UNHCR Seeks Resettlement Assistant to Support Rohingya Refugee Relief Efforts in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill the position of Resettlement Assistant at their Cox’s Bazar office in Bangladesh. This full-time role is critical in supporting the ongoing efforts to assist Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar following the outbreak of violence in Rakhine State in August 2017. The influx has resulted in over 1.1 million refugees residing in camps across Cox’s Bazar and surrounding areas, with UNHCR working alongside the Bangladeshi government and various partners to provide essential humanitarian services.

The Resettlement Assistant will play an integral role in facilitating resettlement activities, including interpretation, case processing, and logistical support, ensuring that refugees receive the assistance they need while maintaining strict confidentiality and impartiality standards. The position is based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, and involves regular travel within the refugee camps and resettlement sites in the region.

Context and Background

The Rohingya community in Bangladesh has endured decades of statelessness, discrimination, and targeted violence in Myanmar, which led to their mass displacement. Since August 2017, an unprecedented number of Rohingya refugees have sought refuge in Bangladesh, primarily in Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazilas, with some residing on the island of Bhasan Char in Noakhali District. UNHCR, together with other United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners, has been actively engaged in providing life-saving assistance, protection, and support to these refugees.

In this sensitive environment, the Resettlement Assistant will support UNHCR’s efforts to identify and process refugees for resettlement, helping to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families are referred to third countries for permanent resettlement options. This work requires a high level of professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and linguistic proficiency.

Main Responsibilities

The Resettlement Assistant will undertake a variety of crucial tasks, including but not limited to:

• Providing precise and professional interpretation services between Rohingya or Chittagonian and English, as well as Bengali and English, during confidential protection interviews, counseling sessions, and resettlement assessments. This involves listening carefully, translating accurately, and ensuring the integrity of information for decision-making processes.
• Upholding the principles of confidentiality and impartiality at all times, recognizing the sensitive nature of the work and the importance of maintaining trust with refugees and colleagues.
• Supporting logistical arrangements for the team, such as organizing transportation for interviews and resettlement activities, as well as contacting refugees to gather additional information or schedule interviews in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Assisting in the coordination of selection missions organized by resettlement countries, including preparing logistical support and ensuring smooth operations.
• Conducting preliminary screenings and initial assessments of refugees to determine their eligibility for resettlement, following established procedures and guidelines.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of individual cases, including statistics and documentation, and assisting in the preparation of reports related to resettlement activities.
• Contributing to the prevention of resettlement fraud by reporting any suspected irregularities or misconduct.
• Traveling frequently to refugee camps and resettlement processing sites around Cox’s Bazar to perform these functions effectively.

Monitoring and Reporting

The Resettlement Assistant will be required to submit weekly reports to their direct line manager, documenting progress, challenges, and outcomes. Additionally, mid-year and end-of-year reviews will evaluate the achievement of set objectives in line with operational targets for resettlement.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Fluency in Rohingya or Chittagonian, Bengali, and English is mandatory.
• Proven ability to interpret and translate accurately between the assigned languages and English, demonstrating excellent listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
• High standards of professional conduct and ethics, especially in interpretation and translation services.
• Familiarity with computer applications, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment, respecting diversity and fostering teamwork.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Fluency in Burmese, both written and spoken.
• Experience in conducting resettlement activities, including refugee interviews and case management.
• Knowledge of UNHCR’s operational procedures and work culture.
• Field experience working with NGOs or UN agencies in refugee settings.

Educational Background:

• A high school diploma is required; additional training or certifications in interpretation or translation are highly desirable. Completion of formal interpreter training courses will be considered an advantage.

Work Experience:

• At least one year of relevant experience with a high school diploma, particularly in interpretation or translation roles.
• Previous experience in refugee or humanitarian settings will be considered an asset.

Core Competencies:

• Accountability and responsibility in delivering quality work.
• Effective communication skills.
• Organizational awareness and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Client and result-oriented approach.

Additional Attributes:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Flexibility to work in hardship locations with challenging environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in diverse, multicultural teams.

This position does not require a specific functional clearance but demands a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and dedication to humanitarian principles. The successful candidate will be committed to supporting the most vulnerable refugees and ensuring that resettlement processes uphold dignity, fairness, and efficiency.

Application Details

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications promptly, as the deadline for submission is May 21, 2025. The position is expected to commence on June 1, 2025, and will be based in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. This role represents a significant opportunity to contribute directly to the well-being of displaced communities and to support UNHCR’s mission of protection and solutions for refugees.

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