Field Associate (IDP) -Temporary Appointment - Michoacán

Deadline for Applications

July 6, 2026

Grade

GS6

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General Service

Reason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment

Hardship Level

A (least hardship)

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Target Start Date

2026-07-01

Target End Date

2026-12-31

Standard Job Description

Field Associate
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Field Associate is normally supervised by the (Senior) Field Officer or Head of Office and performs a variety of functions related to Field activities within the office. The supervisor defines general work objectives and provides necessary advice and guidance. The Field Associate may supervise some General Service support staff.
The incumbent keeps frequent internal contacts with staff members in the same duty station to exchange information, to establish understanding of respective needs; to ensure provision of services and resolution of problems and with the external contacts generally with officials of national and international institutions, leaders of the refugee community, local population and/or Implementing Partners (IPs) on subject matters which may be of importance to the Organization.
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
- Monitor the situation in the AoR, collect data and other information relevant to UNHCR and report to the supervisor accordingly.
- Monitor the implementation of UNHCR programme including the delivery of all assistance items and monitoring of infrastructure.
- Undertake regular visits to various sites in order to assess needs of persons of concern, with particular attention to vulnerable groups.
- Keep regular contacts with local authorities and implementing partners as requested by supervisor.
- Act as interpreter when required.
- Contribute to the preparation of status and progress reports by providing info, preparing tables, etc.
- Assist in administrative tasks as required such as preparation of reports and meeting authorized personnel and assisting them during field missions.
- Inform and act on the reports received on persons of concern within the refugee community or from the local authorities.
- In coordination with implementing partners, assist in the reception, registration and provision of assistance to persons of concern to UNHCR.
- Negotiate with local authority counterparts, partners and populations of concern.
- Represent UNHCR in physical monitoring of projects.

- 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
Business Administration Law Political Science
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified
Desirable
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
UNHCR field experience.
Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
CO-Drafting and Documentation
CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community
PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
(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

***THIS POSITION WILL BE BASED IN MORELIA, MICHOACAN***

Nature of the Position (Operational Context):

Over recent years, Mexico has evolved from being predominantly a country of origin and transit for refugees and asylum-seekers to becoming a significant country of destination for hundreds of thousands of individuals seeking international protection from within the region and beyond. At the same time, internal displacement has become an increasingly visible and complex protection phenomenon within the country. In Mexico, people are forced to flee their communities for a wide range of interconnected reasons, mainly driven by violence perpetrated by organized crime groups. Although there are no official figures on internal displacement in Mexico that fully comply with international standards, the 2025 Survey on Victimization and Perception of Public Safety (ENVIPE), published by Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), estimated that at least 248,360 households were forced to leave their place of residence to protect themselves from crime and insecurity in 2024. UNHCR needs assessments with internally displaced people (IDPs) point to food, legal assistance, documentation, information on rights, and access to protection mechanisms as key needs. UNHCR Mexico has been strengthening its response to internal displacement through protection monitoring, legal and public policy development, capacity-building, information management, support to registration and profiling processes, advocacy, and the promotion of durable solutions. This work requires close coordination with authorities, human rights institutions, civil society organizations, academia, UN agencies, and affected communities. Since 2022, UNHCR has provided technical assistance to strengthen legal frameworks, prevention, and response mechanisms. The Field Associate (IDP) in Michoacán is expected to support the delivery of timely and effective protection responses for internally displaced persons (IDPs), in close coordination with the field team, while strengthening ongoing activities, including capacity-building of authorities and civil society, the provision of protection services such as MHPSS and documentation, and the implementation of community-based protection strategies. The role includes engagement with local authorities and partners on protection frameworks and ensuring the meaningful participation of IDPs in decisions affecting their rights and access to solutions. Given the complexity and sensitivity of internal displacement dynamics in Michoacán, the incumbent ideally should demonstrate sound judgment, political awareness, strong diplomacy skills, and the ability to adapt protection responses to diverse legal, social, political, and operational contexts.

Desired Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate is a proactive and field-oriented professional with operational experience, ideally in internal displacement contexts, preferably with knowledge of the international, national and local protection frameworks applicable to internally displaced people (IDPs) and other populations of concern in Mexico. The incumbent should ideally bring relevant stakeholder engagement coordination and communication skills to effectively support UNHCR’s field activities in Michoacan.

The incumbent will also be expected to contribute to the implementation of UNHCR’s protection mandate through the delivery of quality protection interventions, mainstreaming protection, legal and policy engagement, community-based approaches, and support for durable solutions, in line with UNHCR policies, international standards, and the evolving protection environment in the country.

Field and Operational Experience: The candidate should ideally have relevant field experience, including monitoring activities, conducting site visits, and supporting programme implementation. The incumbent should ideally also have an understanding of international protection principles related to internal displacement and international human rights law. Familiarity with field monitoring and community-based engagement and approaches is an asset.

Programme Implementation and Monitoring: The successful candidate ideally demonstrates the ability to support and coordinate field responses focused on internal displacement in Michoacan. This preferably includes experience in supporting multi-state or decentralized responses, contributing to strategic planning, promoting coherence in implementation, and translating policy into operational responses. Experience supporting emergency preparedness and response, including rapid needs assessments, coordination with local actors, as well as experience conducting risk analysis in complex or insecure environments is desirable.

Demonstrated experience in community approaches is desirable, including the capacity to engage with communities of persons of concern and community actors, and to build and maintain networks through regular field presence.

Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement: Interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with local authorities, civil society organizations, academia, and affected communities to strengthen protection frameworks and responses related to internal displacement in Mexico are key. Experience in multi-stakeholder environments and the ability to represent the organization in field activities are highly valued.

Communication and Reporting Skills: The candidate ideally possesses solid drafting and communication skills, to provide accurate guidance to stakeholders, support meaningful participation of internally displaced communities in decisions affecting their rights, and contribute to delivering effective training and capacity-building initiatives. Ability to interact with persons of concern in a sensitive and respectful manner is essential. The candidate should be able to communicate clearly relevant issues to a wide range of audiences, including authorities, civil society actors, and affected populations.

Teamwork and Adaptability: The ideal candidate is a reliable and adaptable team player, capable of working under pressure and managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. High standards of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity are essential, in line with UNHCR’s core values.

Languages and Other Requirements

Fluency in English and Spanish is essential, with demonstrated ability to draft and communicate effectively in both languages. Familiarity with the context of the state of Michoacán would be a strong asset. Experience in operational security management in high-risk environments and complex contexts is highly desirable, including supporting the implementation of security policies, procedures, and risk mitigation measures to ensure the safety and security of UNHCR personnel, assets, and operations would be desirable. The incumbent should ideally be capable of conducting continuous security monitoring and analysis, preparing risk assessments, and coordinating incident management and emergency response activities. The ability to establish effective liaison and coordination mechanisms with internal and external stakeholders, as well as security authorities, would be highly valued. The incumbent will also be expected to assist with monitoring compliance with security measures and the safe implementation of operations through timely analysis, sound judgment, and a preventive approach in areas affected by security and criminality-related risks.

Living and Working Conditions

Morelia is the capital city of the State of Michoacán and serves as the administrative, commercial, and cultural center of the state. It offers a moderate level of infrastructure, public services, and amenities compared to larger metropolitan areas in Mexico.

• Health: Morelia has several public and private hospitals capable of providing general and specialized medical care. Private healthcare services are generally of good quality, with access to specialist consultations, diagnostic services, and emergency care.

• Education: A variety of public and private educational institutions are available in Morelia. Several private schools offer bilingual (Spanish–English) education, and a number of universities and technical institutes provide higher education opportunities. International schooling options are more limited than in Mexico City but remain available.

• Housing: Apartments and houses are available in different sectors of the city, both furnished and unfurnished. Residential compounds with controlled access and private security are increasingly common and are generally preferred by international personnel.

• Climate and Natural Hazards: Morelia enjoys a temperate highland climate with warm days and cooler evenings throughout most of the year. The rainy season normally extends from June to September, when heavy rainfall may occasionally cause localized flooding and temporary road disruptions. Staff should familiarize themselves with emergency preparedness.

• Currency and Exchange: The official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Currency exchange services and banking facilities are widely available. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most commercial establishments.

• Communications: Internet and mobile telecommunications services are generally reliable in Morelia and other major urban centers of Michoacán. Coverage may be limited or intermittent in remote rural areas of the state.

• Transportation: Public transportation within Morelia consists mainly of buses and shared vans. Ride-hailing services and registered taxis are available and are recommended for official and personal travel. Road transportation remains the primary means of travel throughout the state. Staff undertaking travel outside major urban areas should comply with ACNUR security guidance and movement procedures.

• Security: Morelia is generally considered one of the more stable urban centers in Michoacán; however, the state continues to face significant security challenges associated with the presence and activities of organized criminal groups. Criminal violence remains concentrated in specific municipalities and rural corridors, particularly in areas where criminal organizations compete for territorial control and illicit economies.

While there are no recent records of direct threats specifically targeting ACNUR personnel in Morelia, the overall security environment in Michoacán requires heightened situational awareness. Security incidents reported throughout 2025 and early 2026 have included armed confrontations between criminal groups and security forces, vehicle burnings, illegal roadblocks, extortion, cargo theft, and occasional attacks against public officials and law enforcement personnel. Such incidents are generally localized but may occur with limited warning and can temporarily affect mobility and access along major highways.

Common crime, including theft, robbery, vehicle burglary, fraud, and extortion, remains a concern in urban areas. Personnel should avoid displaying valuables, maintain a low profile, and follow security recommendations regarding movement, residential security, and personal conduct. Travel after dark outside major urban centers should be limited whenever possible, and all official travel should be conducted in accordance with ACNUR security procedures and route assessments.

Demonstrations, protests, and road blockades occur periodically throughout Michoacán, often related to social, educational, political, or economic demands. These events are usually peaceful but may generate significant traffic disruptions, delays, and localized security concerns. Staff are advised to monitor local developments, maintain regular communication with security unit, and remain informed of any movement restrictions or security advisories.

Important Information for Applicants:

• Eligibility – Internal Advertisement Only, i.e., applications are open to:

- Internal candidates: staff members with an indefinite or fixed-term appointment in the same category as the position advertised, staff members who, at the date of the deadline for application, are serving at the grade of the position or one grade below or above, as well as any candidates serving at higher grades who fulfil the criteria as per the job advertisement.

- Former Staff (due to post abolition under special measures): Local FTA/IND contract holders whose posts were abolished due to structural changes, and who were separated as of 01 January 2025 (last working day 31 December 2024). Other types of former staff members are considered candidates with UNHCR experience for any location. Eligibility period for application: May 2025 – June 2026 vacancies.

- Candidates with UNHCR experience at the time of application: current staff members in other categories, staff members on temporary appointment, affiliate workforce and interns with at least 1 year of service, and staff loaned/seconded. Former UNHCR locally recruited staff members who held an indefinite or fixed-term appointment (within 2 years of separation for males and 5 years for females).

- External candidates all other candidates who are not in the above groups. Former International staff/Former TA/AWF will be considered external when applying for any positions/category.

• Nationality / Right to Work Requirement: Only Mexican nationals or candidates holding permanent residency or valid work permit in Mexico are eligible (Candidates must attach proof of permanent residency or valid work permit in Mexico at the time of application). Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

• Selection Process: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

• Application Requirements: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their Workday Career Profile is accurate and fully updated prior to applying. The evaluation will be based solely on the information provided in the application. Once submitted, applications cannot be modified. Candidates under consideration may be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided.

• Diversity and Inclusion: UNHCR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and strongly encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability status. All applications are treated with the strictest confidentiality, and UNHCR is committed to providing equal career opportunities for all staff.

• Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA): UNHCR maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA constitutes serious misconduct and may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal. Concerns or suspicions can be reported confidentially to: inspector@unhcr.org or at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.

• Educational Requirements: UNHCR recognizes only qualifications obtained from institutions accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO. The database is available at: WHED portal.at http://www.whed.net/. For candidates under consideration, degrees verification will be conducted also through the SEP portal.

Selection Process: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

Functional Clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)

Spanish

,

English

,

Desired languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, CO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)

Education

Certifications

Business Administration - Other, Law - Other, Political Science - Other

Work Experience

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