UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published purpose

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated: (i) to provide international protection to refugees and other persons of concern and to search for durable solutions to their situation; (ii) while preparing populations of concern for a durable solution, to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance and promote a better quality of life and self-reliance through a community development approach; and (iii) to advocate for refugee rights, promote effective partnerships, and develop diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing and mitigating the conditions that cause refugee movements. The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) program provides the opportunity for young Canadian professionals to obtain work experience in the multilateral system as regular UN staff. Participants gain valuable field-level experience in the management of multilateral aid projects. At the same time, it is an important way that Canada supports the activities of key multilateral partners. Following the conclusion of three successful JPO postings with UNHCR, three new JPOs are recruited for the 2008-2010 period. They are placed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Protection); Sudan (Resettlement); and Nepal (Protection).