Head of Field Office P4

Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position

Hardship LevelE (most hardship)

Family TypeNon Family with Residential Location

Residential location (if applicable)

Addis Ababa,Eth Fed Dem Rep

GradePR4

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 member’s 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.

ReasonFast Track > Fast Track

Remote work acceptedNo

Target Start Date2023-07-20

Job Posting End DateJuly 27, 2023

Standard Job DescriptionHead of Field Office Organizational Setting and Work Relationships Head of a UNHCR Field Office (HoFO) is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent carries the full delegated authority of the UNHCR Representative (or the country Manager or Head of Sub-Office) of the country, who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position, on the other hand, provides all information on developments in relation to the protection (legal protection issues relating to the persons of concern to UNHCR), security (Physical security in relation to the UNCR staff and the persons of concern to UNHCR) and operational matters (programme and office management / administration) within the domain of its geographical area of responsibility to the UNHCR Representative (or the country manager) on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), Representative will direct and guide the Head of Field Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoFO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed. While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Office will always remain the same despite its grade level, the other parameters (therefore the depth and breadth of the competencies) such as the size of the population of concern to UNHCR, their specific legal/security concerns, volume of assistance, Number of operational / Implementing partners and the size of the Office (i.e. number of UNHCR staff and their grade levels) will determine the appropriate grade level. The operational autonomy also depends upon the same parameters/competencies. As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, he/she is required to liaise with all the relevant senior government officials, security organs in the area, the Head of various Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and internationals based in the area), Civilian/tribal leaders/elders, local opinion makers and the local media net-work to ensure his/her assigned responsibilities are effectively and efficiently discharged. As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissioner¿s operations, he/she remain as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their conventional responsibilities in favour of refugees and others of concern to UNHCR. 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 a Vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on local situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO. - Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs, where applicable; Advocate, promote and encourage the concerned authorities and local opinion makers to uphold established UNHCR standards that have become the international norms. - 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 rigorous monitoring of identified assistance activities - Ensure through the subordinate staff that all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) are met on a regular basis. - 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; this requires remaining current in health and medical facilities locally available and evacuation options available in a moment of medical urgency. - 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. - 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. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P4 - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Human Resources Management; Personnel Administration; Law; Political Science; International Relations; Economics; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses HCR Management Lrng Prg; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential In-depth knowledge in all aspects of UNHCR¿s Field level operation. Applied experience of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration. Should be conversant in the current priorities in the organisation and existing mechanisms within the organisation to implement those priorities. Desirable Working experience both in UNHCR HQ and/or a Regional Office and the Field. Functional Skills IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators MG-Office Management HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits IT-Computer Literacy (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 ideal candidate should have relevant professional experience in managing offices, managing refugee camps, managing relationships with internal as well as external stakeholders. In a poor and insecure working environment like Chad-Sudan, the ideal candidate should possess demonstrated diplomacy and negotiation skills. The candidate should have basic knowledge of Programme Management and or demonstrated field experience in data management. Due to the nature of the work, the incumbent is expected to have experience in capacity development of team members, a pro-active mature attitude to address complex and dynamic operational context arising from operational emergencies, as well as the ability to deliver under stressful environments. Ability to promote duty of care related interventions through innovative and creative solutions for staff is an added value. Given the endemic complexity of the Chad operation, exacerbated by the current L3 emergency, the knowledge of Sudan-Chad operations, and the Sahel region is an asset for this position.

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

Nature of Position:

Since the conflict in Sudan erupted in mid-April 2023, and according to the latest figures, Chad currently hosts some 230,000 new arrivals (out of which some 192,473 are already “fixed” or counted), this situation has led to the forced displacement, mainly in the sub-prefectures of Borota and Addé, with the main entry points being the localities of Kulbus, Mahamata, Werwerta, Beida, Amdjerema/Dogdoré, Sarafbourgou, Mashiborgho and Maguilta. the situation continues to be tense in Sudan, refugees continue to arrive in Chad, fleeing from Darfur region, especially El Geneina and El Fasher cities.

On 17 May 2023, a Level 2 emergency was declared for the neighbouring countries of Sudan, including Chad. Considering the above, and as the humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the High Commissioner decided to upgrade the Level 2 emergency to a Level 3 for the Sudan and for the refugee and returnee situation in Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.

In this context, the operation in Chad reinforces its offices with the necessary capacities to respond effectively to the protection and assistance needs of the new refugees in the existing and new camps and maintain adequate capacity at the various entry points to continue to assist new arrivals.

The Field Office of Farchana is covered by the Sub Offices of Abeche in the Eastern part of Chad.

The Head of Field Office works under the direct supervision of the Head of Sub Office of Abeche. S/he has direct supervisory responsibility for protection and assistance to refugee camps based in a very arid environment. S/he should have the ability to lead and supervise diverse teams and in hardship duty stations such as Chad. The incumbent will need to have the capacity to build and maintain effective interfaces with local authorities, with host communities, development actors, implementing and operational partners, other Head of UN agencies and refugees.

Candidates applying to positions in Chad should be prepared to work under challenging conditions and be able to manage stressful situations. All the duty stations in Chad are classified E, except N’Djamena which is at D.

Living and Working Conditions:

Candidates applying to positions in Chad should be prepared to work under challenging conditions and be able to manage stressful situations. All the duty stations in Chad are classified E, except N’Djamena which is at D.

Most of international as well as national staff are living in guesthouses in eastern Chad. The climate is hot and semi-arid, with a rainy season from June to September. Electricity supply can be unstable and international staff members are provided generators by the office. Water supplies work in most areas but a personal drinkable water supply is required, even food. Most relevant supplies can be found on local markets though choice is limited compared to other hubs and prices are very high as most goods are imported.

Banking facilities are not available in Farchana. Some transactions are made from N’Djamena and Abeche. All communications within the office and with external partners such as Government and humanitarian agencies are conducted in French. There are regular UNHAS flights from N'djamena to Abeche, and from Abeche to Farchana which makes it accessible for staff taking R&R. The RR cycle in Farchana is 8 weeks as well as in other duty stations in Chad except Bagasola which is 6 weeks.

There are specific security measures to be taken into consideration. Aside from the mandatory security briefing provided to the staff upon arrival in N’Djamena with specific location information and requirements:

• All UN personnel must complete their BSAFE training online
• Per the classification of roads, all road movements between cities should be accompanied by an armed escort in the SRM East zone. These movements are conditioned by a granted security clearance through TRIP
• Unless exceptionally allowed all road movements between cities must be started after 6 a.m. and completed by 6 p.m.
• All movements of UNSMS vehicles in Abeche are allowed only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m, while all movements of UNSMS vehicles in Farchana, Goz Beida, Iriba, Amdjarass and Guéréda are allowed only between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

  Additional Qualifications

  SkillsHR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software, MG-Office Management, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators

  EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Economics (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Management (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Personnel Administration (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science (Required)

  CertificationsHCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCR

  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, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

  UNHCR Salary Calculator

  https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

  Compendium FT for the Sudan Situation

  Additional Information

  Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance