Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position
Hardship LevelA (least hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
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 memberโs 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.
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-11-01
Job Posting End DateNovember 9, 2023
Standard Job Description
Head of National Office
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR National Office is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent acts under delegated authority of the UNHCR Regional Representative (or the Deputy Regional Representative). The position reports and provides 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 UNHCR 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 Regional Representative (or Deputy) on a regular and timely manner. The Head of UNHCR National Office will, on request, serve as a designated member of the UN Country Team, participating in relevant meetings including monthly UNCT meetings, engaging the involvement and advocacy of the Regional Representative as may be appropriate. S/he will also advise the UN Resident Coordinator regarding UNHCRยฟs issues of concern. The Head of the UNHCR National Office will also support the UN Designated Official as a member of the Security Management Team. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoNO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Regional/Deputy Regional Representative fully informed.
As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, the Head of National Office liaises with relevant government officials, security organs in the area, Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and international which are based in the area), local opinion makers and the local media.
As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissionerยฟs operations, s/he remains as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their responsibilities emanating from the 1951 Convention 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 UNHCRยฟs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the local political context.
- Manage a consultative process within the country operations and with external partners.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that generates political and financial support for UNHCRยฟs operations.
- Implement a results-oriented approach for assessing, designing and delivering the country operation focused on Asylum Seekers and refugees.
- Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the country operations plan and that necessary resources are allocated to it.
- Ensure the country operationยฟs adherence to UNHCRยฟs policy on Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM).
- Ensure the country operation plans are consistent with the regional and global strategic priorities; manage a participatory process, with stakeholders to apply UNHCRยฟs standards and indicators in assessing and measuring the performance of the country operations.
- Promote accession to the Convention and Protocol and ensure the application of protection standards in the treatment of persons of concern especially women and children.
- Ensure persons of concern, especially women and children, have access to relevant information; ensure that cases of sexual violence and abuse against girls and boys are reported and dealt with expeditiously.
- Ensure the engagement of UNHCR in the UNCT, UN common programming, planning and funding.
- Ensure that staff and financial resources are commensurate with operational objectives liaising with the Regional Representation Office.
- Exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support and conduct regular performance appraisals and coaching.
- In close collaboration with the Designated Official (DO), UNDSS and UN country team/Security Management Team (SMT), gather and analyse information on the local security situation and play an active role in the inter-agency security and contingency planning processes.
- Ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect staff, and that the country operation complies with UN Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS)/ Minimum Operational Residential Security Standards (MORSS) staff security rules, guidelines and procedures.
- Represent UNHCR in the inter-agency fora and with national authorities.
- Develop country strategy and priorities, country operations plans, and approve the country operationยฟs protection strategy for validation by the Regional Representative.
- Enforce local compliance with UNHCRยฟs global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards.
- 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 P4/NOD - 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
Business Administration; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; Social Science; Human Resources Management;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Cntry of Orig Inf Lrng Prg; HCR Management Lrng Prg; HCR Protection Learning Prg;
HCR RSD Lrng Programme;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services.
Experience in management of broad programmes, political decision making and negotiating, as well as demonstrated tolerance to frequently changing and highly charged situations. Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of operations. Ability to manage for results: translate strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitor them, making periodic adjustments as required. Ability to effectively represent UNHCR at the senior level in internal and external meetings and to build strong relationships with clients.
Desirable
Not specified.
Functional Skills
*EL-Monitoring and Evaluation
*PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
*MG-Country/Regional Office Representation
*MG-Political Decision Making
(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 1. Should possess proven leadership and coordination skills bringing together multiple stakeholders including experience representing UNHCR at UNCT level.
2. Must have strong diplomatic skills to navigate extremely sensitive government relations.
3. Must have excellent English and Spanish communication skills.
4. As head of office must have strong know-how on program, admin and finance management as well as protection in order to lead the operation on all fronts.
