Hardship LevelE (most hardship)
Family TypeNon Family with Residential Location
Family TypeNon Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay
Residential location (if applicable)
Nairobi (CO), Kenya
GradeNOA
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2024-05-01
Job Posting End DateApril 20, 2024
Standard Job Description
Head of Field Office
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position is under direct supervision and guidance of the Representative/Head of Sub-Office on issues concerning programme, protection, external relations etc. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units at the Branch Office and from the Bureau at Headquarters.
The incumbent represents UNHCR at the field level. S/he will persuade and obtain assistance of others on matters of non-routine significance. Contacts predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization's programmes (e.g. counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments). The Field Office managed by the incumbent has no other professional position and less than 6 General Service positions.
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
- Monitor and report on the implementation of refugee conventional responsibilities and international obligations of the local authorities vis-à-vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the AOR.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of persons of concern.
- Ensure that the basic needs of the concerned population are properly assessed with the participation of the beneficiaries themselves, the host governments and/or the competent Implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself.
- Subject to the needs, ensure that the planning, formulation and budgeting of identified assistance projects are done as per UNHCR programme cycle; upon approval of assistance project, ensure the timely implementation and monitoring of identified assistance activities.
- Ensure through the subordinate staff that deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities are met on a regular basis.
- Manage UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
- Manage all UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
- Ensure that all security measures of UNHCR office (and residential, where ever applicable) compounds are always up to date; any security breaches and/or potential security threat should be reported immediately to competent UN security coordinator in the country.
- Ensure that staff welfare, both in terms of working and living conditions, are maintained at a satisfactory level within the constraints in the operational area.
- Guide, coach and advocate the subordinate staff to maintain highest standards of conduct and behaviour thorough one's own practice and deeds.
- Prepare and submit regular reports, both verbally and written, to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO. In the event of substantial telephone conversation that leads to specific action or non-action, it should be recorded and share with the other party.
- Any other responsibilities/functions deemed necessary or as delegated by the UNHCR Representative of the country in order to meet the level of the services in the organization.
- Represent UNHCR in inter-agency fora and with local authorities in the AOR.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR's global protection, programme, finance, human resources and security policies and standards.
- Submit project proposals for assistance to refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR Representation or Sub-Office in coordination with local authorities and NGOs.
- 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 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
Business Administration; Economics; International Relations;
Law; Political Science; or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Knowledge of UNHCR mandate and its Field level application. Applied knowledge of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration.
Desirable
Working experience both in HQ.
Functional Skills
*PR-International protection concepts and principles
*MG-Office Management
*HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
(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 incumbent should have extensive experience in refugee/IDP protection, humanitarian affairs or related fields with a proven track record of managing complex humanitarian operations preferably within the UN System. The incumbent should possess thorough operational managerial experience, a solid understanding of UNHCR roles and responsibilities in refugees and IDPs response. S/he will be expected to have demonstrated leadership with experience in managing teams and fostering a collaborative work environment.
The incumbent should possess excellent interpersonal skill with the ability to engage with wide range of stake holders including Government officials , humanitarian partners , donors and local communities. Strong communication skills including written and verbal proficiency in English. As well as the ability to guide and provide technical support to UNHCR Ips in all aspects relating to protection , delivery and assistance.
The Incumbent should exhibit proven ability to analyze complex situations , identify key issues and develop innovative solutions. He/she should have the ability to represent UNHCR effectively at the field level , advocating for rights and needs of forcibly displaced persons and ensuring compliance with International protection standards.
Additional Assets:
- Experience working in Forcibly displaced contexts or in conflict affected areas
- Familiarity with relevant legal frameworks , including international refugee law and human rights law.
Nature of Position
The incumbent of this position reports to the Head of Sub Office based in El Fasher and manages a diverse team.
Ed Daein- East Darfur hosts the largest number of South Sudanese refuges in Darfur residing in 2 camps and 7 settlements. In addition , Ed Daein hosts a considerable number of IDPs. This number has substantially increased due to the current Sudan security crisis.
East Darfur has received a substantial number of secondary displacements as well as Internally displaced persons from different states within Sudan. Majority of the newly displaced persons are residing within the host community while some are residing in gathering sites.
Basic services are provided to refugees in camps and in settlement area as well as Internally displaced persons residing in different areas.
However, due to the Sudan crisis, this has led to limited access to the essential supplies and services. This has led to the deterioration of the living conditions of forcibly displaced persons and host communities. In some locations , this has created tensions between the host community and the forcibly displaced population. Additional efforts are required to support affected population by increased coordination and advocacy. Different coordination forums such as Protection and Refugee Working Groups are the main coordinating forums for the delivery of services in camp/out of camp locations. The refugee population has been highly mobile, seeking livelihoods, food , other services as well as seasonal labor opportunities in different parts of East Darfur and surrounding states. Commission of Refugees ( COR) works closely with UNHCR regarding the Refugees population. HAC remains the essential actor in terms of coordination of all interventions related to the IDPs.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
SkillsHR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, MG-Office Management, PR-International protection concepts and principles
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science
CertificationsProgramme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCR
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional InformationFemale candidates are strongly encourage to apply.
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance