Head of Field Office P3

Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position

Hardship Level

E (most hardship)Family Type

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger PayResidential location (if applicable)

Nairobi (CO), KenyaGrade

PR3Staff Member / Affiliate Type

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

2024-01-24Job 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 Head of Sub-Office) of the country, who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position, on the other hand, provides all 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 UNHCR 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 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, he/she is required to liaise with all 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, he/she 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 all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) are met on a regular basis. - Manage all UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff. - Ensure that all 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

Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

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

Certificates and/or Licenses 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 all aspects of UNHCR¿s Field level operation. Applied experience 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 IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software UN-UNHCR's Mandate/Policy and Global Strategic Priorities MG-Office Management HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits PR-Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistance (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 candidate should have strong leadership and coordination skills, in view of the leading role of UNHCR in the area in different fields of intervention; In-depth knowledge in all aspects of UNHCR’s Field level operation; Applied experience of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration; The candidate should be conversant with situational changes in the region affecting the organization; Demonstrates the ability to coordinate and work effectively with partners from different backgrounds; Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of management of forcibly displaced persons in a mixed situation where IDPs, refugees and returnees are living in the same areas of responsibility; Knowledge in inter-agency cluster coordination mechanism and have a well-developed political acumen to interact with local authorities and government interlocutors; Demonstrated ability to make sound and timely decisions and be accountable for them; Previous working experience in remote management and emergencies is an added advantage; The Candidate must therefore have strong and proven negotiating, diplomatic and communication skills as well as a strong know-how on program, admin and supply management to ensure that UNHCR resources are disbursed efficiently and effectively in the best interest of persons we serve; The candidate must also have strong management skills to lead the field team amid challenging operational circumstances and volatile local security and socio-economic conditions; The candidate must possess proven awareness and professional experience in managing human and financial resources and be ready to be held accountable on integrity manner; The candidate will be closely collaborating with local authorities at the field level. S/he should possess the skills and experience in dealing with challenging Government partners in an area characterized by tensions and incidents between refugees and host communities. The Candidate is expected to be proactive and solution-oriented.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

The security situation in South Sudan though generally stable, remains fragile and fluid in complex and unpredictable environment and is characterized by low intensity and localized armed conflict in some areas, high levels of crime across the country, inter/intra communal conflict over a diverse range of issues including cattle raids, competition for resources and revenge attacks and regular civil unrest in refugee and IDP operations and host community. These challenges continue directly and indirectly impact on UNHCR operations. The signing of the Revitalized Agreement of the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan in September 2018 represented an important milestone for the country. The ceasefire is holding in many areas of the country except in some few locations where localized and low intensity armed conflict continues to impact on security situation. Many areas in the country are also affected by season flooding which has also displaced significant number of people.

The security level in South Sudan is assessed as substantial (security level 4) in all areas.

SRM measures in place:

UN curfew is in force across the country, timing differs from one SRM Area to another. UN curfew is from 19:00 to 05:00.

International personnel must request and receive security clearance for official and non-official travel.

International personnel on mission must stay in either a UN facility or UN approved commercial lodging for staff members.

Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environment (SSAFE) to be conducted in areas with HIGH Risk level and above.

All international and national personnel must be issued with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and VHF radios.

Nature of Position:

The Head of UNHCR Yambio Field Office (HOFO) carries the full delegated authority of the Juba based UNHCR Representative in South Sudan. On day-to-day operational matters, the HOFO reports directly to the Deputy Representative. The position, on the other hand, provides all 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 on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), the Representative will direct and guide the Head of Field Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, the HOFO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator on ground while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.

Living and Working Conditions:

Yambio is situated in Western Equatoria States region. The area of responsibility of UNHCR cover four States: Gbudue, Tambura, Maridi and Mundri FO Yambio is situated in Gbudue state. The AOR is a home to predominantly ethnicity is Azande with English as an official language. The State’s highest authority is the State Governor. Climatic conditions are good and the whole region is green during 8 month of rain season. International staff members in FO Yambio reside in the office/ Guesthouse compound where a curfew is in effect during the night. There are no operational Banks or any other form to access money. Staff are advised to carry enough cash until the next R&R. Internet and VSAT communications networks are available at the compound. Relatively well-equipped Gym is available within the office/ accommodation compound. DSTV is installed in the common TV room. The R&R cycle is 6 weeks in all South Sudan. UNHAS flight which flies three times a week is the only means of commuting between Yambio and Juba.

UNHCR staff serving in AOR are expected to have the capacity to exercise patience and adjust to the working environment which is characterized with limited to nonsocial activities outside the compound (including compounds of the humanitarian partners in the vicinity of the UNHCR Guest House located in compound of UNICEF).

The security situation in South Sudan as of September 2019, though generally stable remains fragile and fluid in a complex and unpredictable environment. The security situation is characterized by low intensity and localized armed conflict in some areas, high levels of crime across the country, Inter and Intra communal conflict over a diverse range of issues including cattle raids, competition for resources and revenge attacks and regular civil unrest in refugee and IDP operations and host community. These challenges continue directly and indirectly impacted on UNHCR operations.

Yambio is a security level 4 (Substantial) duty station. The security situation continues to be a challenge in the area and all staff are required to undergo a SSAFE training. Staff movements are strictly restricted, and all staff are obliged to adhere to security protocols. Staying in the office compound is regulated by a curfew in effect during the night and the requirement to answer daily radio checks. Wearing of PPE may be mandatory sometimes the field locations.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination, CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, MG-Office ManagementEducation

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

Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned RefugeesCompetencies

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

Compendium

Add. 3 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 - Part BAdditional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance