Professional### * Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.

In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.

Reason

Regular > Regular AssignmentRemote work accepted

NoTarget Start Date

2024-04-01Job Posting End Date

February 14, 2024Standard Job Description

Head of Field Office

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships Head of a UNHCR Field Office (HoFO) is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent carries the full delegated authority of the UNHCR Representative (or the country Manager or Head of Sub-Office) of the country, who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position, on the other hand, provides information on developments in relation to the protection (legal protection issues relating to the persons of concern to UNHCR), security (Physical security in relation to the UNCR staff and the persons of concern to UNHCR) and operational matters (programme and office management / administration) within the domain of its geographical area of responsibility to the UNHCR Representative (or the country manager) on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), Representative will direct and guide the Head of Field Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoFO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.

While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Office will always remain the same despite its grade level, the other parameters (therefore the depth and breadth of the competencies) such as the size of the population of concern to UNHCR, their specific legal/security concerns, volume of assistance, Number of operational / Implementing partners and the size of the Office (i.e. number of UNHCR staff and their grade levels) will determine the appropriate grade level. The operational autonomy also depends upon the same parameters/competencies.

As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, s/he is required to liaise with the relevant senior government officials, security organs in the area, the Head of various Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and internationals based in the area), Civilian/tribal leaders/elders, local opinion makers and the local media net-work to ensure his/her assigned responsibilities are effectively and efficiently discharged.

As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissioner's operations, s/he remain as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their conventional responsibilities in favour of refugees and others of concern to UNHCR.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties - Monitor and report on the implementation of refugee conventional responsibilities and international obligations of the local authorities Vis a Vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on local situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO. - Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs, where applicable; Advocate, promote and encourage the concerned authorities and local opinion makers to uphold established UNHCR standards that have become the international norms. - Ensure that the basic needs of the concerned population are properly assessed with the participation of the beneficiaries themselves, the host governments and/or the competent Implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself. - Subject to the needs, ensure that the planning, formulation and budgeting of identified assistance projects are done as per UNHCR programme cycle; upon approval of assistance project, ensure the timely implementation and rigorous monitoring of identified assistance activities - Ensure through the subordinate staff that deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) are met on a regular basis. - Manage UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff. - Ensure that security measures of UNHCR office (and residential, where ever applicable) compounds are always up to date; any security breaches and/or potential security threat should be reported immediately to competent UN security coordinator in the country. - Ensure that staff welfare, both in terms of working and living conditions, are maintained at a satisfactory level within the constraints in the operational area; this requires remaining current in health and medical facilities locally available and evacuation options available in a moment of medical urgency. - Guide, coach and advocate the subordinate staff to maintain highest standards of conduct and behaviour thorough one's own practice and deeds. - Prepare and submit regular reports, both verbally and written, to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO. In the event of substantial telephone conversation that leads to specific action or non-action, it should be recorded and share with the other party. - Any other responsibilities/functions deemed necessary or as delegated by the UNHCR Representative of the country in order to meet the level of the services in the organization. - Represent UNHCR in inter-agency fora and with local authorities in the AOR. - Enforce compliance with UNHCR's global protection, programme, finance, human resources and security policies and standards. - Submit project proposals for assistance to refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR Representation or Sub-Office in coordination with local authorities and NGOs.

- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed. - Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education Economics; International Relations; Law; Management; Political Science; Personnel Administration; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses HCR Learning Prog; HCR Management Lrng Prg; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential - In-depth knowledge in aspects of UNHCR mandate and its Field level application. - Applied knowledge of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration. - Should be conversant in the current priorities in the organisation and existing mechanisms within the organisation to implement those priorities.

Desirable Working experience both in UNHCR HQ and/or a Regional Office and the Field

Functional Skills *IT-Computer Literacy *UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships *UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities *PR-International protection concepts and principles *MG-Field Operations Management *MG-Office Management (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

-The successful incumbent might need to have the below qualities to enable him/her perform adequately: - Strong leadership skills are needed to strengthen partnerships with the Government given the diversity in the refugee population (protracted and new arrivals) - Good coordination and stakeholder management skills are required with the NGO partners implementing projects for UNHCR in Lagos and Ogun States. He/she requires flexibility in dealing with a protracted urban based refugee population with great diversity and needs, some living among urban poor, and the engagement with the Lagos State authorities among other government entities covering mixed movements and especially in identifying opportunities for inclusion of refugees in national social safety nets. - Demonstrate ease in working/liaising with diverse teams at the Branch Office in Abuja for support required at the FO level and management with the partner project implementation at all stages. Should demonstrate flexibility, be a good team player, and have strong inter-personal skills. - Exposure to addressing protection durable solutions, including resettlement and Complimentary Pathways. Capacity to oversee mixed UNHCR/Government partner teams using proGres V.4 for registration/documentation, protection and RSD modules. - Clear understanding of how to cascade the Global Compact of Refugees (GCR) at state level and identify opportunities to show case government progress - Proficiency in French will be an added advantage.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

Desired languages

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Lagos is developing a 24-hour economy and has also been ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world. In some parts of Lagos, residents have one of the highest standards of living in Nigeria and in Africa. At the same time, a sizable proportion of the residents live in slums without access to piped water and sanitation.

The security situation is relatively calm, however, there are risks of pickpocketing and occasional kidnapping for ransom. There are good housing facilities, but they are quite expensive on the island, Ikoyi and Victoria Island where most expatriates are advised to reside. Health, education and banking services are good.

Nature of Position:

The Head of Field Office Lagos serves as a liaison between the Branch Office in Abuja and Government administrative offices in Lagos and Ogun States such as National Commission for Refugees, IDPs and Migrants (NCFRMI), the Office of the Governor, State emergency Management Agency (SEMA), other line Ministries and Departments, sister UN Agencies, especially in the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and strengthening the partnerships with NGOs, Community/faith Based Organisation (CBOs). He/she works in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders at both State and Local Government level.

Given the importance of Lagos as a major port of entry and exit for foreigners, the incumbent will be expected to build relations with the national immigration services in collaboration with NCFRMI, IOM and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and in particular in highlighting UNHCR’s continued relevance in the mixed movement of persons and so working closely with.

He/she undertakes regular visits to Ijebu Ode where many urban refugees are living, some in some informal settlements among urban poor where they face various forms of targeting, including labour exploitation and harassment from some law enforcement agents. .He/she liaises with relevant technical units at the Branch Office in Abuja for support required at the FO level.

He/she will oversight to the protection team in the registration transitional phase and support to NCFRMI in operationlising use of the ProGres V.4 in registration, protection RSD.

Living and Working Conditions:

Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria, is also the most populous city in Africa, with a population of 14.8 million as of 2015 within the city proper. The Lagos metropolitan area has a total population of roughly 23.5 million as of 2018, making it the most populous conurbation in Africa. Lagos is a major African financial centre and is the economic hub of Lagos State and Nigeria at large; generating around 10% of the country's GDP. The megacity has the fourth-highest GDP in Africa and houses one of the largest and busiest seaports on the continent.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Personnel Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political ScienceCertifications

HCR Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCRWork Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaborationUNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales