Associate Programme 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.

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

UNHCR MCO-Senegal will continue to work with the Governments of the eight countries under its purview and other partners for the provision of protection and durable solutions to refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons and other persons of concerns, delivered in accordance with minimum protection standards (including admission, non-refoulement, registration and documentation, assurance of basic security and other human rights standards). It will further continue to strive towards achieving international standards in the provision of basic rights including access to durable and sustainable solutions.

Under the direct supervision of Senior Programme Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Through a consultative process within the country and field visits, stay involved in the development of the strategies, methodologies, contingency plans that respond to new and emerging operational challenges for the country;
Assist in ensuring that global strategic priorities (GSP) and regional priorities as well as information on projected resource availability guide the planning parameters;
Provide inputs for developing the country operations plan in compliance with global strategic priorities and regional priorities as well as with annual programming/planning instructions;
Assist in organizing a consultative process to ensure a consistent application of the organization’s criteria and policies for the selection of implementing and operational partners;
Assist in managing the development of a broad network of partners, good coordination practices and the development of partner capacities;
Assist in training UNHCR as well as implementing partners (IP) staff in UNHCR standard procedures related to the Results Based Programme (RBM) management;
Undertake proper collection, monitoring and use of baselines, standards and indicators needed to measure and analyze UNHCR’s performance, trends and target interventions;
Undertake field visits to evaluate and improve the planning, programming, implementation and monitoring of assistance projects;
Assist in implementing the establishment of sound monitoring processes, in reviewing final reports and on progress in order to advise on any corrective actions required or the need for additional resources to reach planned target levels;
Apply UNHCR’s corporate tools (e.g. Global Focus, Focus Client) to record data and assess the technical soundness of the operation and generate data for evidence-based decisions at the country-level;
Assist in keeping donor representatives briefed on developments and assist in

, Adaptability and Flexibility, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Judgement and Decision-making, Knowledge Sharing, Managing Performance, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

Minimum 3 years of work experience relevant to the function, in programme management, monitoring and evaluation

Dakar city is a family duty station with a hardship classification of A, the living conditions are good. Senegal is an open country that enjoys social stability resulting from the smooth functioning of state institutions. Senegal also has a good level of infrastructure (e.g. roads, distribution of water, electricity, etc.) and is a popular tourist destination. The country is at Security Level 2, which corresponds to "Low", with the exception of the Casamance Region (administrative regions of Kolda, Sédhiou and Ziguinchor) where acts of banditry are often reported. There is also the presence of elements of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) along with some unexploded ordnances (UXO). All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Senegal. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents reported against UN personnel.

Access to health services in Dakar is good. The Yellow Fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be presented at the Ports of Entry. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. Basic medication is available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.

The currency used in Senegal is CFA Franc (XOF). Many hotels, restaurants and large businesses in Senegal accept the main international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) found in all the major cities.

The accommodation facilities are generally good and the choice is wide. It is possible to rent furnished and unfurnished accommodation. Transportation in town can be easily arranged through local taxis. The incumbent will be briefed on conditions in locations within the region when on mission as appropriate.

The Senegalese government has initiated a project for a common UN building, for the use of United Nations services and offices. The building is located in the new administrative city of Diamnadio, situated 40 km outside Dakar. It is expected that the UNHCR offices will relocate to the new site during the course of 2022.