JOB DESCRIPTION

E (most hardship)

Non Family

Non FamilyDanger Pay

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-07-23

August 8, 2025

Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer has a key role to play in aligning 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. Promoting economic inclusion of refugees is a key development area that will enable the achievement of these objectives and contribute to the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Leveraging the growing global momentum, UNHCR is working to translate the objectives of the GCR into impactful results for forcibly displaced and stateless persons, including through follow-up on pledges made through the 2019 Global Refugee Forum. Contributing to this global roll-out of the GCR, the Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer, with direct support from the Senior Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Officer in the Regional Bureau and the global support of the relevant Unit(s) in the Sustainable Responses Service (SRS), works towards the following objectives: 1) improve the enabling environment for refugees to work through advocacy on the right to/at work, access to economic opportunities and services;
2) seek new and strengthen existing partnerships including with the private sector, development actors, government institutions and specialized agencies to advance economic inclusion of refugees; and
3) enhance ongoing livelihoods and economic inclusion programming through evidence-based and market-driven approaches to improve economic inclusion outcomes.
The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer should be proactive, always looking for new opportunities, and persuasive in mobilizing donors and new partners around new models of economic and social integration. The incumbent will play a role in formulating interventions that position UNHCR a key catalyst for livelihoods and the economic inclusion of refugees.
S/he will interact with both internal and external counterparts. The incumbent will work closely with multi-functional teams on matters including but not limited to protection, education, cash, partnerships, research and analytics, GBV, solutions, complementary pathways and more. Externally, the Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Officer will help promote refugees’ economic inclusion through effective partnerships with relevant government line ministries, development actors, the private sector, UN agencies, international organisations and NGOs, and research institutions and universities, both at the global and country levels.

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
– Facilitate the economic inclusion of refugees in coordination with relevant external partners such as line ministries, private sector and development actors in accordance with UNHCR Global and Country level policies, priorities, and strategies, in particular the Global Compact on Refugees.
– Strengthen partnerships with relevant stakeholders to enhance economic inclusion of UNHCR forcibly displaced and stateless persons. This includes advocating with public and private sector services providers to include UNHCR forcibly displaced and stateless persons in supporting services (business development, micro-finance, training, saving accounts, poverty alleviation and social protection, etc.).
– Build on UNHCR databases to support regular information sharing and coordination among different humanitarian, developmental and governmental stakeholders. This includes supporting the implementation of socioeconomic and wealth ranking surveys to inform targeting, monitoring and facilitation of development programmes.
– Conduct necessary assessments in collaboration with relevant private and public stakeholders, including impact assessments on local economies and surveys that help to identify investment and funding opportunities that enhance the economic inclusion of UNHCR forcibly displaced and stateless persons.
– Work with economic development agencies to help adapt their programmes to become inclusive of UNHCR forcibly displaced and stateless persons and with the private sector to enhance inclusion of UNHCR forcibly displaced and stateless persons in their labour force and supply chains.
– In case UNHCR is implementing specific livelihoods activities, strengthen, guide and monitor the 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.
– Perform other related duties as required.
In the Regional Bureaux
– Keep abreast of policy developments and situation updates in the region, and advocate towards the economic inclusion and livelihoods of forcibly displaced and stateless persons.
– Maintain regular communication with livelihoods and economic inclusion focal points in Country Operations in the region, identify gaps, opportunities, and provide guidance and capacity building for impactful programming.
– Coordinate relevant technical assessments and research conducted in the region and support the identification of investment and funding opportunities that enhance the economic inclusion of UNHCR forcibly displaced and stateless persons.
– Develop and mobilize partnerships for the economic inclusion and improved livelihoods of forcibly displaced and stateless persons.
– Facilitate coordination and mobilize resources and partnerships for the economic inclusion of forcibly displaced and stateless persons and their livelihoods, at regional level.

– 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.

In the Country Operations

– Work with the multi-functional team, more specifically with the Protection Unit, to assess the legal framework for the right to work and rights at work in respective host countries and recommend/implement advocacy initiatives and policy reforms to improve UNHCR forcibly displaced and stateless persons’ economic inclusion, rights and access to work.
– Manage the livelihoods and economic inclusion programme in the Operation, develop/update strategy, plan, monitor, report on and evaluate results.
– Conduct necessary assessments and research in collaboration with relevant private and public stakeholders, including impact assessments on local economies and surveys that help to identify investment and funding opportunities that enhance the economic inclusion of UNHCR forcibly displaced and stateless persons.
– Facilitate coordination and mobilize resources and partnerships for the economic inclusion of forcibly displaced and stateless personsand their livelihoods, at Operation level.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Business Management; Socio-Economics Development; Economics/International Economics Rural Development; Financial Management; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Technical competencies in sub-sectors relevant to livelihoods programming e.g. financial inclusion, employment, entrepreneurship, private sector development, local economic development, poverty reduction, agriculture, livestock, vocational and technical education, and training, etc. Experience in facilitating the economic inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups and managing and advising on development processes in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, ideally in varied field contexts. Experience in working with and developing partnerships 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. Experience in conducting sector assessments using quality social-science methods and tools, and in developing at least one comprehensive multi-year strategic plan for livelihoods support.

Desirable
Experience with UNHCR policies and standards.

Functional Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation
MG-Project Management
SO-Networking
LV-Livelihood Project Development and Implementation
LV-Microfinance and Banking sector analysis
MG-Management Planning
(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.

Under the direct supervision of the Representative, the incumbent will coordinate and implement the country livelihoods and economic inclusion strategy in close coordination with other units across Afghanistan, covering several sub-offices. The incumbent will serve as livelihoods focal point for RBAP, DRS and for neighboring country offices, including Pakistan and Iran.

As livelihoods is one of the key priorities and interventions of the operation to find durable solutions and to ensure the sustainable return and reintegration of returnees, the position requires strong livelihoods, economic and financial inclusion capacity, as well as good knowledge of the context in Afghanistan, to implement the Office”s strategy.

The position requires good knowledge in inclusion of returnees and forcibly displaced in service delivery systems, including in identified agriculture and non-agriculture value chains. The position also requires expertise in skills training and employability enhancement initiatives and access to micro finance.

In view of ongoing discussions with various partners, including Development Banks, International Financial Institutions, as well as UN Sister Agencies and other partners with livelihoods activities, good communication and diplomatic skills are also required.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

UNHCR and WFP have contracted IQARUS international to provide medical interventions under the AFMAT clinics in Kabul and Field Offices. Staff members on special prescription should travel with sufficient quantity of medication. Medical facilities for referral in Kabul include German Clinic, French Medical Institute for Mothers & Children (FMIC) and Blossom Health Center. Seasonal air pollution occurs in Afghanistan and contributes to comorbidities that are known to worsen outcomes among those infected with COVID-19.

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The crisis is underpinned by multiple, complex, and interrelated challenges, all of which affect the livelihoods of the people, including the forcibly displaced and returnees, pushing them into extreme vulnerability and subjecting them to diverse protection risks. The more than four decades of conflict have decimated infrastructure and disrupted production and market networks, considerably impacting income and livelihood opportunities for the people.

A key recommendation from the 2022-23 surveys is to scale up and deepen livelihood support and enhance access to economic opportunities, especially for women and vulnerable groups. The lack of livelihoods and economic opportunities, and the resultant lack of employment, sufficient and stable income to cover basic needs and access to key services representatives are a key barrier to the realization of protection and durabale solutions for the forcibly displaced, returnees and host communities. Enhancing livelihoods and access to economic opportunities will assure self-reliance enhance resilience and mitigate protection risks, including through prevention of engagement in harmful coping mechanisms.

In line with the context, UNHCR Afghanistan requires strong livelihoods and economic inclusion capacity to implement its livelihoods and economic inclusion strategy. Livelihoods will serve as one of the key priorities and interventions of the operation to find durable solutions and to ensure the sustainable return and reintegration of returnees.

The livelihoods and economic inclusion strategy includes five strategic objectives:

• Inclusion of the forcibly displaced, the returnees and their hosts, especially women and youth, in local service delivery systems and livelihood and economic inclusion interventions of the livelihood stakeholders.
• Supporting the insertion of the forcibly displaced, returnees, and their hosts in identified agriculture and non-agriculture value chains.
• Promoting self- and formal employment through training and participation in employability enhancement initiatives.
• Promoting access to finance and augmenting financial health for the forcibly displaced, returnees and host communities.
• Promoting the use of evidence in livelihoods programming and advocacy.

The operation will increase the number and variety of livelihood engagements, which is also paramount in view of the ongoing discussion with Development Banks and International Financial Institutions such as the Asia Development Bank, the World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation, as well as UN Sister Agencies including UNDP, ILO, UNCTAD, and other partners with livelihoods activities.

The operation will also strengthen key initiatives and livelihoods engagement, including financial inclusion with microfinance institutions. Ongoing discussions on the second phase of the micro-credit project require comprehensive knowledge of the financial institutions and microfinance sector.

Work with the private sector is also a key element of the livelihoods and economic inclusion strategy and key to achieving the economic resilience and self-reliance of returnees, displaced people and their host communities.

Living and Working Conditions:

Afghanistan is a high-risk country with a very complex operational environment, characterized by uncertainty and frequent security incidents. Movement by all personnel is restricted, coordinated and monitored by the security officers. UNHCR in Kabul is located within the ICON Compound on the Supreme Road of the Police District 9. It occupies 40 MOSS-compliant rooms for staff accommodation, with each room having its own washroom and other facilities. Offices are within the ICON compound. No visits except in UN compounds and Embassies, which is frustrating and stressful to cope with.

Outdoor air quality is a health concern in Kabul. The degree of exposure and concentration of air pollutants can be detrimental to breathing problems, the development of chronic diseases, and the deterioration of health status in individuals with chronic diseases. The office provides air purifiers both in the office and in the accommodation.

The security situation is unstable, volatile, and unpredictable, with a rise since 2022-2023. A daily radio check is mandatory. All movements are strictly by Armoured Vehicle or by air. A 6-week R&R cycle is applicable for the duty station, and staff are highly encouraged not to delay. Considering the serious restrictions on staff movement, it is crucial to demonstrate a record of maintaining a positive attitude whenever confronted with adversity and restraints in social life. Curfews are in place throughout the country, and mission travel must be authorized by the Representative or designated managers, subject to completing the mandatory BSAFE, SSAFE, and IFAK training and security clearance procedures.

Staff interested in the position should be mentally, psychologically, and physically fit and ready to adjust to living in a compound setting surrounded by a barbed-wired wall with the presence of 24/7 armed security and dogs patrolling within the compound premises. Applicants should be aware of the possibility of being put on lockdown in bunkers due to security threats. Therefore, applicants need to have strong coping mechanisms and be highly adaptable.

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Drafting and Documentation, LV-Livelihood Project Development and Implementation, LV-Microfinance and Banking sector analysis, MG-Management Planning, MG-Project Management, SO-Networking

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Financial Management, Bachelor of Arts: Rural Development, Bachelor of Arts: Socio-Economic Development

Certifications

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Add. 2 to the Bi-Annual 2025 Compendium – Part B

Additional Information

This position requires Functional Clearance