Location:

Geneva, Switzerland
Salary:

$55,000 - $75,000 / YEAR
Job type:

FULL_TIME
Posted:

1 week ago
Category:

Communication and Advocacy
Deadline:

28/11/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

Deadline for Applications

November 27, 2025

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

H (no hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

CONTR Local Professional Level

Target Start Date

2025-12-01

Terms of Reference

1. General Background of Project or Assignment:
The position is based in the Division of International Protection, Field Protection Service, IDP Unit. The post incumbent will play a key role in the work of the small and dynamic IDP Unit (currently composed of three staff) at UNHCR. The Unit coordinates and supports the agency’s internal and external engagement on internal displacement, advancing UNHCR’s thought leadership and operational advantage in protection and solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The unit provides support and guidance to more than 30 UNHCR IDP operations worldwide and engages at the global level with governments and other stakeholders, as well as national and local authorities in countries affected by internal displacement to strengthen capacity-building, advocacy and policy efforts to advance protection and solutions for IDPs.

2. Occupational Safety and Health Considerations
To view occupational safety and health considerations for specific duty stations, please visit this link:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Specific Occupational Safety and Health Considerations to this assignment (if applicable): N/A

3. Overall Purpose and Scope of Assignment:
The incumbent will contribute to shaping global policies and practices on internal displacement by developing guidance and tools, including drafting, editing, and reviewing issue briefs, technical guidance, and other key documents. Working closely with UNHCR IDP operations and Regional Bureaus, the incumbent will gain direct insight into fieldwork through research and engagement, providing advocacy support both to specific operations and at the global level. The role also includes supporting the IDP Unit’s collaboration with the IDP Protection Expert Group (IPEG) and the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of IDPs, offering opportunities for direct involvement with high-level experts.

Additionally, the incumbent will support research and the development of internal and external materials to reinforce UNHCR’s thought leadership on key IDP protection areas, such as IDP participation and protection in urban contexts. The role will also encompass knowledge management and communication, including disseminating information, managing online platforms, creating communications assets, and tracking trained staff. Furthermore, the incumbent will provide logistical and coordination support for workshops and events, ensuring their successful execution and meaningful participation. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in impactful work at a global level, directly contributing to the protection and support of internally displaced persons worldwide.

4. Required level, qualifications and work experience:
Qualification and experience required (degree required, years of work experience, field of expertise, language required):

For P2/NOB – 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree.

The candidate for this position will have a strong understanding of internal displacement, protection, and humanitarian response, with prior experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or programmatic support related to forced displacement. They should possess excellent research and analytical skills, enabling them to conduct desk reviews, monitor field operations, and synthesize complex information into clear and actionable insights. Strong drafting and editing abilities are essential, as the incumbent will contribute to the development of key guidance documents, issue briefs, and advocacy materials.
Experience in knowledge management, communications, and digital content management—such as maintaining online platforms and disseminating information—will be an asset.

In addition to technical expertise, the incumbent must be a highly organized and proactive team player who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Given the small size of the IDP Unit, they should be comfortable taking initiative, multitasking, and managing a diverse range of responsibilities. Strong interpersonal and communication skills will be crucial for engaging with UNHCR’s IDP operations, Regional Bureaus, and high-level stakeholders such as the IDP Protection Expert Group (IPEG) and the Special Rapporteur on IDPs. A collaborative and flexible approach, combined with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, will be key to success in this role. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to UNHCR’s mission and a passion for advancing protection and solutions for internally displaced persons.
Knowledge of French, Spanish and/or Arabic is desirable as well as the specific field experience the candidate should have. DIP seeks diversity in its workforce and will consider gender and diversity in the composition of its teams. DIP encourages people with disabilities and people with lived experience of
forced displacement to apply.

5. Monitoring and Progress Controls (report requirements, periodicity, format, deadlines):
a. The final product (e.g. survey completed, data collected, workshop conducted, research documents produced specify): In supporting the work of the unit, the completion of agreed upon tasks by given deadlines will be checked by the manager. Regular exchanges to monitor progress (weekly-monthly) will be organised between the manager and the incumbent.