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.

Belize upon election of the new government in November 2020, has seen an increased engagement in refugees’ protection commitments and has shown its interest in working with UNHCR including the announcement of the 2022 Amnesty Exercise which potentially can impact up to 7000 persons of concern leading to a viable durable solution in the form of the permanent residency.

UNHCR is supporting the government's entities including Refugees Department to ensure technical and operational support and will continue strengthening national partnerships on assistance programs including cash-based interventions, health, education and provision of legal services.

The Associate Programme Officer will, therefore, focus on program and operations activities of UNHCR Belize to ensure timely revision and submissions of project proposals, partners capacity building, establishment of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, UN engagement, field and operations support, emergency preparedness and response, and quality service delivery to persons UNHCR protects to over 7000 individuals residing in 4 districts.

In view of a recent government announcement of a 2022 amnesty to selected foreigners currently in an irregular situation in Belize as well as the government's inclusion of asylum-seekers in the categories of persons eligible to benefit from alternative pathways to permanent residency and naturalization, it will also be essential for the Associate Programme Officer to work closely with partners ensuring support on the Amnesty related activities inclusion, monitor the processes vis-à-vis projects with the Government of Belize and three national NGOs, provide advice on CBI and procurement, establish multi-functional teams and conduct regular partner capacity building as well as monitoring implementation of the integration projects.

The Associate Programme Officer will represent UNHCR at UN fora including UN Operations Management Team, UN Info, etc. Work closely with government counterparts and provide technical and process support in view of the government's engagement in the regional and national activities.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of National Office, 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 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.

Outputs:

• The needs of persons of concern in the country are assessed and analysed in a participatory manner and using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective to form a firm basis for planning; • IP (Implementing Partners) agreements are established in a timely manner, regularly monitored and reported on in compliance with established guidelines and procedures; • Inputs are provided for the country operations plan (including budgets, staffing levels and structures) as well as prepare inputs for funding submissions, appeals and reports; • Participate in UN and other fora on programme and technical issues as delegated by programme senior management; • Enforce compliance with UNHCR’s global strategies, protocols and guidelines; • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);
• Ensure the adequate, timely contribution and participation of the UNHCR in the UN mechanisms. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activi-ties participated in and capacities developed.

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Integrity ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Working in Teams

projects management and coordination, social work, development or other relevant programmes; - Experience in working with refugees, IDPs or stateless persons is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international humanitarian or development organizations; - 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 of-fice technology equipment;

Belize is a unique country and UNHCR has a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in potentially challenging conditions are essential. Belize has tropical climate with wet and dry seasons where light clothing and keeping hydrated is required. There are public hospitals in every major town and a host of private doctors and private clinics in the main district towns and Belize City and the capital Belmopan City. The Belize Dollar (BZD) is the official currency which is pegged to the USD (1 USD= 2 BZD). US dollars widely accepted, ATMs are well available and international credit cards are widely accepted.

Residential rentals are available countrywide. UNDSS provides complete assessment and recommendations on rentals. Most basic services and goods are available in urban areas, countrywide. 4G internet networks cover most parts of the country.

Specific UN Volunteer entitlements, including insurance coverage, Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), Deployment / Repatriation lump sums, among others, are available at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos