Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer(m/w/x)

# Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer **Geneva, Switzerland** | **Full time** **Hardship Level** H (no hardship) **Family Type** Family **Family Type** Family **Residential location (if applicable)** **Grade** PR3 **Staff Member / Affiliate Type** Professional **Reason** Regular > Regular Assignment **Target Start Date** 2025-06-26 **Deadline for Applications** July 11, 2025 **Standard Job Description** 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 persons and 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. **Desired Candidate Profile** The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in livelihoods, economic development, or related fields, with a strong background in market systems development, private sector engagement, and inclusive finance. Experience working in displacement contexts and a demonstrated ability to influence policy and practice at national and global levels are essential. The candidate should possess excellent communication, analytical, and coordination skills, and be committed to advancing sustainable and inclusive development outcomes. The candidate should also be skilled in knowledge transfer to country operations and adept at advocating for innovative and sustainable approaches. **Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):** , **Desired languages** French , **Operational context** ## Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: ## Nature of Position: This position, based in the Self-Reliance and Economic Inclusion Unit within the Sustainable Responses Service, plays a pivotal role in advancing UNHCR’s strategic shift toward sustainable and inclusive economic solutions for forcibly displaced populations. The role supports the operationalization of the Global Compact on Refugees by promoting market-based, partnership-driven, and scalable approaches to economic inclusion. The incumbent will lead the economic inclusion approach at HQ under the guidance of the Head of the Self-Reliance and Economic Inclusion Unit. The incumbent will ensure that economic inclusion strategies are designed with a sustainability lens, promoting long-term self-reliance. The incumbent will oversee the coordination of the global economic inclusion strategy, contribute to the implementation of sustainable responses approaches, provide technical support to Bureaux and field operations, develop policy and guidance, analyze relevant data, and co-lead the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) Economic Inclusion and Social Protection (EISP) pledge process. The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer at HQ will engage with all Regional Bureaux and other HQ Divisions and Entities, foster and manage global partnerships, conduct functional clearance for UNHCR Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer roles, and regularly brief senior management and partners. Additionally, the Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer will play a key role in internal capacity building and driving organizational transformation in line with the Global Compact on Refugees ## Living and Working Conditions: Geneva is a HQ duty station offering high standard living conditions with a relatively high cost of living. Switzerland is in general a safe place with very little crime. Staff members assigned to Geneva have also been granted the opportunity to reside in neighbouring France on the understanding that the preconditions to acquiring a French residency permit are respected. Medical care is up to international standards. Under the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act health insurance coverage is compulsory for all persons domiciled in Switzerland within three months of taking up residence or being born in the country. International staff members and their family members holding a Carte de legitimation or an attestation delivered by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs are exempt from this compulsory insurance provided that they are covered by another health insurance scheme (i.e. UNSMIS). With regard to educational facilities in the Geneva area, international schools (La Grande Boissière, Châtaigneraie and Pregny) have difficulties to find places for new admissions. It is therefore advisable to make requests for admission for children as early as possible. For more information on this subject, staff can contact the Association Genevoise des écoles privées in Geneva (www.agep.ch), tel: (+41 22 735 7671). **Additional Qualifications** *Skills* *Education* 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* *Work Experience* **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 **UNHCR Salary Calculator** ## ## Compendium Add. 1 to the Bi-Annual 2025 Compendium - Part B **Additional Information** **Functional clearance** This position requires Functional Clearance