Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

A (least hardship)

Family

UNOPS LICA4

2025-01-27

January 12, 2025

TERMS OF REFERENCE
(Individual Contractor Agreement)

Title: External Relations Assistant (PPT – Quito Process)
Project: RB PANAMA/2025/00
Duty station: Quito, Ecuador
Section/Unit: UNHCR RBAC
ICA Level: LICA level 4
Corresponding level: GS-4
Duration: from 01/01/2025 to 31/12/2025
Supervisor: Ana Paola Murillo, Government Liaison Officer, UNHCR Panamá

1. General Background

The Quito Process started in September 2018, when 11 States of the region signed the “Quito Declaration on Human Mobility for Venezuelan Citizens in the Region”, with the initial purpose of exchanging information, good practices and articulate a regional coordination platform that complements the efforts of the States regarding the migratory and humanitarian situation of displaced Venezuelans in the region. To date, the Quito Process has 14 member States and has developed a system that includes civil society, academia, private sector, and the UN system.

The Quito Process aims to harmonize and coordinate regional initiatives to ensure migration and asylum governance in full respect and protection of human rights and in accordance with national regulations, applicable international legal instruments, and best practices in the region.

The current structure of the Quito Process System includes the Pro-Tempore Presidency (PPT), the Member States, the Technical Secretariat (UNHCR and IOM), the Troika (past, present and future PPT), the Group of Friends, the Lead or Champion Countries of thematic areas, the Technical Focal Points of the United Nations System, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector organizations, and academic institutions and specialists. Likewise, the Quito Process works in close coordination with the R4V Regional Coordination Platform, which contributes contextual information as well as assesses humanitarian needs (Refugee and Migrant Response Plan, RMRP).

In 2025, Ecuador assumes the Pro-Tempore Presidency. The incumbent will support the Technical Secretariat on administrative aspects to ensure that UNHCR can fulfil its role in supporting the Government-led Quito Process 2025 Presidency (Ecuador).

The Quito Process Technical Secretariat (ST) provides technical, operational, communications, and administrative support to the Pro Tempore Presidency (PPT) for the follow-up of the commitments and content of the Declarations, the Group of Friends, and all issues related to the purpose of advancing the achievement of the objectives set out by this regional mechanism.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The incumbent will provide administrative support to the Technical Secretariat and the Government of Ecuador, in coordination with a homologue from IOM. Both assistants will contribute to the fulfilment of the inherent objectives of the Quito Process PPT and its Technical Secretariat and, consequently, to the success of the Quito IV Chapter under Ecuador´s leadership. This vacancy is supported by and reports to UNHCR.

The incumbent will provide the required support to the PPT, working under the supervision of UNHCR´s Government Liaison Officer at the Americas Bureau, in close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, and in line with the following responsibilities of the Quito Process Technical Secretariat:

 To follow up and maintain the PPT informed on the advancement of activities agreed during the technical meetings of the Process.

 To keep record of the PPT activities, prepare inputs and support the development of deliverables for the PPT.

 To prepare and support the overall organization of the meetings of the Process.

 To follow up on the initiatives and activities that arise from the Process itself and its corresponding Action Plan; and

 To carry out other related activities assigned by the PPT or support requested by the Technical Secretariat.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

 The incumbent will be responsible for assisting the Technical Secretariat in all administrative aspects related to activities and events of the PPT, including but not limited to, preparing invitations, preparing materials, keeping meeting notes, follow up on agreements of workshops, regional technical meetings, and a plenary meeting and any other activity held under the working plan of the Quito Process’ PPT.
 As discussed with the PPT, the incumbent will be required to work on-site at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a maximum of three days per week, depending on the availability of adequate office space. The incumbent’s official workstation will be based at the UNHCR premises in Quito.

4. Qualifications and Experience:

a. Education: (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)

 Advanced university studies in Law, Political Science, International Relations, or related fields, with specialization in International Human Rights and Refugee Law, Humanitarian Assistance, and International Development.
 Fluent in Spanish, and English.
 Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel. Proficiency in other programs will be considered an asset.

b. Work Experience:

 Minimum of 1 year of experience (Protection, Field Protection, Humanitarian Affairs, External Relations, Government Liaison) in the context of humanitarian activities. Previous experience with UNHCR and government-led processes will be considered an asset.

 Desirable experience in liaising with governments and/or the donor community. Thorough understanding of UNHCR’s protection mandate and core mission. Thorough understanding of humanitarian coordination, government-led processes, and/or development coordination.

c. Key Competencies

Functional Skills:
IT-Computer Literacy
CO- Drafting and Documentation

Core Competencies:
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies:
N/A

Cross-Functional Competencies:
Stakeholder Management
Analytical Thinking
Planning and Organizing

5. Submission of applications

A. English Desirable. (B2 Level)
B. The shortlisted candidates may sit a technical examination.
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

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

Required Languages

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Other information

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance

Home-Based

No

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements