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).

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 the development of funding submissions, appeals and reports;

Assist in monitoring compliance to the organization’s resource allocation framework, providing support and assisting in corrective action where required;

Assist in establishing and handling Implementing Partners Reports.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality, and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote, and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Programme management, monitoring and evaluation.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:

• Previous field experience is an advantage; • Familiar with UNHCR’s RBM approach and use of project/software is an asset; • Completion of the UNHCR Learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position; • Good knowledge of UNHCR financial rules, procedures and processes is an asset; • Knowledge of UNHCR specific programming tools (MSRP, Focus, etc.) is an asset.

Computer skills: Office Package (excellent knowledge of Word, good knowledge of Excel and Power Point) and Internet browsing.

Mozambique has a total population of about 29 million people and Maputo is its capital city. The total area of Mozambique is 799 380 Km square from North to South. It is tropical hot and humid. The hottest and wettest months are December to February, when the average daily minimum temperatures are around 25°c and the average daily highs of 30°c. The rain season is between October and April. Winters (June to August) are mild with the average daily temperature ranging from 13°C to 24°C. Maputo is a B, Family duty-station where the security level is considered low (2). The security situation in the Southern area is relatively calm, the biggest concern being criminality in the main urban centres of Maputo, Matola, Xai-Xai and Inhambane cities. Floods occur every two to three years, with higher levels of risk in the southern provinces. Seasonal rains (November to April) and the lack of drainage infrastructure to accommodate runoff stormwater often leads to flash floods. Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to the poor conditions of the roads and poor driving and compromised vehicle standards. The metical is the local currency and exchange rate stands at USD 1 equivalent to about 63.20 meticais (MZN) as per May 2022. There is a wide range of Banks and ATMs to meet financial needs. Credit/debit cards are accepted in most places. The public healthcare system in Mozambique is basic and limited. Private clinics can be found in Maputo and other larger cities in the country. Mozambique lies in a malaria zone, so the necessary precautions should be taken: Avoiding mosquito bites by using nets, candles and sprays is recommended. Vaccinations for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are recommended. Tap water in Mozambique is not safe to drink, so bottled or boiled water should be used instead. Communication and transport services are available at various costs. The housing market is healthy but quite expensive, with a wide selection of apartments and houses for rent. Apartments can be rented from US$ 1,000 to US$ 2,500 per month and meals at the restaurant cost between US$ 10 and US$ 30. Maputo has several open food markets and several large supermarkets that sell food, clothing, and household goods at reasonable prices. There are cinemas, several bars, and discotheques for entertainment. Maputo is only two to three hours’ drive away from Swaziland (Mbabane) and South Africa (Nelspruit).