Community Engagement and Outreach Assistant

Host entity: UNHCR

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Community development, Education, Legal affairs

Application deadline: 06/11/2026

Mission and objectives

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, works to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees all over the world. UNHCR's purpose is to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge from war and persecution. UNHCR also protects stateless people.

Assignment context

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects people forced to flee and stateless persons and supports solutions in alignment with standards procedures. In Tunisia, UNHCR works with authorities, partners and communities to identify protection needs, provide information and counselling, strengthen participation and pursue appropriate solutions.
Based in Zarzis, this assignment will support the solution team and communication with communities at country level. The UN Volunteer will support interviewing refugees, prepare assessment forms related to solutions, provide individual counselling to refugees and support in focus group discussions, intention surveys and other participatory activities, help analyze findings, and follow up recommendations and individual referrals with the relevant teams.

This volunteer assignment is supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Tunisia as part of an initiative implemented in partnership with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme to strengthen youth inclusion, with a particular focus on the inclusion of young persons with disabilities (2024–2026). Accordingly, applications from qualified young persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Solutions Associate or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Protection Assistant – Solutions will:

Support the organization and follow-up of interviews with persons we serve and assist in completing the forms and documentation required for resettlement submissions, in accordance with established procedures and under supervision.

Assist with return counselling activities and related documentation, including the preparation, completion and follow-up of Kobo forms, ensuring that information is communicated clearly and that voluntary and informed decision-making is respected.

Provide basic information to persons we serve on available solutions, services and referral pathways, referring complex questions or cases to the supervisor or designated colleagues as appropriate.

Support communication with communities by assisting in the preparation and facilitation of focus group discussions, participatory assessments and community consultations related to solutions.

Assist with protection interviews and vulnerability assessments, including the completion of Vulnerability Assessment Forms (VAFs), under the guidance and supervision of experienced colleagues and in accordance with UNHCR procedures.

Help identify potential protection concerns and urgent needs during interactions with persons we serve, promptly bringing them to the attention of the supervisor or the responsible UNHCR unit or partner, and supporting referral follow-up as directed.

Assist in preparing interview notes, counselling records, case summaries and basic statistical updates, ensuring accurate data entry, timely filing and proper documentation in authorized systems.

Support coordination and information-sharing with protection, solutions, registration and identity management, community-based protection and partner teams to facilitate the timely follow-up of cases, in accordance with applicable confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Apply age, gender and diversity principles and accountability to affected people in daily activities, while respecting confidentiality, informed consent and data protection requirements, and adhering to UNHCR standards on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and fraud prevention.

Perform other related duties within the scope of the assignment, as required by the supervisor."

Skills and experience

• At least one month and no more than one year of relevant professional, internship or volunteer experience in protection, social work, counselling, case management, legal assistance or humanitarian response.
• Strong interviewing, active-listening and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively with people in vulnerable situations.
• Basic understanding of protection principles, informed consent, confidentiality, data protection and the do-no-harm approach.
• Ability to draft clear and concise interview notes, counselling records and case summaries and to maintain accurate records.
• Good organization skills and ability to prioritize urgent follow-up while managing several cases and deadlines.
• Solid computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and the use of trackers or databases.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively in a multicultural team and to coordinate with colleagues and partners.
• Flexibility, commitment and positive attitude towards learning and exchanging with peers.
• Sound judgement, discretion, empathy, professionalism and security awareness.
• Interest in refugee protection, solutions, volunteerism and the work of the United Nations.

Competencies and values

Integrity.

Respect for Diversity.

Attendance and Professionalism.

Accountability and Responsibility.

Planning and Organizing.

Communication and Teamwork.

Adaptability and Flexibility.

Creativity and Innovation.

Self-Management.

Living conditions

1) Living Conditions

Living conditions in Tunisia are highly appreciated and comparable to those in countries on the northern shore of the Mediterranean. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate in almost all regions, except for the south, which has a more arid climate.

In addition to its mild climate and diverse landscapes, Tunisia has a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most visited countries in the world. It is also renowned for its gastronomy and culinary traditions, shaped by a history spanning thousands of years.

The country has a well-regarded healthcare system and a quality education system. It is equipped with the infrastructure and amenities necessary to ensure a satisfactory standard of living.

The capital, Tunis, is relatively easy to navigate. Public transportation is available and affordable. Crime rates remain relatively low.

As this is a national United Nations Volunteer assignment, the volunteer is responsible for their own accommodation and essential needs.

2) Conditions of Service for United Nations National Volunteers

The contract is concluded for the specified period. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the assignment will be extended.

Travel to the duty station (where applicable), as well as a settling-in grant, is provided when the duty station is outside commuting distance of the place of recruitment. A monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is provided to cover accommodation, utilities, and basic living expenses.

Life, health, and disability insurance is included (health insurance coverage for up to three eligible dependents), along with a final repatriation allowance (where applicable) and a resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

3) Allowances

1. Before Taking Up the Assignment
- Entry lump sum: USD 350.
- Relocation allowance: USD 175 at the beginning and end of the assignment if the duty station is outside commuting distance, as determined by UNV.

2. During the Assignment

- Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): TND 1,879.74.
- Learning and development: Access to UNV career development and training resources.
- Annual leave: 2.5 days per month.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health, life, and malicious acts insurance coverage for the volunteer, as well as health insurance for up to three eligible dependents (please refer to the Conditions of Service for detailed eligibility criteria).

3. End of Assignment

- End-of-assignment allowance: USD 120 per month of service, payable upon satisfactory completion of the contract.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.