Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position
Hardship LevelE (most hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradePR5
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff memberโs country of nationality.
In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-05-25
Job Posting End DateJune 15, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionAssistant Representative - Programme Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Assistant Representative - Programme will function under direct supervision of the UNHCR Representative. Advice and operational support may also be provided by the Director/Deputy Director of the Bureau or the Regional Representative and by other senior staff in the Bureau and in the support Divisions at Headquarters. The incumbent will advise and assist the Representative in the overall management of UNHCRยฟs programme activities and issues of concern within the country operation in an effective and efficient manner which supports the Organizationยฟs mandate. The incumbent will also have direct working relationship/arrangement with the Head of UNHCR offices in the country operation. S/he will also have a responsibility to monitor, coach, and guide and intervene with the staff within the country. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System. 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 UNHCRยฟs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Assist the Representative in the overall management of UNHCRยฟs programme activities within the country of assignment in an effective and efficient manner which supports the Organizationยฟs mandate. - Verify the standards of assistance for project activities at country level, ensuring consistency with UNHCR's country strategy and policies, and their integration with protection functions. - Assist the Representative in developing contacts and networks with other government agencies, UN agencies, and NGOs to foster mutual cooperation and ensure that activities are coordinated and integrated to best effect. - Develop country-specific management tools for project monitoring and control; ensure the effective and efficient use of financial and material resources within the rules and procedures of UNHCR. - Manage personnel through regular performance appraisals, coaching, and assessments of staff training and development needs - Ensure that essential services for the general welfare of staff i.a. living and working conditions, health, education, recreation, etc. are in place. This includes the establishment of proper and efficient mechanisms to assist staff suffering from work-related pressure or post traumatic stress. - Play an active role in the Security Management Team (SMT) in the relevant country and the inter-agency security and contingency planning process; ensure that appropriate security measures and evacuation plans are in place to protect UNHCR staff; and that security guidelines and procedures as outlined by the Designated Offcial and UNDSS are complied with. - Report and provide recommendations/solutions to the Representative on political, socio-economic, and cultural developments that may effect the situation of refugees in the country. - Act as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Representative as required. - Set and enforce parameters, criteria and deadlines for the design, review and report of operations. - Clear the submission of the country operations plan (including budgets, staffing levels and structures) as well as of funding submissions, appeals and report. - Negotiate implementing partner agreements. - Represent UNHCR in UN and other operations management and programmatic fora. - Enforce compliance with UNHCRยฟs global strategies, protocols and guidelines. - Approve recommendations and advice on the technical capacity required of UNHCR and its partners. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Business Administration; Economics; International Relations; Political Science; International Law; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses HCR Learning Prog; HCR Management Lrng Prg; HCR Protection Learning Prg; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified. Desirable - Solid UNHCR experience from both the Field and Headquarters. - UNHCR specific learning/ training activities (i.e. Management Learning Programme, Protection Learning Programme). Functional Skills *EX-Experience in international organization (United Nations or similar); EX-Field experience with UNHCR and/or with other humanitarian organizations; EX-HQs experience with UNHCR and/or with other humanitarian organizations; * MG-5 years of managerial experience; (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.
Desired Candidate Profile The candidate should have strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
S/he should have basic data management knowledge and understanding, with a capacity to design and coordinate the development of information management tools and products.
The candidate should have proven strategic and analytical skills, with a solid knowledge of result-based management tools (COMPASS and BTP) and resource allocation and budget management procedures.
Good drafting skills, well organized with strong training and coaching abilities, and good diplomatic and negotiation skills.
Ability to understand complex refugee-related situations, conduct a thorough analysis, including change theory, and design adequate responses and solutions.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): French
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
The Assistant Representative - Programme position has been recently established. The rationale behind the establishment of this senior position within the Niger operation was to bring managerial support to programme functions and performance across the country. As such, the key priority of the function will be to reorganize, upgrade and bring to standards programme-related functions, processes, and performance across the operation. The incumbent will report to the Country Representative.
The core nature of the position is to support, coordinate and enhance the capacity and performance of all programme-related functions within the Niger operation. As such, the responsibilities of the position include the following: lead, organize and coordinate the full programme management cycle, including strategic planning (result framework and resources allocation), implementation (partner management), budget management, monitoring & evaluation, and reporting.
The incumbent of the position is part of the Executive Team in Niamey together with the Assistant Representative (Protection) and the Deputy Representative. As such she/he will participate and bring her/his perspective and expertise in the decision-making process related to overall programme and resource management matters and beyond.
The position will supervise the programme team in Niamey, as well as the technical units: (WASH, Health, Shelter & Settlement Planning, Environment, and Energy), and provide functional guidance and management support to the programme teams in the field (8 field offices), and strategic advice to heads of offices. As overall Planning Coordinator, the position will be key to establishing and maintaining a proper communication flow between the Representation and the field and ensuring the overall strategic directions and objectives are reflected in a coherent way in each of our field interventions and projects across the country.
Budget management, partnership management and monitoring of programme-related interventions will be among the priority areas the function will focus on.
Living and Working Conditions:
Niamey is a E classified family duty station with 12 weeks R&R frequency. There are several supermarkets where local and foreign goods are available and expatriates frequent a number of restaurants offering Turkish, Lebanese, Chinese, French, Italian and other foods. Very limited educational services are available; French and American International Schools exist. The Medical Section in Geneva after assessing the medical facilities has recommended two clinics safely accessible by UNHCR staff and family members. However, it`s very poor. Most of travels within the country are undertaken regularly through UNHAS flights. Non accessible localities are reached by car. Guest houses and commercial accommodations with minimum standards are available in the field offices. There are several banks and ATM available in the capital but most of the time out of service.
There are 3 seasons in Niger: rainy (June-Sept), cool (Oct-Feb), and very hot (March-May). Communication by mobile is acceptable. Housing conditions are becoming more difficult due to untimely power cuts, and the very high price of rent including advances of 3 to 4 months advance payment. The 2018 Finance law impacts the cost of most purchases.
Security Considerations:
Security level is 3 in Niamey. Due to actual terrorist threat of kidnapping and armed attacks against convoy in south of Niamey Region, any mission should move under armed escorts between 7:00 to 18:00. Despite tension around its borders, with military operations taking place regularly, Niamey remains reasonably stable, due to criminality staff members are discouraged from walking in the streets, taking taxis, staying out late at night and visiting public places alone. Almost no red zone exists but in fact staffs should reside in a certain perimeter around the assembly or concentration point. Pertaining to civil unrest and disturbances, the situation can be volatile and unpredictable in Niamey.
In addition, the public unrest, materialized by meeting/ marches, regular sit-ins and roadblocks has become recurring. Personal security arrangement is highly recommended over the security measures set up. In Niamey, there is neither curfew nor state of emergency measures, but there are authorized travel times, weekly radio control and security advisories broadcasts.
Security Clearance is required and can be requested via TRIP at https://dss.un.org. Requests for clearance should be submitted 7 days prior travel.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsBU-Budgeting, BU-PeopleSoft EPM/Budget, LV-Strategic Planning and Advocacy for Refugee Socioeconomic Rights, MG-Organisational Development, MG-UN/UNHCR Management Practices/Standards and Processes, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PG-Resource planning, PG-Results-Based Management, PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate), PG-UNHCR's Programmes, PS-Development of stewardship plans for private partners, PS-Fundraising (incl. operations, programmes), RM-ISO 31000 - International Risk Management Standard
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Law (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science (Required)
CertificationsHCR Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR
Work ExperienceAnnual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
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Compendium Add. 2 to March 2023 Compendium - Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance