Livelihood And Economic Inclusion Associate

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees leads and coordinates international action to protect refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced populations worldwide. UNHCR works to safeguard the rights and well-being of people forced to flee, while supporting durable solutions through protection, inclusion, and resilience-building initiatives.

In Rwanda, UNHCR supports refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and returning Rwandan populations through programmes focused on protection, livelihoods, self-reliance, and socioeconomic inclusion. In the Southern Province, the Huye Field Office works closely with government institutions, development partners, private sector actors, and humanitarian organizations to strengthen refugee resilience and promote sustainable economic opportunities for refugees and host communities.

The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Associate will be based in Huye and will support implementation of UNHCR Rwanda’s strategic priorities on livelihoods, graduation approaches, and economic inclusion. The role focuses on partnership-building, coordination, market-based programming, and strengthening self-reliance among refugees and host communities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Livelihoods & Economic Inclusion Programming

• Support implementation of livelihoods, graduation, and economic inclusion interventions for refugees and host communities.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen refugee self-reliance and inclusion in local economies.
• Support market-based and inclusive approaches to income-generating activities and economic empowerment.

2. Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with government institutions, development agencies, NGOs, financial service providers, and private sector actors.
• Support partnerships that enhance access to employment, financial inclusion, vocational training, and business development services for persons of concern.
• Strengthen coordination between humanitarian and development actors at district level.

3. Coordination & Development Planning

• Contribute to alignment of humanitarian and development priorities through engagement with local authorities and development partners.
• Participate in planning, coordination, and programme review processes related to livelihoods and socioeconomic inclusion.
• Maintain effective information-sharing and reporting systems among stakeholders.

4. Monitoring, Assessments & Reporting

• Support assessments, surveys, and impact analyses related to livelihoods and local economies.
• Collect, analyse, and report programme data to inform interventions and strategic planning.
• Prepare field reports and recommendations related to livelihoods and economic inclusion activities.

5. Protection & Community Engagement

• Work closely with multifunctional teams, including protection, education, cash assistance, and GBV units.
• Support community mobilization and documentation of good practices and lessons learned.
• Promote inclusive approaches that strengthen resilience and social cohesion.

Profile Required

Experience

Minimum 3 years relevant experience, including:

• Livelihoods programming, economic inclusion, or poverty reduction initiatives
• Experience working with refugees, vulnerable populations, or host communities
• Stakeholder engagement with government, NGOs, UN agencies, and private sector actors
• Experience with microfinance, savings groups (VSLA/SILC), vocational training, or business development is an asset
• Strong data collection, analysis, and reporting skills
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and field-based environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Business Administration, Social Studies, or related field.

Languages

• Fluent English
• Fluent Kinyarwanda
• Working knowledge of French is an asset

Volunteer Living Allowance:

UN Volunteers serve full-time in their professional expertise, supported by a benefits package, including a monthly living allowance to ensure a secure standard of living at their duty stations. These allowances are not intended as compensation, reward, or salary for the volunteer's service.

Check out our Entitlement Calculator on UVP, the Unified Volunteer Platform.

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