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 Date2024-06-01
Job Posting End DateApril 21, 2024
Standard Job Description
Head of Field Unit
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position is under direct supervision and guidance of the Representative/Head of Sub/Field-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).
While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Unit will 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. The Field Unit managed by the incumbent has no other professional position and less than 6 General Service positions. The supervisor exercises substantive oversight and provides regular guidance, direction and support to the incumbent.
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-ร -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.
- Ensure that security measures of UNHCR office (and residential, wherever 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; Management; Political Science;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Management Learning Prog; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Applied knowledge of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration.
Desirable
Not specified.
Functional Skills
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
*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 UNHCR SO Mogadishu is recruiting a Head of Field Unit in Beletweyne. The candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Sub Office/OiC based in Mogadishu and is expected to effectively coordinate with various stakeholders to streamline field and protection work, as well as pathways to durable solutions.
The ideal candidate should have proven experience in leadership and management skills, hands-on protection/community-based protection, field, stakeholdersโ management, and cluster coordination with the government and partners. A thorough understanding of UNHCRโs protection mandate, durable solutions, and cross-border movement is desirable. Previous knowledge of registration will be an added advantage.
The candidate should have experience working directly with forcibly displaced communities, protection of vulnerable groups, and practical knowledge of working with humanitarian actors. A good understanding of IDPs, refugeesโ protection, mixed migration, as well as relocation of IDPs and cluster coordination are essential. He/she should possess knowledge of international protection principles and humanitarian values. The ability to liaise and communicate with the government and local authorities, and conduct protection needs assessments, will be an asset.
Additionally, the candidate should be proficient in coordinating with sub-national clusters like WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Shelter, Protection (HLP), etc. Previous experience and knowledge of the region and the dynamics in handling a humanitarian response to assist individuals suffering from the effects of natural disasters and human conflicts, understanding of the cross-cutting issues in the interagency cluster mechanism is an added advantage.
The incumbent must have excellent writing, editing, interpersonal and communication skills, a high sense of tolerance, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to deliver quality work under pressure within a short timeframe.
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/copy this link to the Operational context: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
UNHCR Sub Office Mogadishu covers the Southern and Central regions of Somalia, the security situation remains volatile with Al-Shabaab remaining in control of large rural areas, as well as sporadically active in urban centers by carrying out attacks ranging from bombing attacks to gaining control over some towns. There are various factors to be considered such as the current delay and disputes over the national elections in addition to the protracted and recurrent internal displacement caused by interlinked drivers (i.e., climatic shocks and conflicts).
UNHCR continues working with the Government towards the implementation of the GCR/ CRRF to ensure that refugees, returnees, and asylum seekers are included in national development initiatives, including social protection and safety net systems. Implementation of the GCR in Somalia is also rooted in regional processes led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and guided by the Nairobi Declaration on Durable Solutions (2017). The Nairobi Declaration, and its accompanying Plan of Action, proposes a comprehensive regional approach to deliver durable solutions for Somali refugees and to create an enabling environment for their return and reintegration. The National Durable Solutions Strategy (NDSS), launched in March 2021, contributes to the implementation of GCR and the FGSโs pledges made at the Global Refugee Forum.
The Head of Field Unit (NOA) at UNHCR Field Unit Beletweyne operates under the direct supervision and guidance of the Head of Sub Office/OiC in Mogadishu. This position encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including program management, field/protection, humanitarian emergency response, and external relations. The focus is primarily on engaging with IDPs, refugees, returnees, and asylum seekers. The Head of Field Unit may also receive advice and operational support from other senior staff and support units at the Branch Office and Headquarters.
Acting as the representative of UNHCR at the field level, the incumbent is tasked with persuading and obtaining assistance from others on matters of non-routine significance.
While the functional responsibilities of a Head of Field Unit remain consistent regardless of grade level, certain parameters, such as the size of the population of concern, legal/security concerns, volume of assistance, number of operational/implementing partners, and the size of the office, determine the appropriate grade level. The operational autonomy of the Field Unit managed by the Head of Field Unit is influenced by these same parameters and competencies. In this specific context, the Field Unit overseen by the incumbent has no other professional positions and has one Driver at General Service position.
The Head of Sub Office/OiC/Supervisor provides substantive oversight, offering regular guidance, direction, and support to the Head of Field Unit. This dynamic ensures effective management and execution of duties within the Field Unit.
โLiving and Working Conditions:
Security situation: Mogadishu, an E category, non-family duty station, is the capital of Somalia. In 2021, UNHCR opened its own residential and office compound within the Aden Abdulle International Airport (AAIA) where UN Agencies, Funds and Programs, as well as Embassies operate from various compounds. The security situation has remained consistently tense and volatile for many years. As a consequence, staff movements may be restricted. Curfew within AAIA is 22:00-05:00 for vehicle movement and 18:00-06:00 for pedestrian movements. The beach area (a 20-minute walk from the compound) is currently open 05:00-08:00 and 14:00-18:00 daily, although swimming in the ocean is prohibited due to strong currents and sharks. National staff can access the compound (AAIA), during the morning from 6:00 and exit in the evening AAIA by 5:00.
Living conditions: International staff reside in UNHCR's compound (containers) in the AAIA compound. National staff live in the town and commute to the office on working days. UNHCR provides shuttle service to/from office and staff residences. In town, there are social amenities, including cafes, restaurants, football playgrounds, and recreational public parks to which national staff have access.
Working conditions: UNHCR has an office and accommodation in their compound within the ATMIS-protected area AAIA. The office is equipped with furniture, office items, and full access to the internet. Field and Protection staff regularly visit IDP sites and monitor Partners project implementation activities. Other UN agencies, including UNICEF, UNOCHA, WFP, IOM, FAO, WHO, and UNFPA have a presence in Mogadishu (AAIA).
Healthcare services: There are several medical facilities in Mogadishu. In the town, national staff have access to several hospitals - Kalkaal Hospital, Turkish hospital, Shaafi, and Adan Ade hospital which are covered under medical insurance. Within the UNSOS/UNSOM compound, there are Level 1 and Level 2 Clinics run by UNSOS and ATMIS, respectively. National staff and their dependents have full access to these hospitals.
Food: All basic foods are available in the market ranging from meat, dairy, fruit, and vegetables. There are many hotels within the protected area of Aden Ade International Airport (AAIA) where staff can visit. There is a canteen run by a private catering company called Star Empire in the UNHCR compound. Both national and international staff have access to it. There are also two fully equipped kitchens for staff to use in the UNHCR Villa.
Transport: Airport pick-up and drop-off: Mogadishu
UNHCR provides transport to UNHCR staff and Affiliate Workforce Personnel when travelling to/from Mogadishu. All arriving staff are requested to share their ticket details with Admin before their travel date. UNHCR drivers normally do not have access permit to the arrival hall of the airport and will wait for staff arriving in the area around the airport main gate/barriers, a shirt walk away from the arrivals hall. To request transportation within Somalia, UNHCR Somalia uses the UN Booking Hub.
National staff use local rental shuttles for pick-up and drop-offs from/to home.
Communication: In Mogadishu, there are many telecommunication entities, Hormuud is the leading telecommunications provider in Mogadishu, offering reliable mobile network coverage for calls, data, and mobile money services for over 20 years. Their dominance in the market makes them a popular choice for residents and visitors alike.
Banking: UNHCR Somalia has a contract with Standard Chartered Bank in Nairobi on cash payments to Somalia. Standard Chartered Bank has sub-contracted Amal Money Transfer Agency in Somalia to remit funds to Somalia on their behalf. Staff members can opt to receive their entitlement in the form of cash from an Amal outlet in Somalia. Staff members can either receive cash over the counter or open a bank account with Amal Money Transfer Agency to withdraw cash as desired. Other international banks operate in Mogadishu as well such as Premier bank, my bank, Dahabshiil, and Somalia Central Bank.
Education: In Mogadishu, there are several private primary and secondary schools and universities, most of them are privately owned institutions. These institutions are accessible to all by students.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsHR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, MG-Office Management, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
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): Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science
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, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional InformationShortlisted candidates may be required to undertake a written test.
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance