Senior Operations Associate - UNOPS LICA - 7

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

A (least hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

UNOPS LICA7

Target Start Date

2025-08-01

Deadline For Applications

July 29, 2025

Terms Of Reference

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This position is advertised to internal applicants. Only Mexicans or candidates holding a permanent residency or valid work permit in México will be considered eligible (attach the corresponding document in the application).

• Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern, is subject to proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, independently of contract type and duration. The selected candidate(s) will be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to recruitment.

• Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

• Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might/could include a written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.

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

• This position is offered under UNOPS Local ICA contract until 31/12/2025 with possibility of extension.

• Remuneration: A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For more information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the Office of HR Management of United Nations. UNHCR also offers comprehensive medical insurance and pension plans.

1. General Background
(Brief description of the national, sector-specific or other relevant context in which the individual contractor will operate)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has a mandate to provide international protection and search durable solutions for refugees and stateless individuals.

In Mexico, UNHCR works by providing technical advice on asylum matters and refugee status determination, along with their respective procedures. It also collaborates with relevant Mexican authorities to identify individuals with international protection needs, particularly focusing on the identification and protection of special groups such as unaccompanied or separated refugee children and adolescents, victims of human trafficking, and stateless persons.

In partnership with Mexican civil society organizations, academia, the private sector and the Mexican government, UNHCR also supports the strengthening of mechanisms and initiatives that promote and facilitate the integration of refugees and stateless persons in Mexico.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
(Concise and detailed description of activities, tasks and responsibilities to be undertaken, including expected travel, if applicable)
  
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

This role will involve close collaboration with private sector partners to enhance employment opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers, facilitating coordination through sector meetings and various engagement mechanisms that advance UNHCR’s strategic goals. The incumbent will support management efforts associated with operations and relationships with private sector entities, driving initiatives that foster employability.

Daily interactions will occur with staff across multiple field offices and functional units at the Country/Regional Office, as well as robust liaisons with a range of private sector partners, local authorities, NGOs, and UN agencies to cultivate collaborative engagement focused on employability initiatives.

All UNHCR staff members are responsible for fulfilling their duties as outlined in their job descriptions, executing assigned tasks within their delegated authority, and adhering to the regulatory framework of UNHCR. This framework includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies, Administrative Instructions, and relevant accountability frameworks. Staff members are expected to uphold UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Assist in the development and promotion of UNHCR’s partnerships with private sector entities for employability initiatives within Mexico, ensuring alignment with operational goals and strategies.
• Strengthen the capacities of the private sector for the development of new hiring opportunities for persons forced to flee in Mexico.
• Stay informed about developments that may impact employment opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers in Mexico and provide regular updates and recommendations to senior management.
• Develop informational materials, briefings, and trend reports to support private sector engagement for employability.
• Analyze the role of private sector partnerships in enhancing employability for refugees and asylum seekers and contribute to a strategic plan that fosters these partnerships.
• Develop and prepare analytical papers that outline potential collaborations with the private sector and propose actionable recommendations for enhancing employability programs.
• Identify challenges and opportunities related to private sector engagement for employability and work alongside relevant sections to recommend initiatives that optimize program implementation and partner coordination.
• Respond to field inquiries and requests related to private sector partnerships for employability and facilitate follow-ups in coordination with other outreach focal points within UNHCR.
• Liaise with private sector partners on matters related to the employment and assistance of refugees, IDPs, and other people forcibly displaced, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• In close coordination with COMEX (Senior Management and DSolutions), maintain a diverse network of contacts across the private sector, including businesses, industry associations, donors, and civil society organizations, to support UNHCR’s employability objectives.
• Support the evaluation and management of risks concerning private sector relationships, actively seeking opportunities that advance UNHCR’s strategic goals related to employability within the AoR. Ensure that decision-making is informed by relevant risks and trends.
• Perform other related duties as required.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
(Clear description of measurable outputs, milestones, key performance indicators and/or reporting requirements which will enable performance monitoring)
     
• Contribute to UNHCRs plan to establish and nurture partnerships with private sector entities focused on employability.
• Organize workshops aimed at enhancing the hiring capabilities of private sector partners for refugees and asylum seekers.
• Develop and distribute materials to guide private sector engagement in employability initiatives.
• Produce reports summarizing private sector engagement activities and outcomes.
• Identify and suggest new employment opportunities and partnerships for refugees and asylum seekers.
• Plan and execute high level seminars for private sector allies in the Local Integration Program.

4. Qualifications and Experience
(List the required education, work experience, expertise and competencies of the individual contractor. The listed education and experience should correspond with the level at which the contract is offered.)

a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)
     
For G7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher, preferably in Public Administration; Economics; Social Science,
Business Administration; Law; or another relevant field.

- Proficiency in English at a minimum B2 level

b. Work Experience
(List number of years and area of required work experience. Clearly distinguish between required experience and experience which could be an asset.)
     
- 5 years relevant experience leading and coordinating employment or economic inclusion programs.
- Experience working with UNHCR; or other UN entities or partners preferably in refugee or humanitarian operations will be considered an asset.
 

c. Key Competencies
(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment. Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies)
     
- Analytical thinking
- Planning and organization
- Adaptability to changing scenarios
- Effective and assertive communication
- Teamwork in an international and multicultural environment
- Client and results-oriented
- Innovation and creativity
- Stakeholder management and respect for diversity
- Political awareness to interact with government, civil society organizations, and other actors

Standard Job Description

Required Languages

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Work Experience

Other Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Remote

No