Senior Repatriation Assistant – Temporary Appointment UNHCR Contract – G5 – HRT059 - Qobayat

Eight years into the Syria crisis, Lebanon remains the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita, with nearly 950,000  Syrian refugees registered with UNHCR, about 20,000 refugees of other origins - mostly Iraqi - and Palestine refugees under UNRWA’s mandate.  There are no formal camps for Syrian refugees in Lebanon, and refugees are living in hundreds of communities and locations across the country.

The refugee response is led by the Government and UNHCR and UNDP, supported by the international community. As the designated lead agency in the refugee response, UNHCR has established a sector-based structure in Beirut and in the field. The structure brings together over 150 UN agencies, national and international NGO partners [over 150 actors, including UN agencies, national and international NGOs and Ministries] in identifying and agreeing on the strategic priorities to address the needs of Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese communities. The Lebanon Chapter of the Response Plan falls under the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP), whereby UNHCR guides the refugee response and UNDP facilitates the resilience and stabilization component.

The UNHCR operational response in Lebanon is one of the largest for the organization. Media attention and the frequency of influential high-profile visitors is high. The Office has grown substantially in the past years and is currently operating with around 650 staff. Aside from the country office in the capital city of Beirut, UNHCR has field offices in Mount Lebanon, Qobayat, Tripoli, Tyre and Zahle.

The Senior Repatriation Assistant is a member of the Protection Team in Northern Lebanon and located with the Qobayat Field Office. He/she assists the Field Office with the implementation of UNHCR’s activities relating to voluntary repatriation, in particular in the context of current spontaneous returns.

The Senior Repatriation Assistant reports to the Associate Protection Officer and receives functional guidance from Country Office Senior Repatriation Coordinator. The Senior Repatriation Assistant works closely with Protection, Community-Based Protection, Education, Health, Programme and Field staff, and ensures operational standards in repatriation in the area of responsibility. 

Accountability (key results that will be achieved)

• UNHCR Northern Lebanon’s voluntary repatriation activities are consistent with international standards, and notably support voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns.
• Repatriation-related activities are conducted with the full participation and support of persons and communities of concern and relevant stakeholders.
• Age, Gender and Diversity as well as participatory approaches to repatriation are implemented.

Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results)

• Stay abreast of local political, economic, social and legal developments impacting on voluntary repatriation prospects and advise the Head of Field Office and the Protection Officer.
• Contribute to a participatory process to design and implement return-related activities.
• Mainstream AGD in all voluntary repatriation activities. 
• Compile, collate and process data on returns.
• Support the analysis of processed data and information and perform data quality control.
• Draft return reports and other reports on returns as requested by the supervisor.
• Organize and support consultations and Focus Group Discussions with refugees.
• Contact and visit refugees prior and after the return when instructed by the Protection Officer.
• Participate in the GSO-organized returns as part of the MFT.
• Participate in the relevant coordination processes.
• Perform other duties as required.

Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)

• Fulfil responsibilities associated with the implementation of UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation preparedness and response activities, in line with UNHCR policies, standards and procedures.
• Monitor compliance with rules and regulations related to repatriation.
• Report to the Head of Office and the Associate Protection Officer any protection and compelling incidents identified at any stage of the repatriation process, and ensure voluntary, safe and dignified return movements.