Job Description

Deadline for Applications

March 1, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

H (no hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

CONTR International Junior Level Professional

Target Start Date

2026-04-01

Terms of Reference

The UNHCR Liaison Office to EUAA in Malta is looking to recruit an Individual contractor (internationally hired) to be based in Valletta/Ta’ Xbiex.

The ideal candidate for the Asylum Liaison Officer position is a dedicated and highly skilled professional with deep understanding of the Common European Asylum System, including the forthcoming Regulations and Directives under the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the EU and Member States’ asylum policy, and international protection standards. They will possess the analytical, policy, and diplomatic competencies required to support UNHCR’s cooperation with the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) and is motivated to work in small, dynamic team in support of UNHCR’s mandate.

The contract is as of 1 April 2026 until 31 December 2026, renewable in 2027 subject to performance and budget.

Education & Professional Background

• University degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience (or 3 years with an undergraduate degree) in asylum, refugee protection, EU institutions, policy work, or international organizations. Preference for experiences with EU institutions and/or asylum systems in Europe,

• Strong familiarity with EU legislative processes and the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), including the Pact on Migration and Asylum and EUAA’s mandate. Experience in these areas is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Technical Competencies

Policy & Analytical Expertise

• Ability to assess EUAA reports, policy documents, asylum trends, and analytical data, and prepare high-quality written outputs in support of UNHCR’s advocacy.

• Proven drafting skills, including experience producing policy notes, reports, meeting summaries, talking points, and analytical briefings.

• Experience with reviewing asylum guidance, country guidance, training materials or quality assurance approaches and mechanisms. User experience with such products is an asset.

Coordination & Representation

• Experience in supporting coordination with EU institutions or international stakeholders.

• Ability to represent UNHCR at EUAA meetings and provide accurate reporting and follow up.

Organizational Skills

• Capacity to manage multiple workstreams, prioritize and track activities, and support planning processes.

• Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail.

Languages

• Fluency in English (excellent written and spoken).

• Knowledge of a second EU language would be an asset.

Personal Attributes

• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in multicultural, multi-stakeholder environments.

• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion with sensitive information.

• Proactive, analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.

• Able to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Additional Expectations

• Commitment to UNHCR’s protection mandate and organizational values.

• Ability to adapt to fast-evolving EU asylum policy developments.

• Willingness to support a broad range of tasks, including policy, analytical, coordination, and administrative work.

• Respect for diversity and UN ethical standards.

Tax & Social Security Obligations (Individual Contractor)

The selected individual contractor is responsible for registering for and paying applicable taxation and social security to the relevant national authorities.

Eligibility to Work and Reside in Malta

Candidates must hold a valid EU passport or possess a valid permit that authorizes them to reside and work in the European Union.

UNHCR will not sponsor work or residency permits for individual contractors.

Remuneration

The remuneration of the Individual Contractor will be based on the net annual salary scale established by the ICSC applicable to staff at the duty station (Malta) on the single rate in the Professional category (P2 grade).

The Individual Contractor will be covered by a mandatory medical insurance scheme maintained by UNHCR.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

English is the official working language of UNHCR in Malta. Only applications fully completed in English will be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Assessment of shortlisted candidates will consist of a written test and an interview.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

In case of any queries, please write to itarohr@unhcr.org.