JOB DESCRIPTION

August 27, 2025

E (most hardship)

Family

Family

GS6

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-10-01

Repatriation Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Repatriation Associate reports to the Senior Repatriation Associate, Associate Repatriation Officer, Associate Protection Officer, Repatriation Officer or Protection Officer in a Field Office, Sub Office or a Country Office.
The Repatriation Associate is relied upon to ensure the advancement of repatriation activities. She/he should implement the voluntary repatriation programme, in compliance with requisite standard operating procedures. S/he should contribute to ensuring that all repatriation movements respect the principle of voluntariness and occur in safety and dignity, with the full participation and support of persons and communities of concern.
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
– Interview candidates for voluntary repatriation and ensure that they make informed decisions on returns, based on up to date information on the conditions in the country of origin.
– Prepare documents (including Voluntary Repatriation Forms) and ensure that refugees are provided with the appropriate documentation.
– Facilitate UNHCR’s access and communication to/with individual and communities of concern, including through translation and cultural mediation.
– Participate in mass information activities aimed at informing refugee communities and other relevant stakeholders about the voluntary repatriation programme.
– Provide logistics and administrative support to voluntary repatriation border-crossing/return movements.
– Assist in monitoring the implementation of the voluntary return operation through consultations, regular field visits and monitoring tools.
– Gather and enter data related to return movements and conditions in areas of return and accordingly advise the repatriation/protection/programme units, as appropriate.
– Assess the specific needs of vulnerable categories of returnees during return movements and advise on responses.
– Interview candidates for voluntary repatriation and establish whether their decision is voluntary.
– In line with the existing SOPs, advise senior colleagues on which individuals to register for further return processing.
– Enter information on voluntary repatriation into available databases, in line with SOPs.
– Draft and submit reports relating to voluntary repatriation.

– 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
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G6 – 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
International Law, International Relation, Political science,
or other relevant field.
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Demonstrated knowledge in UNHCR refugee protection standards, procedures for Refugee Repatriation and its policies and principles on durable solutions for refugees and others of concern to UNHCR.

Desirable
Completion of UNHCR specific learning/training activities (i.e.).
UNHCR field experience desirable.
Good knowledge of UNHCR’s protection mandate and operations.

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
PR-Protection – Durable Solutions
PR-Resettlement/Repatriation/Voluntary Repatriation
(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.

The ideal candidate has practical experience in voluntary repatriation, including intention surveys, pre-departure support, and coordination with partners and authorities. Knowledge of cross-border returns, reintegration, and returnee monitoring is essential. Field presence and direct engagement with refugees are key. Experience with Central African refugee repatriation is a strong asset.
• Expertise in voluntary repatriation and durable solutions.
• Strong leadership in protection-sensitive return planning and implementation.
• Skilled in linking humanitarian response with development interventions.
• Good experience in the return of refugees.
• Experience in area-based recovery programming to promote return
• Demonstrated experience in the planning and implementation of voluntary repatriation and sustainable reintegration activities.
• In-depth understanding of protection-sensitive approaches to return, including risk assessments, safeguarding principles, and monitoring post-return outcomes.
• Experience supporting area-based recovery programming and effective linkage between humanitarian and development interventions.
• Skilled in organizing intention surveys and counselling refugees on return options.
• Proven ability to collect, analyze and report data related to cross-border returns and reintegration trends.
• Ability to provide technical support and training to partners, staff, and community focal points on repatriation-related procedures and standards.
Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
• Strong ability to coordinate and negotiate with Government authorities, NGOs, international organizations, and other actors involved in the repatriation and reintegration process.
• Experience in community engagement and maintaining effective communication and trust with both returnee and host populations.
Communication
• Excellent proficiency in French, both oral and written; strong drafting and communication skills.
• Full computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and digital platforms for data collection and analysis.
Personal Attributes & Work Ethic
• Ability to make timely and sound decisions in complex field settings.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and respect for confidentiality.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to adhere to established procedures and timelines.
• Demonstrated respect for cultural diversity and the ability to work effectively in multicultural teams.
• Proven capacity to work under pressure and deliver quality results within tight deadlines.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

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

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Republic of Congo continues to be a country of asylum, primarily for refugees from neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR). The country currently hosts over 35,000 Central African and 32,000 Congolese (DRC) refugees, who live in relative peace and are gradually integrating into host communities.
Although an asylum law was adopted in 2021, the implementing decree has yet to be signed. This legal gap prevents refugees from fully enjoying their rights, particularly access to social services and legal documentation. UNHCR is actively advocating for the adoption of the decree and the issuance of identity and legal documents to refugees, which are essential for their protection and inclusion.
Following a joint verification exercise completed in 2024, UNHCR and the National Refugee Assistance Committee (CNAR) confirmed the presence of 71,680 refugees and asylum seekers. Since then, over 8,000 new arrivals from the DRC have been identified, though they have not yet been registered and granted refugee status by the Congolese authorities.
UNHCR’s strategy in the Republic of Congo is anchored in three pillars: i) Legal Protection, by strengthening the legal framework for refugee protection, including through advocacy for the implementation of the asylum law, and ensuring refugees receive appropriate documentation to access rights and services ii) Catalyzing inclusion, by acting as a catalyst to mobilize development actors and the private sector to design and implement inclusive projects that benefit both host communities and refugees. This includes promoting refugee access to education, health care, and livelihoods within national systems iii) Durable solutions by facilitating voluntary repatriation, with a priority focus on CAR refugees, while also supporting returns to the DRC when conditions allow.
UNHCR in RoC also works to ensure that newly arrived refugees are identified, registered, and assisted promptly.
This comprehensive approach aims to reduce pressure on national systems and natural resources, while fostering peaceful coexistence and long-term resilience for both refugees and host populations.

Living and Working Conditions:

The Republic of the Congo generally has a hot, humid climate, with a rainy season from October to April and a cooler, dry season from May to September. Brazzaville, the capital, is a small and relatively safe city with a low crime rate; it is rated as UNDSS Security Level 2, while the rest of the country is Level 1.

The cost of living is high, reflected in the post adjustment. The central area of Brazzaville, where most expatriates reside, is well developed, experiences minimal traffic issues, and has an abundance of taxis. The city offers a variety of African, French, Indian, and Chinese restaurants, as well as a small shopping mall with supermarkets.

Several international schools operate in Brazzaville, including French and American institutions. Basic medical care is available locally, but for serious conditions, treatment abroad is often recommended. Malaria is endemic throughout the country, and preventive measures are essential.

Cultural life is supported by institutions such as the French Institute which hosts regular events and offers a well-stocked library and the Russian Institute. The country also offers diverse leisure opportunities, including nature reserves and other holiday destinations.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-Computer Literacy, PR-Durable Solutions/Comprehensive Solutions Strategies implementation, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework, PR-Refugee Resettlement programs

Certifications

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

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

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance