Associate Reporting 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.

Following militant attacks against security posts on 25 August 2017, Myanmar launched a brutal crackdown on Rohingya residents of Rakhine State, triggering the largest, swiftest refugee exodus in the region in decades, with over 720,000 fleeing across the border within several weeks. As of September 2023, a total of 965,467 Rohingya refugees are living in Bangladesh, the majority in 33 extremely congested camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf sub-districts of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Children comprise 52% of the refugee population, some of whom are separated and unaccompanied children (UASC). Under the leadership of the Government of Bangladesh, UNHCR and partners have ensured a timely humanitarian response for Rohingya refugees, providing protection and life-saving assistance, and fostering the well-being of refugee communities in Cox’s Bazar. Over the past six years, critical multi-sector assistance including shelter, water and sanitation, energy and environment, and access to healthcare and education have been maintained and strengthened through close coordination among humanitarian agencies to meet the extensive needs with unparalleled scale.

Bangladesh is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol and the Government does not recognise the Rohingya as refugees, referring them as “Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals.” The country has generously received the Rohingya refugees on the national territory and, to date, has respected the principle of non-refoulement. The presence of huge numbers of refugees – who now represent two-thirds of the local population – has had important impacts on local communities, service delivery, the economy and the environment. Interagency coordination in Bangladesh is unique, complex and differs from the Refugee Coordination Model. The Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) provides overall coordination for the humanitarian operation, under the leadership of a Senior Coordinator seconded from UNHCR. The Senior Coordinator leads a Heads of Sub-Office (HOSO) Group, with the participation of UNHCR’s Head of Operations and other agency heads in Cox’s Bazar.

In Dhaka, the Strategic Executive Group (SEG) brings together the UNHCR Representative, UN Resident Coordinator and IOM Chief of Mission as Co-Chairs, which provides overall direction and coordination for the operation and the principal interface with the Government’s National Task Force, which is chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In Cox’s Bazar, UNHCR works closely with the Refugee Repatriation and Relief Commissioner (RRRC), who leads the humanitarian operation for the Government of Bangladesh through the Camp-in-Charge officers working in the settlements, as well as with District Deputy Commissioner and local officials. Additionally, UNHCR works with nearly 100 inter-national and national NGOs, the Bangladesh military, border guards and policy. UNHCR’s Bangladesh operation receives a steady stream of visits from senior UN and government official, private sector donors, experts and researchers and the media. External relations, donor relations and public information is an important part of UNHCR’s work, both in Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Donor Relations Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer (Associate Reporting Officer) will:

• Keep abreast of all developments across the UNHCR Bangladesh operation and ensure strong coordination with sector focal points to support the preparation of donor relations materials. • Prepare periodic reports for specific funding contributions, ad-hoc donor updates and briefing notes for senior managers as required. • Prepare funding submissions for donors, including through direct liaison and consultation with specific donors, if required. • Develop and maintain working relationships with implementing partner NGO and UN agencies to ensure cooperation across donor relations activities, including joint proposal and reporting submissions. • Support ongoing monitoring of the status of submitted proposals as well as tracking of pipeline funding and recorded contributions. • Perform other related duties as required.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc,. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active UNHCR team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to UNHCR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Quality donor relations materials such as reports, and funding submissions are prepared in a timely manner. • 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, activities participated in, and capacities developed.

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Creativity • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Judgement and Decision-making • Knowledge Sharing • Managing Performance • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Working in Teams

:- • Professional work experience at the national and/or international level in intergovernmental agencies or other relevant organizations; experience with programme or grant management is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organizations; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, research, analytical and reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills and strong ability to work in a team; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners; • 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, including to train and develop the skills of staff; • 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; • Skills on supporting and developing the skills of staff; • Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Cox's Bazar is a district of Bangladesh and it is famous for fishing port and tourism. It is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Bangladesh. The beach in Cox's Bazar is an unbroken 120 km (75 mi) sandy sea beach with a gentle slope, making it the second longest sea beach in the world. The climate of Bangladesh is generally determined by its location in the tropical monsoon region: high temperature, heavy rainfall, generally excessive humidity, and distinct seasonal variations. It is further characterized by the location in the coastal area. Historically, Cox’s Bazar is a safe place so far like other parts of the country.

Since the massive influx of Rohingya refugees in 2017, UNHCR has gained significant operational space and a key coordination role that were lost in the early 1990s when Bangladesh ceased recognizing the Rohingya as refugees and limited our operations to two small camps. As the crisis nears its sixth year, UNHCR has a growing leadership role in the huge inter-agency operation for 965,000 refugees, the majority living in 33 congested camps.

Culturally Cox’s Bazar is very diverse and well-known for its traditional heritage. Walking within Cox’s Bazar city is only allowed during day light. Communications systems are well developed, all national mobile networks are available in the city. Cox’s Bazar has also a domestic airport, there are several domestic flights from/to Dhaka daily during daylight hours. Cox’s Bazar is well-connected with other cities. Educational facilities are limited, and international schools from primary to secondary school are currently only available in Dhaka. Health services are also limited but are somewhat acceptable in Dhaka at some private hospitals which address simple sicknesses. Malaria and dengue risks exist throughout the year. Vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis and diphtheria is strongly recommended.

Leisure and recreational facilities generally focus on beach activities (surfing, etc.) and hotel-based activities (swimming pools, gyms, restaurant, and bars). Infrastructure and shopping options in Cox's Bazar – a small city of just 250,000 persons – are relatively limited. Banks/ATM machines are available in Cox's Bazar and credit/debit cards are accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged easily in banks and exchange houses.

Although security is generally acceptable, given the current situation in the area, no movement on highways at night is allowed. Walking and jogging on the street and using rickshaws and taxi companies not cleared by UNDSS are not recommended. Crowded local markets should be avoided.

Cox’s Bazar is currently classified as a family duty station (Security Level 3-moderate; Hardship category-D family). The workload in the emergency operation is heavy, with staff regularly working long hours and often under stressful conditions. The Rest & Recuperation (R&R) cycle is 8 weeks.

Bangladesh is a unique country and Cox’s Bazar 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.