Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer

Hardship LevelD

Family TypeNon Family with Residential Location

Family TypeNon Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Residential location (if applicable)

Yaounde, Cameroon

GradeNOA

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer

ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment

Remote work acceptedNo

Target Start Date2024-01-01

Job Posting End DateDecember 19, 2023

Standard Job Description

Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
In humanitarian emergencies where UNHCR is designated as the Shelter Cluster (SC) Lead Agency under the Cluster Approach, the Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer performs a dedicated coordination function. This function will be usually performed at sub national level and the incumbent will report to a P2 to P5 Shelter Cluster Coordinator at national level on functional issues and to the respective Head of Office on administrative issues. In some cases of large emergencies, the incumbent may perform a function of deputy cluster coordinator at the national level in support of the P4 or P5 Shelter Cluster Coordinator reporting directly to them.
The Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer supports coordination functions to ensure UNHCR's role as the Shelter Cluster (SC) Lead Agency under the Cluster Approach. The incumbent supports UNHCR's commitment to work within the framework of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the Cluster Approach. The Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer also contributes to cross-sectoral coordination with other related clusters such as WASH, CCCM, Protection (HLP) and others, supports the mainstreaming of early recovery activities and cross-cutting issues into the work of the Shelter Cluster, especially age, gender, diversity, HIV, and environment.

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
Strategic Direction and Coordination
- Maintain strong working relationships with the cluster members in the Area of Responsibility (AoR) to facilitate effective collaboration and communication.
- Support coordination services, including meetings, in line with the Principles of Partnership, in an inclusive, effective, and results-oriented manner.
- Under the framework of Inter-Agency contingency Plan, support the revision of existing contingency planning and emergency preparedness measures and ensure they are updated and developed.
- Contribute to the development of a SC strategy that is part of the overall multi-sectoral response, that is owned by shelter partners and the government counterpart and that is revised as the situation evolves.
- Support the evaluation of the cluster's performance. Based on the feedback of this evaluation, work with Shelter Cluster members to support the development of a plan of response to improve the cluster's performance.
Needs Assessment, Resources Mobilization and Allocation
- Contribute to the facilitation and coordination within the Shelter Cluster or Inter-Cluster level shelter needs assessments, including participatory assessments
- Support the system to ensure the timely availability of data to inform operational decisions by partners and strategic decisions of the Humanitarian Country Team.
- Contribute to the development of common funding criteria, resource mobilisation and prioritization within the SC for inclusion in Consolidated Appeals and pooled funds processes.
- Contribute to the establishment of mechanisms for accountable and transparent financial resource allocation within the cluster.
Capacity Development
- Support capacity building of the government counterpart or the organization that will take over the coordination of the cluster once this is phased out.
- Contribute to the delivery of shelter training activities for SC members, other local partners, and relevant authorities.
- Contribute to initiatives to build the shelter capacity of the national and local government, partners and civil society.
Standard Setting and Implementation
- Contribute to ensuring that the shelter response is informed by appropriate relevant Technical Standards including among others Sphere, and good practice.
- Support appropriate collaboration with shelter response-related clusters of CCCM, Early Recovery, Education, Health, Logistics, Protection and WASH in the work of the Shelter Cluster.
- Support the integration of cross-cutting issues in the work of the Shelter Cluster, including age, gender, environment, diversity.
Information Management, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
- Contribute to development and implementation of SC information management strategy and mechanism to report and share information within the Shelter Cluster, with the other clusters, with the government, with the overall humanitarian community including donors, with UNHCR internal mechanisms, and with the Global Shelter Cluster.
- Support the production of analytical shelter reports, including the Factsheet;
- Support the maintenance of an updated SC website and the production of regular updates on the shelter concerns of the affected population, the response by the shelter actors, the gaps, challenges and recommendations.
Advocacy, Promotion and Fundraising
- Participate when requested in meetings with sectoral and external partners, authorities, donors, and other relevant interlocutors.
- Support the development of reports and advocacy statements on behalf of the Shelter Cluster.
- Coordinate with UNHCR and other partners to maximize communication impact to donors and others on the SC priorities.

- 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).

- 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

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Shelter-related sciences (e.g. civil engineering or architecture)

or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
CCCM Cluster Coordination
HCR Coordination Learning Prog
HCR Management Learning Prog
UNHCR Tri-Cluster Knowledge and Coordination Skills Workshop
UNHCR Workshop on Emergency Management
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Knowledge of the Humanitarian reform process and the role of the humanitarian community (UN System, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, and NGO), preferably in shelter. Knowledge of current humanitarian issues. Good knowledge of shelter-related technical guidelines and standards.

Desirable
Applied knowledge in UNHCR mandate, its policies, and priorities in relation to IDPs, shelter and NFI. Demonstrated expertise in program management and reporting requirements.

Functional Skills
CL-Cluster Information Management Tools, Resources & Approaches
PR-Country Operations applying the Cluster Approach
ER-Inter-Agency External Relations
CO-Drafting and Documentation
CL-Shelter and Settlement Implementation
CL-Cluster Information Management Tools, Resources & Approaches
(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 - Previous solid experience of working in an IDP context.
- Cluster Coordination experience is mandatory
- Ability to provide technical guidance to the co-lead and cluster members
- Impartially represent the interests of members of the protection sector, including the provision of
active support to the areas of responsibility of child protection, gender-based violence and
housing, land, and property.
- Represent the protection sector in intersectoral coordination mechanisms within the SO
Bamenda
- Knowledge of IASC principles, humanitarian Response Plan Programming, Inter Sector response
- Even though, Cameroon is a bilingual country, candidates should be proficiency in English since Bamenda is an English-speaking area and have a satisfactory level (speaking, reading, and writing).

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): French

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Conditions

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

Nature of Position:

Continuous armed confrontations between Government Defence and Security Forces (GDSF) and Non-State Armed Groups (NSAG), in the Northwest and Southwest (NWSW) regions of Cameroon has rendered the region extremely volatile and precarious. Armed confrontations, terrorism and criminality are major causes of insecurity which are marred by sporadic civil unrest incidents. In 2022 there was an important shift in the conflict through extensive use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

In terms of key priorities and strategic vision 2022-2026, the operational context, combined with the High Commissioner strategic directions (Protect, Respond, Include, Empower, Solve), UNSDCF (United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework), the 7 pillars of HC engagement in IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) situation and the national development plan, will be the basis of UNHCR strategic vision in the coming 5 years in NWSW. Particular attention will also be given to the engagement of climate action and environment whenever possible.

Due to the ongoing crisis, combined with the Covid-19 pandemic, the effects will last in the future, several priorities are identified for UNHCR in NWSW. However, the Sub-Office will build its operations around four main priorities: 1) Emergency preparedness and response; 2) response to critical protection needs 3) coordination of lead clusters; and 4) solutions. The priorities below are cross-cutting and are likely to apply to the four (04) priorities listed above and if effectively managed they would ease progress in the achievement or realization of those priorities. The following are covered below, and they are far from being exhaustive: centrality of protection, data management, partnerships, self-reliance/Livelihood, Cash-Based Interventions, prevention & response to SGBV, AGDM, PSEA, Engagement with local NGOs will be an integral part of the mentioned priorities.

The response to IDPs and returnees are coordinated through cluster system where UNHCR is lead for Protection and Shelter Clusters. As compared to 2022, the 2023 Operating Level Budget (OL) slightly reduced by more than 30% leading the office to take some austerity and prioritization measures, such as rationalization of the partnership and prioritization of activities. The Assistant Shelter Cluster Coordination Officer in Bamenda must have the capacity to work in the context where inter-agency coordination and collaboration are crucial. The operation is politically very sensitive and humanitarian organizations must maintain their neutrality to avoid being accused of taking side. As the position requires interaction with military during the Civil-Military coordination forums, advocacy to donors, government and humanitarian organizations, the Incumbent must have a very good negotiation skills with various groups and conflicting parties.

Living and Working Conditions:

In terms of security, the city of Bamenda is one of the two regions of the country where the so-called \"Anglophone\" crisis is raging. The situation is sometimes calm, sometimes on alert because of the exaggerations committed on both sides by separatist groups than by the conventional army.

Bamenda is in the North-West of Cameroon at 370 km (about 229.91 mi) from the capital Yaoundé. It is an expansive city at the bottom of a steep cliff, in the forest of the highlands of Cameroon. The downhill entrance to the city of Bamenda overlooks the city with the highest point: the Sacred Rock.

Bamenda is one of the most exposed cities in Africa to rising sea levels due to global warming. In Bamenda, the rainy season is comfortable, humid, and overcast and the dry season is hot and cloudy overall. Over the course of the year, the temperature usually ranges from 14°C to 28°C and is rarely below 12°C or above 30°C.

Bamenda is a High-Risk Duty station and a non-family duty station. Staff appointed will benefit Danger Pay and R&R cycle is 6 weeks. The official places of R&R are Yaoundé or Douala. However, the staff has the flexibility to take the R&R to any place outside the country. Travels to and out of Bamenda are possible only by road. Travel to Yaoundé or Douala or Buea by road takes 6 to 7 hours and 1hour and half to two hours to Baffoussam.

Current operational circumstances frequently require long working hours. Highly stressful work context, therefore the capacity for self-care is critical due to repetitive lockdowns/ghost towns and a difficult security situation. All United Nations personnel must comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Bamenda and in Cameroon in general.

Very basic infrastructures, as well as leisure and recreational facilities are accessible only in the Government Residential Area (commonly called GRA) and the surrounding area called “Up Station.” The latter is the only recommended residential area for all UN staff (national and international). Adequate and modern housing exists in the said area, but often expensive and a bit difficult to find available houses to let. The staff will rent private accommodation and it is recommended to all UNHCR staff to reside in Up Station only. There are several hotels of which the most famous are HOTEL ADMIRALTY, HOTEL AYABA and HILLTOP HOTEL as well as several motels and a visitor center (Pastoral Center of Bamenda – Mile 1 less than one Km from the Office). There are also several restaurants in Bamenda (including in the Up-Station area), few shops in the residential area and a sports centre where you can play football, volleyball, basketball, handball, and tennis. There are also nightclubs, not to mention many cabarets.

The main market is in downtown Bamenda. Fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and many other types of food commodities are available there and at reasonable prices (cheaper compared to Yaoundé or Douala).

Access to clean water is not as easy as in other cities in the country. For the supply of drinking water, recourse can be had to the numerous boreholes and springs in the city. However, the public water service provider (CAMWATER) is present in the city but encounters many difficulties in the dry season to meet the demand of its subscribers. The city of Bamenda is powered by thermal energy (Generator) provided by the public service provider (ENEO). There are fewer and fewer power cuts in the city, but it is nevertheless experiencing huge \"voltage drop\" problems that vary between 90V-180V. There are 04 mobile phone companies in the city: MTN, Orange, CAMTEL and NEXTTEL. The mobile phone companies MTN, CAMTEL, Nexttel and Orange have their representation in the city of Bamenda.

There are several banks in downtown Bamenda (SGBC, BICEC, ECOBANK, Afriland First Bank, UBA, SCB, FNC, etc...) with the possibility of transfer with Western Union, Money Gramm...

However, it is difficult to access downtown Bamenda during lockdowns/ghost towns.

Limited health facilities are available locally. There is the Bamenda regional hospital with a limited technical platform and a few clinics in the city. The staff will be able to travel to Yaoundé for some exams.

In terms of security, the city of Bamenda is one of the two regions of the country where the so-called \"Anglophone\" crisis is raging. The situation is sometimes calm, sometimes on alert because of the exaggerations committed on both sides by separatist groups than by the conventional army.

Bamenda is in the North-West of Cameroon at 370 km (about 229.91 mi) from the capital Yaoundé. It is an expansive city at the bottom of a steep cliff, in the forest of the highlands of Cameroon. The downhill entrance to the city of Bamenda overlooks the city with the highest point: the Sacred Rock.

Bamenda is one of the most exposed cities in Africa to rising sea levels due to global warming. In Bamenda, the rainy season is comfortable, humid, and overcast and the dry season is hot and cloudy overall. Over the course of the year, the temperature usually ranges from 14°C to 28°C and is rarely below 12°C or above 30°C. Bamenda is a High-Risk Duty station and a non-family duty station. Staff appointed will benefit Danger Pay and R&R cycle is 6 weeks. The official places of R&R are Yaoundé or Douala. However, the staff has the flexibility to take the R&R to any place outside the country. Travels to and out of Bamenda are possible only by road. Travel to Yaoundé or Douala or Buea by road takes 6 to 7 hours and 1hour and half to two hours to Baffoussam. Current operational circumstances frequently require long working hours. Highly stressful work context, therefore the capacity for self-care is critical due to repetitive lockdowns/ghost towns and a difficult security situation. All United Nations personnel must comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Bamenda and in Cameroon in general. Very basic infrastructures, as well as leisure and recreational facilities are accessible only in the Government Residential Area (commonly called GRA) and the surrounding area called “Up Station.” The latter is the only recommended residential area for all UN staff (national and international). Adequate and modern housing exists in the said area, but often expensive and a bit difficult to find available houses to let. The staff will rent private accommodation and it is recommended to all UNHCR staff to reside in Up Station only. There are several hotels of which the most famous are HOTEL ADMIRALTY, HOTEL AYABA and HILLTOP HOTEL as well as several motels and a visitor center (Pastoral Center of Bamenda – Mile 1 less than one Km from the Office). There are also several restaurants in Bamenda (including in the Up-Station area), few shops in the residential area and a sports centre where you can play football, volleyball, basketball, handball, and tennis. There are also nightclubs, not to mention many cabarets. The main market is in downtown Bamenda. Fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and many other types of food commodities are available there and at reasonable prices (cheaper compared to Yaoundé or Douala). Access to clean water is not as easy as in other cities in the country. For the supply of drinking water, recourse can be had to the numerous boreholes and springs in the city. However, the public water service provider (CAMWATER) is present in the city but encounters many difficulties in the dry season to meet the demand of its subscribers. The city of Bamenda is powered by thermal energy (Generator) provided by the public service provider (ENEO). There are fewer and fewer power cuts in the city, but it is nevertheless experiencing huge \"voltage drop\" problems that vary between 90V-180V. There are 04 mobile phone companies in the city: MTN, Orange, CAMTEL and NEXTTEL. The mobile phone companies MTN, CAMTEL, Nexttel and Orange have their representation in the city of Bamenda. There are several banks in downtown Bamenda (SGBC, BICEC, ECOBANK, Afriland First Bank, UBA, SCB, FNC, etc...) with the possibility of transfer with Western Union, Money Gramm... However, it is difficult to access downtown Bamenda during lockdowns/ghost towns. Limited health facilities are available locally. There is the Bamenda regional hospital with a limited technical platform and a few clinics in the city. The staff will be able to travel to Yaoundé for some exams.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Architecture, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Shelter-related sciences

CertificationsCCCM Cluster Coordination - UNHCR, Emergency Management Workshop - UNHCR, HCR Coordination Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, Tri_Cluster Knowledge/Coord Skills - Other

Work Experience

CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration

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Additional Information

Functional clearanceThis position requires Functional Clearance