5. Because of the high-risk environment, the candidate should be ready to exercise due diligence in strengthen internal controls and ensure the best value for money.
6. Due to the size of the team, must have strong leadership qualities and excellent people management.
7. The incumbent shall also possess proven awareness and professional experience in managing human and financial resources and be ready to be held accountable on integrity manner.
8. Proven organizational awareness and thorough knowledge of UNHCR operational activities as well as strategic priorities including proven experience in leading the development of operational strategies and plans.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): Spanish
,
,
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:
The situation in the Dominican Republic (DR) continues to require sustained advocacy and operational engagement by UNHCR. This relates to our advocacy for and response to the Dominicans of Haitian descent, who have for decades been exposed to risk of statelessness and discrimination. In addition, UNHCR engages with the DR government and operational partners to support and regularize the presence of more than 100 000 Venezuelans. Finally, UNHCRโs work in the DR is very closely influenced by the situation in Haiti which remains unpredictable, with increasing levels of gang violence leading to internal displacement inside Haiti and cross border movement into the DR, the latter which is met with a law enforcement approach to migration management, devoid of protection sensitivity.
The position requires ability to oversee UNHCRโs protection agenda both in pillar 1 and pillar 2 including prior experience of humanitarian assistance and coordination. Experience in UNHCR operations in complex mixed movement and/or large-scale influx contexts is desirable. Previous involvement with contingency planning and preparedness efforts will also be an important asset in a country regularly affected by natural disasters.
The desired candidate requires a solid protection background, and preferably some operational experience in statelessness at global, regional or country level in terms of policy development, protection programming, technical assistance and/or advocacy given the centrality of the statelessness reduction agenda in the DR. The Head of National Office will have experience in leading and managing multistakeholder engagement and platforms, e.g. leading inter-agency protection initiatives and programmes, alliances or coordination groups. The candidate should have strong organizational and networking skills. The position requires broad experience from UNHCR operations in different settings, and a broad skill set that enables to incumbent to effectively pursue outreach, engagement and relationship-management with a wide range of governmental, UN and NGO stakeholders. The sensitivity of the statelessness agenda in the DR makes it essential that the Head of National Office have strong diplomatic skills to manage external interlocutors in government, civil society, donors as well as member agencies of the UNCT. The size of the DR team also requires strong management skills, and experience of managing a large, multi-functional team is essential.
Very strong written and oral communication skills are important. Spanish is essential. The Head of National Office reports to the Senior Operations Coordinator in Multi-Country Office Washington (MCOW).
Living and Working Conditions:
Comfortable and safe working and living conditions in Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic is a relatively safe environment and therefore there are no significant UN-imposed restrictions. The security level is 2 Low. Need for security awareness, especially about criminality, when traveling to certain locations. A security briefing will be provided upon arrival by the UNDSS colleagues located in Santo Domingo.
The hurricane season in the Caribbean region normally extends from June to November. During this period Dominican Republic has frequently been impacted by heavy rains, tropical storms and hurricanes, which cause high winds, floods and landslides extensively damaging the infrastructure and severely disrupting human activities.
Dominican Republic is also prone to seismic activities and frequent small-scale events occur but pass unnoticed. The occurrence of a major earthquake is a permanent concern.
Road traffic accidents are frequent causes of injury and death due to inadequate road conditions, heavy traffic and poor driving procedures.
Vector borne diseases (dengue, malaria, chikungunya and zika) are endemic in the Dominican Republic. The water network is not reliable hence water borne contamination is present.
Santo Domingo has well developed modern infrastructure, office complexes, hotels, and apartment buildings. Recreational facilities including restaurants, theatres, symphonies, ballet, and shopping malls. Good private health facilities at international standards. International schools are available for foreigners in English, Spanish and French. Good and developed banking infrastructure.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science
CertificationsHCR Country of Origin Information Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR RSD Learning Program - 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 Bi-annual Compendium 2023 Part B - October 2023
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance