Job Description

Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium.

June 12, 2026

E (most hardship)

Non Family

PR2

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

Associate Programme CBI Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Programme CBI Officer is an active member of the bureau/field operation/division and is normally supervised by a professional member who manages and oversees the UNHCR cash assistance programmes. The incumbent supports to ensure that operations are compliant with the technical guidance and administrative instructions on CBI, use CBI coherently and strategically and are adequately monitored.

S/he normally receives guidance and direction from the Senior Programme CBI Officer - or Programme CBI Officer - or Programme Officer or other more senior staff. S/he may maintain close links with CBI staff in UNHCR HQ.
Internally the Associate Programme CBI Officer will also liaise with UNCHR field offices and country offices. Externally s/he will liaise with Implementing and Operational Partners, National Governments, line ministries and UN agencies.

The incumbent is expected to work in line with the multi-functional team (MFT) approach as defined within the Program Manual, ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders in all phases of the Program Management Cycle.

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
- Support the strategic and coherent use of CBI's in the operations, assisting to ensure that CBI is maximised in assistance and service provision, strongly linking it to CRRF, MYMP and development, including linkages with Social Protection and Financial Inclusion.
- Support the review of and assist in coordinating the final clearance with DRM of the CBI Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the operations, with support from more senior staff.
- Support the development of cash assistance programmes and support the senior management to ensure that CBI is fully, effectively integrated into the country operations plan for protection and solutions and Annual Program Planning and COP.
- Assist in ensuring compliance to HALEP and that CBI is included in the preparedness and response planning and be a first responder to new emergencies/ and returns situations to ensure operations are using CBI as a modality, in collaboration with more senior staff.
- Support the effective and coordinated procurement and contracting of Financial Service Providers by procurement/supply and finance.
- Provide technical support on planning and assist in policy making on activities within the area of CBIs as an integral part of UNHCR programmes including assessments, planning and budgeting, technical choices, legal and regulatory aspects, implementation modalities and coordination.
- Support and collaborate with sectors to increase the use of CBI in education, shelter, livelihoods and where applicable in health and WASH programmes.
- Support the adequate inter-agency coordination mechanisms on CBIs and assist in building and maintaining strong relations with partners, regional entities and represent UNHCR in CBI coordination, with support from more senior staff.
- Support the establishment of a sound monitoring process for cash assistance, with proper collection, use and monitoring of baselines, standards and indicators needed to measure and analyse CBI's performance. Analyse trends and target interventions including CBI expenditure, upstream and downstream activities.
- Assist in assessing the technical soundness of the operations and generate data for evidence-based decisions.
- Assist in fulfilling CBI related reporting requirements.
- Support the use of UNHCR corporate tools and systems.

- 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

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Economics;
Social or Political Science;
Business Administration;
Social Economics;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in working in cash based assistance programmes and/or humanitarian programming. Knowledge and technical skills in set up, design, implementation and monitoring of CBIs.

Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
PG-UNHCR's Programmes
CB-Cash-based Programming/Managing/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.

Essential Attributes
• Proven experience in planning and implementing cash-based interventions (CBI) in humanitarian or development contexts, including high-volume delivery.
• Demonstrated experience managing or supervising CBI or programme functions within complex operations.
• Strong experience in design and implementation of context-specific CBI programmes and standard operating procedures in coordination with multi-functional teams.
• Proven analytical experience to support programme delivery, including application of CBI operational, financial and risk management considerations.

Desirable Attributes
• Experience in inter-agency coordination, including leadership or participation in Cash Working Groups or technical sub-working groups.
• Experience in social protection, financial inclusion and early recovery programming.
• Experience working in country office operations in the MENA region or similar contexts.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

Syria Operation implements large-scale CBI programmes averaging some USD 30 m each year since 2025 /2026. UNHCR is one of the largest UN agencies implementing cash programming and with the widest outreach country wide through its over 52 community centres and partners. Being a return focused operation UNHCR is responding to Syrian Refugee returnees and IDP returnees who continue to return to their area of origin rapidly and at scale through return and reintegration grants, and sectoral cash (cash for shelter and livelihood) by monetizing most of the programmes. UNHCR has a dedicated Call centre for returnees, where 90% of the calls are linked to the operations cash response. In addition, the operation traditionally also assists a small group of non-Syrian refugees with multipurpose cash. The operation systematically uses RAIS database of returnees from the neighboring countries for assistance and prioritization. It will be integrating and operationalizing the use of Cash Assist from 2026, which is expected to be linked with database of Refugee hosting countries for smooth data transfer. The operation is grappling with liquidity challenges in a post sanction regime where many of the sanctions related obstacles remain and require careful navigation. Interunit and external coordination with the Central bank of Syria is key in this context and often time requires flexibility and workarounds by the operation. The CBI unit works with a range of financial service providers to deliver the response and is diversifying delivery options, considering the specific contextual challenges including lack of documentation. UNHCR cash assistance is closely coordinated with the Cash Working Group for establishing common standards. UNHCR Syria is an active member of the CWG and is considered as a lead on refugee return and reintegration grants portfolio. As Syria transitions to the recovery phase, inclusion of returnees in the government's social protection programmes is considered of crucial importance.

The position holder is closely engaged in inter-unit coordination with Programme, Protection Supply, Finance and Information Management unit, besides the five Sub and Field Offices who coordinate with the partners on vulnerability assessments for IDP returnees in various governorates with high returns.

Living and Working Conditions:

Damascus, Syria remains a non-family duty station operating in a highly complex and evolving environment characterized by uncertainty, economic constraints, and periodic security incidents. All staff movements are closely managed and require prior clearance, coordination, and monitoring by security personnel.

International staff are accommodated in designated UN guesthouses or hotels in Damascus. Office premises are located separately, including the main offices on Abdullah Ibn Rawaha Street in Kanawat Basatin, Kafarsouseh. Transportation between accommodation and offices is arranged through UNHCR shuttle services, and movements are conducted using soft-skin vehicles in line with security protocols.

Basic healthcare is available through the UN Joint Clinic located within the UNDP accommodation compound, providing primary medical services. However, access to certain medicines remains limited in the local market; staff requiring specific prescription medications are advised to travel with adequate personal supplies. UN-approved medical facilities are available in Damascus for emergency care.

The security situation in Damascus is relatively stable compared to other parts of the country, though it remains unpredictable and subject to rapid change. Movement within designated areas of the city is generally permitted, subject to adherence to security instructions, including a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. Compliance with security measures, including mandatory radio checks conducted twice weekly, is required. The city offers moderate living conditions compared to other duty stations in Syria, with access to shops, markets, and essential goods, including groceries, clothing, and basic household items. A limited number of restaurants and recreational spaces are available within the city.

Damascus is accessible via Damascus International Airport (DIA), which is operational with regular regional flights. Travel to Lebanon is primarily conducted by road, while travel to Jordan may be undertaken by road or air, all subject to security clearance and prevailing conditions.

The Rest and Recuperation (R&R) cycle for Damascus is eight weeks. Staff are strongly encouraged to adhere to their R&R schedule to maintain wellbeing and operational effectiveness in this demanding duty station.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026 - Part B

Additional Information

This position requires Functional Clearance