Job Description

Deadline for Applications

February 15, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

UNOPS LICA3

Target Start Date

2026-03-01

Terms of Reference

Title: Interpreter / Protection Clerk
Duty station: Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Section/Unit: Protection
ICA Level: LICA3
Corresponding level: G3
Duration: 1 March – 31 December 2026
Supervisor: Field Associate

1. General Background

Thailand is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees or its 1967 Protocol and does not have a formal legal framework to protect and uphold the rights of people forced to flee. Refugees reside in nine government-run Temporary Shelters along the Thai-Myanmar border, some having lived in Thailand since the mid-1980s after fleeing armed conflict. Until the Cabinet Resolution of August 2025 Cabinet Resolution, refugees were restricted from working, accessing public services, or moving beyond the shelters. As a result, they relied heavily on humanitarian assistance provided by UNHCR and NGOs coordinated through the Committee for the Coordination of Services to Displaced Persons in Thailand (CCSDPT). The Cabinet Resolution, operational since 1 October 2025, marks a major policy shift – opening new pathways for refugee self-reliance and inclusion. This government-led plan takes a whole-of-government approach, with active involvement from line ministries and the private sector. UNHCR is providing technical guidance, supporting coordination among humanitarian and development partners, and building a socio-economic database to inform inclusive, protection-sensitive policies that strengthen national systems and promote sustainable, government-led inclusion strategies for refugees.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Interpreter/Protection Clerk (LICA3) provides essential interpretation and clerical support to UNHCR’s protection activities, including case management for persons of concern both inside and outside the camps. The position serves as a key link between UNHCR and refugees, camp leadership, community-based organizations (CBOs), NGOs, and Thai authorities by facilitating communication and supporting protection interventions that promote access to State services and greater inclusion of refugees in national systems.

Under the supervision of the Field Associate, the incumbent will assist in interpretation during interviews, meetings, and field visits; support case management processes; and contribute to community engagement activities. The role requires frequent field presence to ensure accurate communication, timely follow-up on cases, and delivery of information to refugees.

The incumbent will:
• Provide interpretation and translation services during interviews, meetings, and field visits for UNHCR staff and partners.
• Assist in case management activities, including collecting information, updating records, and supporting referrals for persons of concern inside and outside camps.
• Support activities that promote access to State services and inclusion, including sharing information with refugees and assisting with documentation or referrals as instructed.
• Conduct regular field visits to share information with persons of concern, distribute Core Relief Items, and follow up on cases as instructed.
• Support data entry and updates in ProGres and assist in maintaining dashboards using Kobo tools.
• Draft correspondence, meeting notes, and maintain organized filing systems for protection activities.
• Monitor and report on community concerns and protection issues observed during field visits.
• Accompany senior staff during meetings with refugees and camp authorities and provide interpretation as required.
• Perform other clerical and protection-related duties as assigned.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Accuracy and reliability of interpretation and translation services provided during interviews and meetings.
• Effectiveness in supporting case management and referrals for persons of concern inside and outside camps.
• Contribution to activities promoting access to State services and inclusion, measured by timely support and accurate information-sharing.
• Timeliness and completeness of data entry and updates in ProGres and Kobo dashboards.
• Quality and consistency of field presence and engagement with communities of concern.
• Efficiency in distributing Core Relief Items and providing information to persons of concern.
• Ability to report observed protection issues and community concerns promptly and accurately.

4. Qualifications and Experience

Education
• Completion of secondary education is the minimum requirement.
• Post-secondary training /certificate in Business Administration, Education, Social Work, Translation or related field is desirable.

Skills
• Fluency (listening, speaking, reading, and writing/ reporting) in English and Karen and/or Burmese and/or Kayah (Karenni) is mandatory; working knowledge of Thai is essential.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Computer skills (MS Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of ProGres and completion of UNHCR-specific training is an advantage.
• Familiarity with UNHCR’s administrative and protection procedures is an asset.

Standard Job Description

Clerk

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Clerk provides clerical and administrative assistance to the immediate supervisor and/or the Office as a whole. The incumbent is normally supervised by an Officer or Associate. S/he receives regular guidance and instructions from the supervisor on procedural aspects of the work. As per specific instructions, the incumbent may require liaising with other internal or external entities, to ensure effective delivery of services and achievement of objectives.

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
- Provide general clerical support to the work unit and, if required, visiting staff members.
- Maintain the records in the work unit, create files for correspondence, reports, including confidential files.
- Manage conference room booking and ensure that the facilities are well arranged and prepared with adequate supply to cover number of intended guests.
- Maintain a proper record and inventory of stationary items in the work unit and ensure a well-stocked office.
- Sort and prioritize incoming correspondence, reports, etc. and direct to other responsible staff members where necessary.
- Arrange and forward records for archiving and maintain records of files sent for archiving.
- Maintain calendar of appointments and schedules of meetings and travel for the supervisor, perform such clerical tasks as the completion of travel authorization requests, stationery request forms, etc.
- May be required to prepare drivers¿ work schedule and maintain shift system.
- May be required to organize and maintain mail delivery (Pouch) and tracking system between offices.

- 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
G3- 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
Not specified

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
(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.