrival of Colombian and Venezuelan populations in need of international protection. UNHCR aims to design response mechanisms that ease the burden on host communities, promote the self-reliance of persons of concern, and facilitate access to solutions such as local integration and resettlement.

Improving livelihoods through economic inclusion is a key component in achieving protection outcomes and solutions for refugees. Economic inclusion involves access to labor markets, finance, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunities for all, including host communities. Economic inclusion helps refugees rebuild their lives with dignity and peace. In this work, UNHCR identifies partnerships with the private sector to design programs and adapt services that improve access and expand opportunities for refugees and migrants in both the labor market and entrepreneurship, in a sustainable manner and as a real contribution to the local and national economy.

Considering that Manta is one of Ecuador's industrial development hubs and one of the most important port cities, and due to the concentration of populations under UNHCR's mandate, in 2024 the Manta Field Unit will intensify its attention and direct response to the needs of refugees and migrants in terms of employability, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the active business network in the province of Manabí makes it possible for the "Companies with Refugees" initiative and the "Inclusive Company Seal" to be developed with greater intensity, thereby expanding economic inclusion opportunities for more forcibly displaced persons. Furthermore, development actors find allies in the local governments of the province to implement projects that include refugee and migrant populations. Notably, the IDB project in conjunction with the Municipality of Manta is a priority for UNHCR, and this requires having a Senior Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Assistant with strong capacity to generate and maintain partnerships, as well as the ability to navigate the local context and address its particularities.

To have a strategic position that can continue expanding opportunities in the city of Manta and ensure technical assistance and support to nearby localities, UNHCR is seeking a person committed to humanitarian principles and with functionally relevant work experience in local integration, livelihoods, and economic inclusion.

The candidate must analyze, adapt, and work effectively in a variety of situations, often under demanding conditions, and handle the unforeseen or unexpected. Team spirit, as well as performance-oriented results, are also required. Previous experience in implementing initiatives for inclusive entrepreneurship and employment from an age, gender, and diversity perspective is highly desirable. Finally, the position demands competencies in generating alliances and coordination with social actors, academia, the private sector, NGOs, and government.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

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.

Under the direct supervision of the Field Associate and the strategic guidance of the Livelihoods Unit, the Senior Livelihoods Assistant will be responsible for:

• Leading the implementation of the livelihoods and economic inclusion strategy in the field through multi-level coordination, support to implementing partners, and direct implementation of innovative and demonstrative projects.

• Providing technical advice to partners, strategic allies, and other actors to strengthen their capacities in implementing livelihoods projects with an inclusive market approach, circular economy, ensuring sustainable interventions and durable solutions for UNHCR’s persons of concern.

• Supporting and participating in the monitoring of livelihoods projects by UNHCR partners. In coordination with the program unit, providing support in participatory evaluation of programs and projects with an Age, Gender, and Diversity approach.

• Mapping opportunities with financial service actors and managing options for productive and/or associative credit, as well as financial education for UNHCR’s persons of concern.

• Identifying and attracting strategic allies from the private sector, managing institutional relations with companies and productive guilds through value propositions that harmonize the market approach with the economic inclusion needs of refugees.

• Facilitating and coordinating with local productive ecosystem actors to enhance employability and sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities for UNHCR’s persons of concern and host communities. Actors include: public service operators (ARCSA, IESS, Ministry of Labor and Production), local governments, academia, institutional and community networks, among others.

• Advocating for existing public and private policies, programs, and services to incorporate a human mobility approach to strengthen the referral pathway for refugees and improve the local integration strategy.

• Including a community approach in livelihoods interventions by strengthening community-based associative actions, solidary economy perspectives, developing savings groups, productive associations, community development funds, among others, that benefit vulnerable populations (women, SGBV, LGBTI+ individuals, youth).

• Contributing to building the capacities of partners and allies regarding the economic inclusion of refugees through technical training in collaboration with specialized actors (IESS, SRI, Ministry of Labor, universities).

• Being part of the multifunctional UNHCR field team and working in coordination with different units of the field office, specifically protection and programs, and with the Livelihoods Unit at the national level.

• Strengthening relationships with local governments, providing technical assistance to expand public economic inclusion services for refugees and migrants, and coordinating with development actors present in the field to maximize UNHCR’s added value in implementing projects funded by multilaterals.

• Conducting field visits to ensure technical assistance and support to nearby localities in the implementation of economic inclusion projects, according to strategic needs and operational capacity.

• Monitoring and following up on livelihoods programs and projects. Preparing progress reports, collecting indicators, and analyzing data in coordination with the program unit, and reporting directly to the assigned supervisor. Supporting the preparation of reports required by the field office: monthly situation reports, Weekly Highlights, documents and presentations, among others.

• Other duties as required by the Office related to the position.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

- Monthly progress reports.
- Monitoring system and indicators to report results of the developed actions.
- Final systematization of the developed actions.

4. Qualifications and Experience

a. Education

- University Degree in Business Management, Socio-Economics Development Economics/International Economics, Rural Development, Financial Management, Agriculture, or other related field

b. Work Experience

- For G5 - 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1-year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

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.

c. Functional Skills

- EX-Field experience
- LV-Livelihoods & sub-sectors (value-chain upgrading, microfinance, cash assistance, etc.)
- EX-Experience with Inter/Non-Governmental Organization (INGO/NGO)


 
d. Core Competencies

- Accountability
- Communication
- Organizational Awareness
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Client & Result Orientation

e. Cross-Functional Competencies

- Planning and Organizing
- Stakeholder Management
- Analytical Thinking

5. Submission of applications

A. English desirable (B2 level).
B. Shortlisted candidates may sit a technical test.
C. Foreign candidates, to be considered eligible for this position, must have a temporary or permanent residence in Ecuador that allows them to carry out work activities in the country.
D. If selected the candidate must submit a current and updated RUC Unique Taxpayer Registry. The salary offered is in net terms.
E. If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your application according to the following instructions:


- CANDIDATES WITH ACCESS TO THE WORKDAY: In order to apply, you must first create your profile in the WORKDAY system.

- EXTERNAL CANDIDATES:
Candidates who do NOT have access to the WORKDAY system must submit their application through UNHCR's official site for applications: https://www.unhcr.org/careers.html


For any questions about the selection process, please contact Human Resources (ecuquhr@unhcr.org).

NOTE

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 does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

If you are a person with a disability and need additional assistance during the application and/or recruitment process, please contact us by email: ecuquhr@unhcr.org


CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL. ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS SENT BY THE SYSTEM WILL BE CONSIDERED

 

Standard Job Description

Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
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 Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant 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. To document good practices, results and to generate knowledge, the Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant will work closely with the supervisor to build on UNHCR databases and support regular information sharing and coordination among different humanitarian, developmental and governmental stakeholders. S/he will assist to mobilize refugees of different age, gender and background and to ensure that all stakeholders well understand the potential of economic inclusion of refugees and host community members, and to help communicate opportunities to PoC.


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
- 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.

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
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.

Required Languages

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

LV-Strategic Planning and Advocacy for Refugee Socioeconomic Rights

Education

Certifications

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

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Home-Based

No