Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate

October 6, 2025

A (least hardship)

FamilyFamily

GS7

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-11-01

Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate will work under the direct supervision of the (Senior) Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer. The incumbent will support in operationalizing the strategic vision to align 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. S/he supervises some support staff.

The Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate will collaborate closely with UNHCR livelihoods partners, government agencies, private sector and financial service providers as well as other relevant stakeholders to enhance the economic inclusion and improve self-reliance of both persons of concern (PoC) and host community members. The incumbent will also be expected to deliberately explore opportunities of collaboration with other UNHCR cross cutting areas such as protection, education, cash, partnerships, research and analytics, GBV, solutions, complementary pathways and more. To document good practices, results and to generate knowledge, the Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate will work closely with the supervisor to build on UNHCR databases and support regular information sharing and coordination among different humanitarian, developmental and governmental stakeholders. S/he will assist to mobilize refugees of different age, gender and background and to ensure that all stakeholders well understand the potential of economic inclusion of refugees and host community members and to help communicate opportunities to (PoC). The incumbent will maintain existing and explore new partnerships and advise on advocacy initiatives to improve access to livelihoods and economic inclusion opportunities in the context.


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
- Explore partnerships to facilitate the economic inclusion of refugees, 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. This includes advocating with public and private sector services providers to include UNHCR PoC in supporting services (business development, micro-finance, training, saving accounts, poverty alleviation and social protection, etc.).
- In case UNHCR is implementing specific livelihoods activities, work closely with and provide technical assistance on 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.
- Coordinate with other UNHCR sectors (energy and environment, child protection, gender, community services, education etc.) to ensure that the developed livelihoods work plan deliberately integrates protection safeguards and includes other possible relevant and innovative practices that may benefit PoCs.
- 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 utilising community-based strategies to inform targeting, monitoring and facilitation of development programmes.
- Evaluate submitted concept notes and other project documents to ensure that these conform to UNHCR's quality standards, regulations and internal requirements before approval by senior management.

- 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

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G7 - 4 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
Business Management, Socio-Economics Development, Economics/International Economics,
Rural Development, Financial Management, Agriculture
or other relevant field
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in facilitating the economic inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, ideally in varied field contexts. Experience in working in partnership 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.

Desirable
Prior exposure to UNHCR refugee operations and functions relating to office administration and programme activities. Knowledge about latest development in the livelihoods sector, including broader UN processes on the SDGs and the Global Compact on Refugees. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.

Functional Skills
LV-Strategic Planning and Advocacy for Refugee Socioeconomic Rights
(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 for the Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate role is a proactive and development-oriented professional with a strong commitment to refugee inclusion and self-reliance. The candidate should have a solid understanding of socio-economic development, market-based programming, and the global frameworks that shape UNHCR’s work—particularly the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The successful candidate will bring at least 3 years of experience in livelihoods, economic inclusion, or related development/humanitarian programming, ideally in displacement contexts. He/She should have demonstrated experience working with government institutions, NGOs, the private sector, and development actors to enhance the economic resilience and self-reliance of vulnerable populations. Prior experience in engaging with multi-sectoral teams and contributing to program design, implementation, and monitoring is essential.

A degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field is required. The candidate should have knowledge of labour market dynamics, value chain development, and inclusive economic programming. Familiarity with cash-based interventions, micro-enterprise support, and access to financial services would be a strong asset. Skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting—especially using tools such as Excel or Kobo—will be highly valued.

The candidate must be collaborative, adaptable, and able to engage effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. Strong communication and coordination skills are necessary to help strengthen partnerships and ensure refugees’ access to sustainable economic opportunities. Fluency in English is required.

The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate will be expected to work across UNHCR’s sectors, contributing to assessments, data management, advocacy efforts, and the overall operationalization of inclusive, market-driven livelihood strategies. He/She should have a strong sense of initiative, a solutions-oriented mindset, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives and futures of displaced populations.

,

,

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

LV-Strategic Planning and Advocacy for Refugee Socioeconomic Rights

Certifications

Competencies

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

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

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance