Head of Field-Office

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.

Although UNDP is active in all States and Administrative Areas in South Sudan, there is now need to strengthen UNDP’s field presence. UNDP management has made a decision to step up its field presence, as the largest development partner, to support the Government’s policy shift from humanitarian ubiquity to expanding sustainable development activities across South Sudan. In addition to call for a stronger UNDP presence, the Government counterparts have requested UNDP to provide technical advisory support to the states and coordination of the implementation of the R-NDS at state level. 

Against this backdrop, UNDP Management has agreed an incremental approach to strengthening UNDP field presence and work towards establishing fully fledged field offices.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Resident Representative (RR), or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Head of Field Office will:

 Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative (RR) anddirect supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative-Programmes, the Head of Field Office sets the strategic direction at the local level and oversees all Field Office (FO) activities in Wau, Western Barh-el Ghazal.  The Head of Field-Office has formal delegated authority from the RR (in writing) to represent the UNDP country programme at the local level and perform management functions.  The Head of Field Office leads and supervises the FO staff and project staff working in the geographic area of responsibility of the FO, ensuring cross-unit cooperation and coordination.  The Head of FO ensures a client-oriented approach and consistency with UNDP rules and regulations in conformity with the UNDP Internal Control Framework and good management practice.  The Head of FO advises the country office senior management on FO programme, cost effectiveness and responses to emerging complex challenges in managing the Field Office.  The incumbent will work closely with internal and external counterparts, including Government, national institutions, civil society, private sector etc., to successfully deliver UNDP programme at the local level.

Summary of Key Functions: 1. Ensures strategic programme planning, coordination and implementation in the geographic area of responsibility of the Field Office, focusing on achievement of the following results:  Analyzes the socio-economic and political situation and trends in the area and identifies opportunities and entry points for UNDP.  Provides guidance and manages the overall FO programme development and implementation including planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring.  Ensures overall efficient coordination of programmes/projects including planning processes and timely delivery of results taking into consideration agreed upon work plans with the UNDP country office and consistency with UNSDCF/ CPD priorities.  Ensures identification and promotion of joint programming and planning opportunities  Identifies and develops new programme and project opportunities.  Supports capacity building of national counterparts.  Oversees project implementation through close monitoring of results. Ensures effective application of RBM tools, management of scorecard targets and other benchmarks.  Coordinates and follows through on decentralized local evaluations.  Ensures full compliance with audit requirements and timely follow-up to audit recommendations.  Promotes identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned for organizational sharing and learning. 2. Responsible for effective Office management focusing on achievement of the following results:  Ensures smooth running of the Field Office, builds an effective FO team, promotes teamwork and an environment that is conducive to delivering results.
 Ensures full responsibility for the appropriate use and management of resources attributed to the Field Office by tracking use of financial resources, ensuring the integrity of financial systems and consistent application of the Internal Control Framework and/or rules and regulations. Continually find ways to systematically identify and integrate efficiency gains and cost reductions in all operations of the Field Office.  Mitigates possible risks and impacts associated with the Field Office operations (e.g., logistical, security etc.) by proactively designing reduction measures in collaboration with the Security Specialist.  Builds capacity of the office staff by identifying capacity needs and establishing training/learning programmes. 3. Responsible for Representation and Coordination in the area focusing on achievement of the following results:  Represents UNDP with UNCT and development partners at the local level.  Provides strong coordination support to UN Agencies, national authorities, and other organizations through the establishment of a wider consultation process.  Ensures proper coordination and inputs to Interagency initiatives.  Maintains collaboration and coordination with the other Heads of Field Offices to ensure programmatic integration and sharing of best practices. 4. Promotes communication flow in the office focusing on achievement of the following results:  Maximizes communication between the various portfolios and ensures that stakeholders (development partners, bilateral and multilateral donors, private sector, civil society, UN agencies and Government agencies) have one consistent UNDP counterpart.  Ensures internal communication and coordination at FO level and effective and proactive communication between relevant CO units (both programme and operations units) and the FO. Monitors the perception of UNDP at the local level and suggest media activities that position UNDP more strategically and effectively as a neutral broker for local development. Enhances local visibility for UNDP in development effectiveness  Ensures that local development results are effectively communicated in collaboration with Communication Office in the country office. 5. Fosters partnership building and donor liaison focusing on achievement of the following results:  Contributes to the development of the CO Partnership and Resource Mobilization (PRM) strategy, including planning tools to implement the strategy.  Identifies new partnerships and strengthens existing ones at the FO level through innovative approaches to partnership development.  Encourages ways of increasing Field-Office funding base such as engaging in resource mobilization efforts in consultation with local counterparts and following-up with donors on local opportunities.

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.

 Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;  Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;  Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;  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;  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; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;  Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;  Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

developmental, multilateral organization in a multi-cultural setting or other relevant programmes particularly at the national and/or international level; experience working in the UN or other international development organization  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;  Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete)  Sound security awareness;

The rapidly changing nature of novel coronavirus COVID-19 has placed significant and increasing restrictions on the freedom of movement of people across the globe, within countries and across borders. Such restrictions make it very difficult for international UN Volunteers to begin their assignments at their assigned duty station and UNV cannot guarantee assignments will proceed as normal.

Candidates for international UN Volunteer assignments during this period may be exceptionally granted alternative working arrangements to work from their place of recruitment until restrictions are lifted. This is at the discretion of the host entity. Candidates proceeding to interview are recommended to discuss the likelihood of travel and possible alternative arrangements with the host entity. If selected, candidates should carefully consider the circumstances before accepting UNV’s offer.

In cases where the UN Host Entity partner has requested the UN Volunteer to perform their assignment remotely, the Post Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) and related entitlements to be paid may be adjusted to the temporary duty station from where the UN Volunteer has been requested to work if requested by the UN Host Entity. The initial contract is issued upon arrival for the period indicated above. The contract can be extended depending on continuation of mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy of renewal of the assignment.

A UN Volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which is composed of a Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents (maximum three). The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications and other basic needs. The VLA can be calculated using by applying the Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) to the VLA base rate US$ 1,651. The VLA base rate is a global rate across the world, while the PAM is duty station/country-specific and fluctuates on a monthly basis according to cost of living. This method ensures that international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations irrespective of varying costs of living. The PAM is established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) and is published at the beginning of every month on the ICSC website - http://icsc.un.org.

UNV provides life, health, permanent disability insurances as well as assignment travel, annual leave, full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security reimbursements). UN Volunteers are paid Daily Subsistence Allowance at the UN rate for official travels, flight tickets for periodic home visit and for the final repatriation travel (if applicable). Resettlement allowance is paid for satisfactory service at the end of the assignment.