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)
GradeDI1
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 Date2023-10-13
Job Posting End DateNovember 9, 2023
Standard Job Description
Representative
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
As the High Commissionerยฟs senior representative in the country, the Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCR's effective performance in the country of her/his assignment. The incumbent usually manages a budget of USD 6 million and above.
Reporting to the Director of the Bureau, the Representative is responsible and accountable for translating organizational and Bureau-wide objectives and policies into effective programmes. Through a continuous process of situational analysis, the Representative works with his/her team to identify strategic objectives and develop coherent, consistent and effective responses to the challenges faced. He/she is responsible for ensuring the adequate provision of technical support and guidance to the office to enable them to fulfil their accountabilities, including those outlined in the Terms of Reference of UNHCR offices as well as the Age, Gender and Diversity Accountability Framework.
The Representative works to ensure that UNHCR is widely perceived as an effective and trusted partner. S/he is responsible for creating effective networks, relationships, partnerships, and synergies with governments, NGOs, relevant regional political and other fora, civil society, persons of concern and other key strategic partners and actors. He/she lends visibility to important strategic issues, promotes concerted action and the commitment of sufficient resources and expertise to address important matters of concern to UNHCR. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.
In a complex and demanding political and operational environment, the Representative strives to build a dynamic and sufficiently capacitated team. S/he devolves appropriate authorities, facilitates the sharing of expertise and best practice and creates a climate of collaboration, which aims to empower and motivate colleagues to approach challenges with insight and innovation and to work toward achieving measurable and effective results. The Representative is responsible to ensure a vibrant Multi-Functional Team approach is established and employed at different stages of the operations management cycle, including in programme monitoring, and engaging the participation of relevant functions within the operation. S/he has a responsibility to inform the Bureau and other relevant parties at Headquarters of key political and operational developments in a timely manner.
The comports and actions of the Representative must always reflect the core values and principles embodied in UNHCR's mandate. A failure on the part of the Representative to adhere to these standards would have negative implications for UNHCRยฟs credibility, operations and, ultimately, the protection and well-being of persons of concern to the Office.
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
Strategic Direction
- 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. Mobilize financial support for UNHCR corporate priorities as well for country specific projects.
Operations
- Implement a results-oriented approach, engaging a robust Multi-Functional Team, for assessing, designing, delivering and monitoring the country operation.
- 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 activities and to actively contribute in the establishment of the CCA/UNDAF and the consequent joint implementation activities.
- Participate in the Cluster approach, ensure UNHCRยฟs Cluster Lead role and implement other IASC and inter-agency/UN policies.
- Ensure that risks to the operationยฟs objectives are regularly assessed, priority risks are identified and risk treatments for the priority risks form an integral part of the operations plans.
Resource Management
- Ensure that staff and financial resources are commensurate with operational objectives.
- Ensure effective and efficient management of resources within the rules and procedures of UNHCR.
- Establish and manage local administrative mechanisms such as a Local Contracts (or Purchasing) Committee, Local Asset Management Board and APPC.
- Ensure local compliance with UNHCRยฟs human resources (HR) policies including on gender, disabilities, diversity, ethics and HIV/AIDS.
- Manage a process of recruitment, assignment and reassignment of local staff for the country operation, in accordance UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Where necessary, identify the most appropriate affiliate workforce and optimize its use.
- In coordination with the Global Learning Centre, ensure that the learning needs of UNHCRยฟs workforce in the country are identified, assessed and addressed.
- Exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support and conduct regular performance appraisals and coaching.
Security
- 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 MOSS/MORSS staff security rules, guidelines and procedures.
- Represent UNHCR in the UNCT/Humanitarian Country Team and other inter-agency fora.
- Decide on the country strategy and priorities, country operations plans, and approve the country operationยฟs protection strategy.
- Enforce local compliance with UNHCRยฟs global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards.
- Negotiate and sign local agreements with implementing and operational partners.
- Authorize payments as per the organizationยฟs Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP) and in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Modify operational projects and reallocate funds, within the approved budgets and in respect of donor earmarking.
- 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
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For D1 - 17 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 15 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Business Administration; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; Social Science; or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Learning Prog; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg; HCR Protection Learning Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services.
- A high level of skill 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 strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting.
- Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of operations.
- Ability to manage for results: translates strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitors 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
- Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications.
Functional Skills
MG-Client Relationship Management
MG-Change Management
PG-Programme Management (project formulation, programme cycles and reporting standards)
PG-Results-Based Management
UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships
UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
MG-Field Operations Management
MG-Political Decision Making
MG-Country/Regional Office Representation
UN-Analysis of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications
(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 Political awareness & diplomatic skills
1. Experience in senior positions in large governmental or international organizations.
2. Knowledge of the political environment and displacement challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean.
3. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR mandate and humanitarian operations.
4. Solid diplomatic skills and experience in negotiating with authorities and multiple stakeholders in a politically charged and ever-changing environment.
Operations / Partnership / inter-agency coordination
1. Demonstrated leadership and experience managing large operations, including emergency preparedness and response
2. Experience in the management of complex operations involving refugees and migrants (Mixed Movements)
3. Ability to engage with senior government officials and broad range of stakeholders - including line ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations, private sector, donors, media, etc for the protection of people of concern and their socio-economic integration.
4. Excellent coordination skills to navigate in a complex inter-agency context, including consolidation of our co-leadership - together with IOM - of the interagency coordination platform for Venezuelan refugees and migrants.
5. Experience in the promotion of durable solutions, particularly for the local integration of refugees and their inclusion in national policies and development programs
6. Experience or knowledge in development issues/humanitarian-development nexus and work with international financial institutions.
Others:
1. Excellent leadership and managerial skills. Ability to lead, motivate, manage a large and diverse team, and foster a good team spirit.
2. Excellent communication skills and experience with external relations, including fundraising.
3. Ability to develop innovative and creative solutions with demonstrated flexibility, creativity, and adaptability to frequently changing and highly charged situations.
4. Excellent command of the English and Spanish language, both written and oral.
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 incumbent for this position requires solid diplomatic skills and experience in negotiating with challenging and diverse national authorities as well as multiple stakeholders. The MCO has a differentiated protection and solutions strategy adapted to the unique settings and situations of the 9 countries covered by the MCO including: responding to the emergency related to mixed movements crossing the Darien while attending to refugees and asylum seekers from Nicaragua, Venezuela, Colombia and NCA in Panama, managing Nicaragua as a country of origin through a partner, supporting asylum seekers from NCA in Belize, managing mandate RSD through a small field unit in Cuba and a presence in Suriname, and supporting refugees and migrants from Venezuela in the Southern Caribbean countries of Aruba and Curaรงao, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. Given the operational complexity, experience in strategically managing significant resources and in raising funds is essential.
Desirable attributes
' Experience in senior positions in large governmental or international organizations.
' Extensive knowledge of UNHCR protection mandate and humanitarian operations.
' Experience in lobbying and advocacy with Governments
' Ability to engage with senior government officials and broad range of stakeholders - including line ministries, local authorities, civil society organisations, private sector, donors, media, etc ' for the protection of people of concern and their integration in social and economic policies / programmes.
'Ability to communicate with media and represent UNHCR in the public sphere, including intergovernmental fora and national / international events.
' Excellent coordination skills to navigate in a complex inter-agency contexts, and consolidate our co-leadership - together with IOM - of the interagency coordination platform for Venezuelan refugees and migrants related to the southern Caribbean and Panama
' Experience in the management of large operations, including emergency preparedness and response as well as leadership skills, particularly in changing situations (restructuring / expansion)
' Experience / flexibility in dealing with multiple situations /crises
' Excellent managerial skills. Ability to lead, motivate, manage a team and foster good team spirit
' Ability to come up with innovative and creative solutions with demonstrated flexibility, creativity and adaptability to frequently changing and highly charged situations.
' Ability to develop protection networks mobilizing key actors of States and Civil Society
' Excellent command and demonstrated drafting skills in English, Spanish and preferably Dutch considering these are the three official languages in the AOR.
Living and Working Conditions
Panama City is classified 'A' Duty Station (Family) and has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities) and good supply of goods and services, with no particular health hazards. -In terms of security Panama is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America and it is rated as security level '1 minimal' whereas for Dariรฉn Province (border with Colombia) it is security level '2 low'. The city is a communication hub and it is possible to fly to all countries of the region with direct flights and it offers good options for travelling in general. -UNHCR offices are located in the Canal Zone, in a green area outside the city centre called 'Ciudad del Saber' where most of the other UN Agencies are also located, as well as International Schools, NGOs and research centres, etc. -The cost of living is relatively high for the region (reflected in the post adjustment), especially for housing and health, but it is easy to find accommodation on the private market, including in the area of the office in houses or in the city centre towers in modern apartments. Most of the food is imported except for sea products and some fruits and vegetables. There is a wide range of international schools, several of them offering IB curriculum including some in the office area. -In terms of recreational activities, Panama being a hub for the purchasing of goods for neighbouring countries, the city offers a lot of malls and doing shopping and going to malls is a common week end activity. Cultural offer is limited but there is a good offer of restaurants and a dynamic nightlife. Beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are reachable within one hour by car or by boat directly from the city and there are some options for hiking too. There is also a relatively good range of sports activities.
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 Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection 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, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium Bi-annual Compendium 2023 Part A - October 2023
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance