Operations Clerk

Contract

This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org). The National Office in Guatemala opened in 2015 in order to strengthen UNHCR’s protection work in the region as part of the UNHCR’s Regional Protection and Solutions Strategy for the countries in the North of Central America (NCA). Following the scale-up of operation activities in the region, a decision is made to reinforce UNHCR presence in the country and upgrade the office status to Representation. Central America is suffering a wave of violence stemming from organized criminal groups, including record high homicide rates, sexual violence, disappearances, forced recruitment into gangs, and extortion. The epidemic of violence is compelling a diverse range of people to flee their homes and to seek international protection, particularly in bordering and nearby countries. The United States of America, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and El Salvador are all affected, either as countries of origin, transit or destination, and in some cases, in a combination of these. The position of Operations Clerk is based in Guatemala City and reports directly to the Representative who provides the incumbent with general guidance and workplans. The incumbent performs a variety of functions related to the implementations of instructions and guidelines received directly from supervisor about reporting, collecting information and coordination with various sections, including colleagues from Field Units, on Programme/Operations related matters. The incumbent works quite independently with an oversight from the supervisor. This function does not imply supervisory role. External contacts might be required with the national and local authorities for gathering and exchange of data. Work is controlled for meeting expected results and conformity to policy and procedures, as well as the responsibilities underlined in this document.

Under the direct supervision of at the Representation level, the National UN Youth Volunteer will:

• Assist in specific administrative operational/control tasks for program activities, including preparation of plans, reports, and project documents. • Support in keeping track of up-dated Factsheets of Country and Field Offices. • Assist in the preparation of background information for program and other meetings • Assist in scheduling weekly meetings with all operation units and/or Field units and take notes during said meetings. Keep track of follow-up items and maintain a missions calendar • Assist in the organization of external and internal trainings and capacity building sessions with relevant stakeholders • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• Necessary administrative and local support for the operation/field activities thus better able to meet the needs of persons of concern. • Background information to be used in discussions within the Country and Field Offices are prepared timely. • Through training and capacity building exercises, support for compliance of the Operation with UNHCR’s global strategies, protocols and guidelines is consistently provided. • 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

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR Guatemala; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR Guatemala 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 UNHCR Guatemala 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 UNHCR’s Guatemala mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

specific theme.

0 - 2 years of relevant experience in operations.

• Demonstrated interest in the corresponding thematic/technical area is required • Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others; • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team; • Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions; • Previous experience within UN is highly desirable; • Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

Guatemala City is the capital of Guatemala. It is categorized as a United Nations family duty station, hardship category A. To learn more about hardship category ratings, visit https://icsc.un.org/Home/DataMobility This location is classified as Cwb (Dry-winter subtropical highland climate) by Köppen and Geiger. Temperatures average 19.4 °C | 66.9 °F. Official language spoken in Guatemala is Spanish. The two other official languages are Xinka and Garifuna. Over 40 percent of Guatemalans are indigenous. Much of Guatemala City is safe during the day. The city is subdivided into Zones, which resemble neighborhoods or administrative districts in other countries. Zone 10, where the UNHCR office is located and most businesses, hospitality industry are found, is also among the safe areas. It is not recommended to walk alone after dark as some areas or zones can get dangerous. Uber is widely used for transportation and the usual safety precautions apply. Most crime consists of theft of cell phone and laptops. It is advisable not to flaunt them in public. Guatemala City offers banking, transportation, health and communications services, which are easy to obtain. Credit cards are widely used and accepted. There are numerous shopping malls, restaurants, gyms and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found. Road network is good both in terms of spread and quality. Traffic, however, can be overwhelming. It is advised to live near the UNHCR Office in Zone 10. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. Note that in the current time of limited mobility on account of COVID-19, the UNV might be expected to start with home/teleworking. Guatemala is a unique country and UNHCR 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.