Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position
Hardship LevelE (most hardship)
Family TypeNon FamilyDanger Pay
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 Date2023-11-30
Job Posting End DateDecember 21, 2023
Standard Job Description
Assistant Representative - Protection
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Representative- Protection is the senior protection manager in a Country Office and reports to the Representative. A member of the senior management team, the incumbent has direct or reviewing supervisory responsibility for protection staff who may include community services, registration, resettlement and education. He/she has country-wide functional supervisory responsibility for protection staff and provides protection oversight and guidance to the information and programme management functions.
The Assistant Representative- Protection transposes UNHCR's Global Strategic Priorities into a comprehensive protection strategy adapted to the country context. He/she is guardian of protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery at country level and represents the UNHCR to authorities, UN sister agencies, partners and other stakeholders on protection policy and doctrine. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.
The Assistant Representative- Protection is relied upon by the Office to plan, manage and guide country-wide protection delivery to populations of concern and to promote and gain support for UNHCR's protection agenda externally. This includes ensuring that operational responses in sectors are shaped in a protection optic, mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards. He/she ensures that persons and communities of concern are involved with the Office in making decisions that affect them and that their interests are effectively represented to authorities, protection and assistance partners and to the broad network of donors and stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection.
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
- Stay abreast of political, social, economic and security developments that have an impact on the protection environment and protection delivery capacity and advise the Representative in the overall management of UNHCR's operations.
- Manage a consultative process with government counterparts, partners and persons of concern to develop and implement a comprehensive protection strategy addressing the specific protection needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, minority groups such as sexual minorities and persons living with HIV/AIDS; and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) priorities with regard to these persons.
- In operations applying the Cluster Approach, ensure the response of the Protection Cluster is grounded in a strategy which covers assessed and prioritized protection needs of the affected populations.
- Ensure the protection strategy is fully integrated into the Country Operations Plan, the UN Development and Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and in respect of UNHCR's mandate, the Humanitarian Country Team's common humanitarian action plan where applicable.
- Ensure that necessary resources are allocated to address protection gaps.
- Promote International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct. Foster their consistent and coherent interpretation and application and ensure that sectors and /or in clusters in applicable operations fulfil their responsibilities mainstreaming protection.
- Design, deliver and monitor programmes on an AGD basis to address identified protection needs.
- Oversee the provision of expert legal advice and guidance on protection issues to internal and external interlocutors and ensure that legal assistance and documentation is accessible to persons of concern.
- Oversee Eligibility and Status Determination operations ensuring compliance with UNHCR procedural standards and international protection principles.
- Oversee the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for protection /solutions processes and systems.
- Promote and supervise the delivery of effective measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness.
- Develop and implement a country-level education plan as part of the protection strategy. Ensure the provision of quality and protective education with an emphasis on learning outcomes and lifelong learning opportunities forging partnerships with the Ministry for Education, UNICEF and other partners as appropriate.
- Develop and implement a country-level child protection plan as part of the protection strategy ensuring programmes use a child protection systems approach.
- Ensure that appropriate interventions are undertaken by the Office, or intervene directly, in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents through working relations with governments and other partners.
- Coordinate the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related programming with implementing and operational partners.
- Ensure with governments and partners that durable solutions through voluntary repatriation, local integration, and where appropriate, resettlement are sought and provided to the largest possible number of persons of concern.
- Oversee the development and implementation of a results-based advocacy programme in consultation with sectorial and/or cluster partners.
- Advocate with authorities and stakeholders for access to and respect for the rights of persons of concern and their access to services.
- Ensure the Protection Sector or Cluster strategy has an effective information management component to provide disaggregated data on populations of concern and their problems; and researches, collects and disseminates relevant protection information and good practices to enhance protection delivery.
- Build the protection capacity of national and local government, partners and civil society to assume their responsibilities vis-ร -vis persons of concern through protection training, mainstreaming and related activities.
- Coordinate capacity-building initiatives for communities and persons of concern to assert their rights.
- Advise and capacitate national authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs to strengthen legislation and status determination procedures and mechanisms.
- Contribute to a communications strategy to generate external support for UNHCR's operations and the Protection Sector/Cluster.
- Provide effective supervisory and managerial oversight, direction and guidance of the protection function.
- Design and establish effective protection staffing structures in Offices ensuring staffing configurations, profiles and competencies are commensurate with protection challenges.
- Approve the comprehensive protection strategy for endorsement by the Representative and Regional Office or Headquarters.
- Chair strategic or operational protection meetings, including Protection Cluster meetings in applicable operations and represent the protection sector/cluster in inter-agency mechanisms.
- Issue advocacy statements on behalf of UNHCR or the Protection Cluster in applicable operations. Intervene with authorities on protection issues.
- Negotiate with resettlement countries and countries of return on behalf of UNHCR.
- Clear documents and reports prepared by the Protection Unit / Section.
- Take decisions on individual cases.
- Negotiate with the Humanitarian Coordinator/Resident Coordinator, the Humanitarian Country Team and partners on protection funding priorities in inter-agency funding appeals.
- Enforce compliance of staff and partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services.
- Enforce compliance with, and integrity of protection standard operating procedures.
- Approve expenditures under the UNHCR protection budget and direct transparent and accountable financial and other resource allocation within the Protection Cluster in applicable operations.
- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
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
Humanitarian Law; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; International Refugee Law; or other relevant field.
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
- minimum 11 years of previous work experience in progressively responsible functions in an organisation or institution that administer/manage and assist a large number of asylum seekers, refugees and Displaced persons, preferably within the UN.
- Thorough knowledge in International refugee law, its applications under different circumstances; ability to analyse and advocate the application of various regional refugee instruments for the benefits of the persons of concern to UNHCR. Field experience, preferably in the context of UNHCR, in repatriation and resettlement of refugees.
Desirable
- Solid UNHCR experience from both the Field (including Hardship Duty stations) and Headquarters.
- UNHCR specific learning/training activities (i.e. Management Learning Programme, Protection Learning Programme).
Functional Skills
*PR-International Humanitarian Law
*PR-Refugee Resettlement programs
*PR-Managing large influx of Persons of Concern
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
FO-Operational activities in hardship duty stations
*PR-Application of various regional refugee instruments
(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 - Experience in strategic engagement with senior humanitarian leadership fora on protection issues, including leading on the development and implementation of strategies and approaches on protection issues for both refugees and IDPs with a focus on the latter
- Proven negotiation skills in a very challenging and complex political and operational environment on fundamental protection issues
- Sensitive political context requires ability to work collaboratively with various authorities, inter-agency partners and local NGOs
- Proven ability to oversee a diverse and complex protection operation; previous experience on cash for IDPs and/or refugees and the linkage to protection will be considered an asset
- Adequate expertise in human rights law, humanitarian law and protection principles in emergencies and conflict, and capacity to devise public/private advocacy for the protection of civilians
- Previous experience in interagency coordination will be considered as an asset
- Experience in managing the protection dimension of refugee operation in both urban camp and mixed populations movement contexts
- Experience in programmatic interventions related to the implementation of a protection strategy
- Relevant skills and knowledge to be able to ensure access to asylum, advocate for alternatives to immigration-related detention and combatting human trafficking.
Seniority is required, as this is the most senior position apart from the Representative, to be based in Sana'a.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languagesArabic
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this links:
https://wellbeing.unhcr.org/yemen/local-knowledge
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
Entering the ninth year of conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is considered one of the worst in the world with 80% of the population estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance. UNHCR 's interventions focus on relief activities, protection services and durable solutions directed to than 4.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and an estimated 70,000 refugees and asylum-seekers. Humanitarian access is severely constrained by administrative hurdles and ongoing fighting with rapidly shifting frontlines. In IDPs interventions, UNHCR has a strong operational footprint particularly in relation to protection/protection of civilians, shelter and NFIs and IDPs sites management with one of the largest cash programme of UNHCR globally, as well as durable solutions for IDPs. In Yemen, UNHCR implements the fifth largest cash programme of UNHCR globally, and the second serving IDPs. UNHCR operations are managed by the Country Office in Sanaa, with three field offices in Hodeidah, Saada and Ibb, one field unit in Sanaa, as well as in the South of Yemen through its Sub-Office Aden and a field presence in Marib.
The ideal candidate should have:
- Experience in strategic engagement with senior humanitarian leadership fora on protection issues, including leading on the development and implementation of strategies and approaches on protection issues for both refugees and IDPs with a focus on the latter
- Proven negotiation skills in a very challenging and complex political and operational environment on fundamental protection issues
- Sensitive political context requires ability to work collaboratively with various authorities, inter-agency partners and local NGOs
- Proven ability to oversee a diverse and complex protection operation; previous experience on cash for IDPs and/or refugees and the linkage to protection will be considered an asset
- Adequate expertise in human rights law, humanitarian law and protection principles in emergencies and conflict, and capacity to devise public/private advocacy for the protection of civilians
- Previous experience in interagency coordination will be considered as an asset
- Experience in managing the protection dimension of refugee operation in both urban camp and mixed populations movement contexts
- Experience in programmatic interventions related to the implementation of a protection strategy
- Relevant skills and knowledge to be able to ensure access to asylum, advocate for alternatives to immigration-related detention and combatting human trafficking.
Living and Working Conditions:
With difficulties in accessing quality healthcare, persons with pre-existing medical conditions must consider the implications of working in Yemen, and should take all possible steps to ensure that they are medically prepared, including carrying sufficient supplies of any necessary prescription or other medication. Movement and travel of international staff is limited to and from the UN Compound, offices and implementation locations only. Very limited possibility for leisure and recreational facilities. Stressful work context, therefore capacity for self-care is very important and personal security awareness is critical. In order to support and protect the health and well-being of its workforce, time-off are granted to the international staff. Rest and Recuperation (R&R) in Yemen consists of a 4-week cycle. Yemen is under Security Level V. The UN in general faces, as a result of those conflicts, three general types of risks: collateral damage due to the armed conflict, terrorism, especially in the south, but also sleeping cells in the north, crime due to the economic/financial collapse of Yemen and the dramatic rise in the needs of Yemenis to feed and to provide medical care for their families, and hazard due to long road travels in armored vehicles on narrow roads with no maintenance. The working and living space are well protected and are MOSS compliant. All physical security mitigation measures are in place, which include guards, secured walls, protected windows. The security situation dictates that all international UN personnel in Yemen must reside within UN or other UNDSS approved compounds. All UNHCR Staff are living in the UN Compound called (UNCAF), in apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms with private bathroom and common kitchen and living area. Gym, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Coffee Shop and Mini Market are available within the Compound. For primary healthcare a UN clinic is available inside the Compound, in addition to the main UN clinic in the UNDP Office. For serious cases, it is recommended to receive treatment outside the country. Due to the unstable security situation, when travelling by road, UN International staff members must only move in armored vehicles. This includes pick-ups and drop-offs at offices and airports. International staff must not travel in soft skin vehicles or in public transport of any sort. All staff members must complete the mandatory SSAFE and online BSAFE training. The SSAFE training is to be completed by all international staff before deployment to Yemen.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Humanitarian Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Refugee Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science
CertificationsHCR Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR
Work ExperienceAnnual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless
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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Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance