Hardship LevelA (least 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.
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-04-26
Job Posting End DateMay 15, 2023
Standard Job Description
Deputy Head of the Joint Initiative
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The unprecedented scale and protracted nature of forced displacement have triggered global attention on the need to move from short-term humanitarian responses to development solutions. This realization, endorsed by the Global Compact on Refugees, is the reason behind UNHCRโs engagement with development actors, including International Finance Institutions such as the WBG.
The role played by the Private sector in addressing development challenges cannot be underrated. Job creation for instance is a key factor for developing countries to reduce poverty, improve people's lives, and reach the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Other comparative advantages of the Private sector such as the expertise in service provision and the development of innovative technologies should provide new opportunities for people affected by forced displacement, including the host communities.
Against the backdrop outlined above, UNHCR has been enhancing its partnership with the private sector to leverage its support for the forcibly displaced and their hosts. Considering its expertise in facilitating private sector interventions in developing countries, IFC remains a reliable partner to support the Engagement of the Private Sector in forced displacement contexts. To this end, UNHCR and IFC have set up a Joint Initiative to Creating Markets in Forced Displacement Contexts. The Joint Initiative combines resources with the goal to support and seek solutions for forced displacement contexts through private sector engagement. With the objective of creating inclusive economic opportunities for people affected by forced displacement by designing, funding, and piloting innovative, impactful, and scalable private-sector solutions. The Joint Initiative also establishes thought leadership on private sector development in forced displacement contexts through a strong knowledge base of operational lessons and promoting knowledge exchange among key players in the field.
The Joint Initiative team will include staff members from both organizations including a Head from IFC and a Deputy Head from UNHCR. The Joint Initiative will be hosted in IFCโs Regional Office in Istanbul as of January/February 2023. The Deputy Head of the Joint Initiative will work closely with the Head of the Joint Initiative to ensure UNHCRโs Protection and Solutions Mandate has been achieved thanks to the partnership with IFC. The incumbent will lead and advise in identifying and pursuing opportunities and ensure complementarity between UNHCR's protection work and IFCโs private sector interventions. The incumbent will ensure DRS teams are informed of the activities of the Joint Initiative and are able to provide relevant inputs for the design of interventions.
S/he will report both to the Head of the Joint Initiative and to the UNHCR Director of DRS ( S/he will work closely with other DRS teams and relevant colleagues in DIP and DER.
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 UNHCRโs core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Assist the Head of the Joint Initiative in supervising the implementation of the operations to ensure that activities are delivered on schedule and in accordance with the objectives described in the Collaboration Arrangement signed between IFC and UNHCR
- Facilitate contacts between the Joint Initiative and UNHCR Divisions, Regional Bureaux, and operations to foster private sector engagement
- Maintain contact between the Joint Initiative and relevant technical divisions of UNHCR HQ namely the Division of Resilience and Solutions (DRS), the Division of International Protection (DIP), and the Division of External Relations (DER)
- Facilitate the Joint Initiative engagement in knowledge exchange activities between UNHCR and IFC teams to facilitate private sector engagement whenever relevant
- Ensure UNHCR Protection and Solutions โMandate is mainstreamed in interventions designed by the Joint Initiative
- Facilitate the inclusion of populations of concern into the International Finance Corporation programs and projects
- Ensure UNHCRโs global strategies and guidelines are considered in the Joint Initiativeโs operations and strategic documents
- Support UNHCR fundraising efforts in coordination with the Division of External Engagement
- Support the Joint Initiative efforts to identify opportunities for private sector engagement with IFCโs expertise
- Provide leadership and guidance for relationship building with the International Finance Corporation
- Promote and communicate, together with the Joint Initiative Head, the objectives and priorities through formal and informal contacts and dialogue with relevant government, diplomatic missions, UN Agencies, and other interested parties.
- Report with the Manager on the Joint Initiativeโs operations to the Management Committee, the Development Partners Group, and the Strategic Advisory Committee.
- Manage the Joint Initiative UNHCR personnel through regular performance appraisals, coaching, and assessments of staff training and development needs.
- Ensure effective management of UNHCR financial and material resources, within the applicable rules and procedures.
- Act as the Head of the Joint Initiative in the absence of the Manager as required.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCRโs human resources policies (e.g. policies on gender, disabilities, diversity, ethics and HIV/AIDS).
- 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
Economics; International Law;
Political Science; International Relations; or other relevant fields.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
International Protection - Other
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Previous work experience in progressively responsible functions; preferably within the UN with at least 5 years of practical involvement in promoting solutions for people affected by forced displacement. Knowledge of UNHCR Protection and Solutions Mandate, and organizational culture with experience in office and people management. Partnership development skills with previous experience in engagement with development actors especially the World Bank Group in search of solutions for people affected by forced displacement. Field operations experience and understanding of area-based approach programming.
Desirable
Solid experience relevant to the realization of the Joint Initiativeโs vision and objectives. UNHCR-specific learning/ training activities (i.e., Management Learning Programme, Protection Learning Programme). Understanding of the Global Compact on Refugees arrangements and tools.
Functional Skills
CL-Strategy Development and Monitoring
*CO-Drafting, Documentation
MG-Partnership Development
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
*SO-Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
*SO-Networking
UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities.
(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.
Competency RequirementsAll jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies
Empowering and Building Trust
Judgement and Decision Making
Leadership
Managing Performance
Managing Resources
Strategic Planning and Vision
Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Political Awareness
Stakeholder Management
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 position requires an in-depth knowledge of UNHCRโs protection and solutions mandate, in addition to advocacy skills for the inclusion of forcibly displaced people into development programmes. Leadership and management competencies to build and motivate a new team besides critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential. Strong operational experience in protracted displacement and/or return situations is an asset.
A minimum of 12 years of demonstrated experience in forced displacement/fragile contexts is required, including at least 4 years of direct collaboration with International Financial Institutions. A good understanding of the World Bank Group, especially the International Finance Corporation, is a requirement. The incumbent must have demonstrated experience in managing or coordinating policy dialogues and programmes with development partners on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of another UN language in addition to English.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
Desired languages
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
Against the background of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), the Division of Resilience and Solutions (DRS) has engaged in partnerships with development actors to support and enhance the inclusion of the people UNHCR cares for, in economic opportunities available in hosting areas. In December 2022, UNHCR and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) signed a Collaboration Arrangement to set up a Joint Initiative on Creating Markets in Forced Displacement Contexts. The goal of the Joint Initiative is to support and seek solutions for forcibly displaced people and host communities through private sector engagement, with the objectives of creating inclusive economic opportunities for people affected by forced displacement, by designing, funding and piloting innovative, impactful, and scalable private sector solutions, and establishing thought leadership on private sector engagement in forced displacement contexts through a strong knowledge base of operational lessons and promoting knowledge exchange among key players in the field. The Joint Initiative will facilitate the engagement between stakeholders, especially IFC and UNHCR teams, but also relevant actors who could play a role in private sector engagement for people affected by forced displacement.
As a member of the joint team and under the supervision of the Director of DRS, the Deputy Head of the Joint Initiative will assist the Head of the Joint Initiative in supervising the implementation of the activities while leading the UNHCR team. S/he will ensure that UNHCRโs protection and solutions mandate is adequately mainstreamed in interventions designed by the Joint Initiative. Working closely with UNHCR HQ Divisions (DRS, DER, DIP), s/he will facilitate exchanges between UNHCR and IFC technical experts for a better complementarity of approaches between the two organizations. Engaging with UNHCR Regional Bureaus and operations, s/he will support the Joint Initiative efforts to harness relevant opportunities for the people UNHCR cares for and their host communities.
Living and Working Conditions:
Climate in Istanbul: The inhabitants of Istanbul enjoy all four seasons. The characteristic weather is a cooler version of the Mediterranean climate. The summer months between June and September are very hot in Istanbul. The humidity is also very high. The average temperature during summer is 28C with relatively dry weather. The winter season in Istanbul is cold, wet and snowy, but the temperature remains above the freezing point. The wind can also be very strong especially in autumn. Light jackets are always recommended due to unstable weather conditions.
Particularly the central areas of the big cities in Tรผrkiye are not very different from any other Western city. There is a good choice of hotels in Ankara and Istanbul but the choice is somewhat limited in many other parts of the country, except for summer resorts. The prices of hotels are subject to continuous changes due to domestic inflation and changes in the value of the Turkish Lira on foreign exchange markets.
The usual practice for renting an apartment is to consult real-estate agents or advertisements in the local English language newspaper.
The main cities have a number of hospitals where well trained specialists and surgeons in all branches of medicine can easily be found. Prescribed medicines are not always available in the hospital and may need to be purchased from a pharmacy.
Private clinics are generally well equipped and offer services of an acceptable quality. There are also private hospitals of top international standards in Ankara and Istanbul. The number of this type of hospitals is increasing day by day. Laboratory tests are available both in these hospitals and in established private laboratories.
There are only a few schools in Tรผrkiye that cater to foreign residents. These range from kindergarten through primary to high school level. Courses are in one or more foreign languages although some subjects are taught in Turkish in some schools.
The general security situation remains calm and stable. On 6 February 2023, two powerful earthquakes of 7.7 and 7.5 magnitudes struck in south-eastern Tรผrkiye in the province of Kahramanmaras. The earthquakes have claimed thousands of lives and caused untold destruction to homes and infrastructure across the region. Level 2 Emergency for Tรผrkiye and Syria were declared. This Level 2 emergency declaration will remain in force for a period of six months and will expire on 8 August 2023. Under exceptional circumstances, the AHC-O may recommend a three-month extension following consultations with the Regional Bureau.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationBA: Economics, BA: International Law, BA: International Relations, BA: Political Science
CertificationsInternational Protection - Other
Work Experience
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. 1 to March 2023 Compendium - Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance