Head of Field Unit 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 FamilyDanger 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 Unit

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Head of Field Unit (HoFU) carries the full delegated authority of the UNHCR country Manager or Head of Sub-Office/Field Office, 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 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/Head of Sub/Field-Office will direct and guide the Head of Field Unit to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoFU will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative/Head of Sub/Field-Office fully informed.

While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Unit 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. The position of HoFU at P3 grade level normally reports to the Representative or Head of Sub/Field-Office at grade level P4 or above.

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/HoFO. - 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/HoFO. 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/Field-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 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 Economics; International Relations; Law; Management; Political Science; Personnel Administration; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses HCR Learning Prog; 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. Desirable Working experience both in UNHCR HQ and/or a Regional Office and the Field.

Functional Skills *UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities *PR-International protection concepts and principles *MG-Office Management *HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits (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 must have solid experience in coordinating, managing and leading refugee settlement operation in complex settings, from emergency assistance to solution. He/She should also have experience in UNHCR coordination, enable protection mandate and prompt solution in the operation. The operation has multiple donor funding and partnership, and the ideal candidate should have proven experience of UNHCR programme cycle, delivery results for assistance to Refugees/returnees/IDPs and stateless in coordination with local authorities and NGOs. He/she should also ensure that duty care, both in terms of working and living conditions, are maintained at a satisfactory level within the constraints in the operational area. The ideal candidate should also be able to manage all UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff. In addition, he/she should be able to prepare and submit regular reports. The Head of Field Unit will need to be collaborative and able to work with a wide range of partners, from government to NGOs, UNMISS, other agencies, etc. S/he will need to be an innovative and result oriented professionals, good people manager, inspiring a team of national and international colleagues. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to adhere to security requirements and work in stressful and hazardous security environments, striking the right balance between activities and security needs.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

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Desired languages

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

The Field Unit was opened in Aweil of Northern Bahr El Ghazel State, in result of Sudan crisis in 2023, where the operation was established Aweil settlement to accommodate the refugees from the Sudan. As of today, total 11, 690 new arrivals and 3249 HHs/ 6604 individuals registered. The State also hosting refugee returnees from Sudan as well internal displaced people.

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 Field Unit (HOFU) reports directly to the Head of Field Office Wau. The incumbent of the position who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over 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 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). Concerning overall physical security concerns, the HOFU will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator on ground while keeping the UNHCR Head of Field Office Wau fully informed. UNHCR will lead the Protection Cluster coordination , as well acts Co-chair of State Solution Taskforce at Norther Bahr El Ghazel State where agencies sit in a regular coordination in different forum to deliberate on protection, refugee, returnees, displacement and stateless matters.

Living and Working Conditions:

Aweil is classified “E” Non-family duty station with basic infrastructure and limited leisure facilities. Presently, UNHCR Aweil has 02 international staff and 7 national staff members. All national staff members reside in Aweil town. Accommodation is arranged for international staff to reside in the UNMISS/UNICEF compound which is secured. Curfew applies from 19:00 to 06:00 hours. There is UNMISS level 1 health facility supported by a Chinese level 2 facility inside the UNMISS compound in Aweil. Power and water are available in the container type accommodation which is self-contained. The climate is relatively hot with heavy rains during rainy season (April to November) and hot/dusty conditions in dry season (December to March).

Aweil is serviced by UNHAS flights between Aweil and Juba from Monday to Friday. There are commercial flights that fly the route which are not cleared for UN staff. Zain and MTN connections are good but with fluctuations in the urban. There is no telephone communication network five kilometres from the town centre. Staff also have access to office VSAT or internet-based voice calls such as VIBER/ WhatsApp (within the office compound where broadband Wi-Fi internet connection is available)

Aweil market is the source of foodstuff from the farms and markets outside the state. A UN shop offers limited supplies which subsidizes the food supplies. Referrals to Juba for treatment can be arranged through medical referral or evacuation as the situation would require. There are no operational Banks or any other form to access money. Staff are advised to carry enough cash to see them through to the next R&R. Relatively well-equipped Gym is available within the office and in UNMISS accommodation compound.

During rainy season, the road movements are difficult and at the same time UNHAS flights may have difficulty in landing at the airstrip. There may be occasional last-minute cancellations due to poor weather conditions or for any other reasons. Staff member may therefore wish to plan outward journeys out of Juba with this in mind.

Staff member will be required to work in a culturally and ethnically sensitive environment.

Previous experience in similar security risk operations and good security awareness needed.

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, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCRWork Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, 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