Associate Inter-Agency Coordination Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

UNHCR supports the Government of Ethiopia and regional authorities to provide life-saving assistance and protection services to close to a million refugees, including those recently arrived from Sudan and Somalia, and over 3 million internally displaced persons. The Agency is also supporting the implementation of the engagements made by the Government of Ethiopia during the 2019 Global Refugee Forum with regards to the creation of additional jobs and livelihoods, the provision of quality training, the strengthening of the asylum system and social protection as well as the provision of renewable energy solutions. The needs of refugees and IDPs are significantly underfunded in Ethiopia at only 33% so far in 2023. Funding gaps deeply impacts the provision of live saving interventions, including in the areas of protection, shelter, health, WASH, education, as well as in urban settings.

In this context, partnerships and inter-agency efforts are critical to ensure complementarity of action and joint resource mobilization efforts. Based in Addis Ababa, under the direct supervision of the Inter-Agency Coordination Officer, the Associate Inter-Agency Coordination Officer has a key role in supporting and ensuring that UNHCR’s approach to partnership and inter-agency processes are consistent, strategic and coherent and to ensure that UNHCR can fulfil its role to support the Government to lead the refugee response, coordinate other actors. S/he assists in the strengthening of UNHCR’s leadership roles and responses to situations affecting those forcibly displaced through an open and transparent partnership approach.

The successful candidate should have solid experience of humanitarian inter-agency processes, as well as knowledge and interaction with regional entities and processes. S/he should possess excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, and experience in dealing with partners diplomatically. A demonstrated capacity to work closely with diverse teams and to work collaboratively would also essential. The incumbent is expected to be a forward-thinker and solutions-oriented.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Inter-Agency Coordination Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Inter-Agency Coordination Officer will assist: • in formulating and communicating UNHCR positions on inter- agency matters • in promoting UNHCR's policies and linkages within multilateral processes, including humanitarian and development processes • the establishment and maintenance of coordination mechanisms and tools, in line with the refugee coordination model and globally-agreed arrangements applicable in various situations, including through the development of joint appeals, contributions to regional refugee response plans and regional refugee and migrant response plans, and comprehensive responses, • in ensuring these mechanisms are inclusive and engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including government counterparts, civil society (international and national NGOs) and donors. • in ensuring internal institutional coherence and coordination of actions pursued for a strong refugee coordination system under government leadership where possible, with accompanying planning instruments in the delivery of refugee responses. • in articulating UNHCR’s priorities in the inter-agency arena, including the commitment to humanitarian principles. • in supporting/coordinating evaluations/reviews of coordination systems, including by other agencies. • maintaining close contact with the Regional Bureau and DER (PCS) on emerging issues. • In performing other related duties as required.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

external relations, partnership and coordination, or other relevant programmes; • Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in forced displacement and refugee issues as well as partnership, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. the city has an estimated population of 3 million inhabitants. It is where the African Union is headquartered. It also hosts the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as various other continental and international organizations.

UN staff members and members of the Affiliate Workforce reside in commercial accommodation available in town. There are limited medical facilities in Addis that are equipped to deal with moderate medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are also limited. However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life- threatening emergencies during day time. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.

The climate of Ethiopia and the regions varies greatly. It is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. Generally, the high elevation of the land affects one's adjustment to the environment. At Addis Ababa, which ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 m (7,218 to 8,530 ft), the maximum temperature is 26 °C (78.8 °F) and minimum 4 °C (39.2 °F). The weather is usually sunny and dry, but the short (belg) rains occur from February to April and the large (meher) rains from mid-June to mid-September.

The economy of Ethiopia is a mixed and transition economy with a large public sector. The Government of Ethiopia is in the process of privatizing many of the state-owned businesses and moving toward a market economy. However, the banking, telecommunication and transportation sectors of the economy are dominated by Government-owned companies.

The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. Foreign currency may only be changed at authorized banks and hotels. Exchange of foreign currency outside the regulated banks (Black Market) is a criminal offence, and international UN personnel caught by police sting operations have been known to be arrested and detained for several days. Any entry or exit of cash in excess of US$3,000 (or the equivalent in other foreign currencies) must be declared to the customs authority.

ATM cash withdrawals are largely available in Addis. AMEX is generally not accepted. Payment with credit card is possible in a few selected shops and tourism areas, but this form of payment is expanding.

There is an acceptable access to communication means, such as internet, telephone sim cards etc.

Ethiopia is a unique country and UNHCR is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.