Mission and objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950, by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCR provides protection and assistance to refugees worldwide. UNHCR currently works in more than 120 countries and helps over 43 million people worldwide; refugees or those uprooted within their own countries. The UN Refugee Agency also cares for asylum seekers, returnees, and stateless persons. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Context

This UNV assignment is part of UNHCR’s Accountability to Affected Population (AAP) programming policy to address challenges persons with disabilities face when approaching UNHCR premises. The Refugee Community Volunteer will be expected to support refugees with mobility challenges approaching Amman Registration centre. He/she will be responsible for supporting refugees on wheelchair throughout their interview process. The incumbent will also be responsible for the safety of refugees under his/her care and liaise with UNHCR Registration supervisors and Security team leaders for additional support where required. Availability that his/her likeness appears on media, social media, photos and videos as it will be impossible for UNHCR to prevent such appearances on the public or external occasion s/he will perform duties. S/He will need to understand that her/his picture will possibly be seen on the internet. Qualified Refugee candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Additional information: UN Community Volunteers (Part-time) in Jordan are entitled to: • Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 220.33; • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; and • Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of Registration Associate, the UN Volunteer will: • Support refugees on wheelchair throughout their interview process. • Safe handling and management of assistive devices mainly wheelchairs. • Identify refugees with mobility challenges and offer the required support. • Report any challenges refugees with disabilities are facing while at the centre. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Desirable Skills and experience: • Previous work experience is a plus • Experience in supporting persons living with disabilities. • Care and maintenance of assistive devices • Excellent interpersonal skills, cultural and socially sensitive, and the ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with various partners. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • The ability to work well with others • To be flexible and open to change • Excellent interpersonal communication skills. • The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure • Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations • Thinking and reasoning skills • Have affinity with or interest in UNHCR volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development and the UN System. • Advanced higher education degree or relevant training and/or professional experience may be an advantage.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Amman, the capital, is a peaceful city with over four million residents. People are friendly to visitors. Banking, transportation, health, and communications services are easily available. Though Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken among the majority of the population, especially in Amman. The road network is good in terms of the spread and quality of the roads. Public transportation in Amman is limited. Taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. There are many shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found; however, it is worth noting that prices in Amman have generally increased in the past few years. There are no specific security threats. Amman is a very easy city in which to live; large, has many amenities, is very modern, and is serviced by an international airport with direct flights to most capital cities. According to the UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) assessment, Jordan is a family duty station (category A hardship). The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.