Bureau Deputy Director

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

Hardship Level

B

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

DI1

Staff 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 Assignment

Remote work accepted

No

Target Start Date

2023-11-30

Job Posting End Date

December 21, 2023

Standard Job Description

Bureau Deputy Director

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Bureau Deputy Director reports directly to the Bureau Director and assists him/her in the full performance of his/her regional management responsibilities. These include providing strategic direction, as well as analysis and policy review, provision of guidance and support to Country Offices and keeping abreast of factors affecting delivery of assistance and implementation of the core mandate.

In addition to these functions, the Bureau Deputy Director may also manage one or more core functional pillars of the Regional Bureau, such as Protection, Operations, Strategic Planning and Management, and/or External Engagement. The incumbent supervises a number of senior professional staff in the Bureau and may also supervise Country Representatives in the geographical area as appropriate.

The incumbent is responsible for overall quality assurance and managerial support to operations, in line with the Bureau’s 2nd line function within the Three Lines of Defence conceptual framework, adopted by the UN system.

S/he will cover the full spectrum of managerial oversight, manage performance and compliance with UNHCR’s rules and regulations and provide regular advice, guidance and technical support to Country Offices. The incumbent will seek to build and manage a coordinated and effective team of staff through results-oriented work planning, providing guidance, direction, supervision and performance assessment in line with strategic directions, results framework, Global Strategic Priorities (GSP’s), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as organizational-wide initiatives and regional burden-sharing initiatives including the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and UN Reform.

In close coordination with the Bureau Director, the incumbent will oversee the evolvement of functional strategies and priorities that are aligned with UNHCR corporate objectives, and thereby will contribute to UNHCR’s global engagement. In this endeavour, the incumbent will seek the cooperation and coordination with a broad array of internal and external stakeholders.

The incumbent also promotes a Bureaux culture that is based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion, gender balance, and geographical diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing and representation at all levels throughout the region.

S/he will, further, cover the full spectrum of managerial oversight, manage performance and monitor the adherence of Country Operations to UNHCR’s rules and regulations, monitoring, identifying and addressing any emerging issues and risks as appropriate. The incumbent also promotes a culture that is results-oriented, efficient and based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion, gender balance and diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing, resource allocation and representation at all levels throughout the region.

As a key custodian of the organization’s standards of conduct, s/he will proactively establish a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.

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

• Support the Bureau Director in the discharge of his/her daily functions.
• Maintain up to date knowledge and analysis of all significant developments affecting the implementation of UNHCR activities in the region of responsibility in close coordination with relevant stakeholders and by keeping abreast on challenges posed to the region by political context, UN and humanitarian reform and institutional developments in the area of forced displacement and humanitarian operations.
• Guide policies and strategies for adequate preparedness and response, including for likely refugee and IDP emergencies within the Region.
• Support the Director in ensuring coordination and consistency in the application of policies, operations and core activities across the Region, in one or more of the functional areas of Protection, Operations, Strategic Planning and Partnerships, and/or External Engagement.
• Guide Country Operations delivering clear and consistent, contextualized strategies, which are in line with the corporate and Bureau vision, strategy and results framework, Global Strategic Priorities (GSPs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and organizational-wide initiatives, as appropriate, and which are informed by ground realities.
• Maintain relationships with regional bodies within the region aligned to UNHCR¿s strategic priorities and ensure timely and relevant two-way flow of information with HQ and across the Organization.
• In close consultation with Operation Managers/Heads of Services/Representatives (including from Risk Management and Controller), review major operational challenges or considerations and decide on an appropriate course of action or make recommendations to the Bureau Director.
• On behalf of the Bureau Director, guide the work of the Heads of Services and Functional Managers in their discharge of responsibilities and ensure cohesion in their activities.
• Engage with a wide range of stakeholders such as Government representatives, intergovernmental organizations, diplomatic missions, NGOs, and implementing partners to strengthen relationships, improve service delivery, and advance the UNHCR mandate.
• Act as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Bureau Director.
• 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 D1 – 17 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 15 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Political Science; Social Science; International Relations;

Law; Business Administration; Human Resources Management;

or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Not specified.

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Minimum 8 years of experience in international capacity. Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services. A high level of skill in management of broad programmes, political decision making and negotiating, as well as demonstrated tolerance to frequently changing and highly charged situations. Demonstrated leadership qualities, integrity, tact, diplomacy, and good management and communication skills. Ability to manage for results: translate strategic aims into achievable plans.

Desirable

Solid UNHCR experience from both the Field (including Hardship Duty stations) and Headquarters. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes, such us Protection Learning Programme, Operations Management Learning Programme, Senior Management Learning Programme. Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications.

Functional Skills

MG-Change Management

PG-Results-Based Management

MG-UN/UNHCR Management Practices/Standards and Processes

(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 Deputy Director reports to the Regional Director and ensures direct leadership of the Strategic Planning and Management Team in the Bureau, covering operations management, emergency preparedness/response, programme support, supply, HR management, control and oversight. As the EHAGL Bureau manages some of the largest and most complex and dynamic operations globally, in-depth knowledge and proven experience of strategic planning, programming and resource management processes is essential for the position. The incumbent supports the Regional Director in guiding the planning processes in the region and the Bureau, and in ensuring effective liaison with protection, solutions, development, policy, fundraising and other functions within the Bureau and in country operations. S/He will equally lead the oversight and control function in the RB and management of audit exercises The incumbent will also oversee the development of regional guidance and incorporate in planning and programming the strategic partnerships with regional institutions, development agencies, civil society organizations and the private sector. The incumbent will equally cover coordination with regional entities within the scope of the allocated portfolio, furthering the agenda of inclusion and self-reliance in the region. S/He is equally the direct counterpart of the relevant divisions in HQ (DSPR, DFAM, DHR, DESS) and manages the regional coordination set-up for operation management and emergency response.

The incumbent will need to have a combination of field/RB and HQ experience, with preferably previous experience in the region, a solid knowledge of UNHCR’s resource allocation processes, financial rules and regulations and demonstrated leadership skills. The successful candidate needs to be a team player; should have a demonstrated ability to bring various entities together, for higher goals; and be a critical thinker.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position

The UNHCR Regional Bureau for East, Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes (EHAGL) of Africa is based in Nairobi, Kenya. It is a critical hub for collaboration, strategic engagement, and addressing cross-cutting operational challenges. A Regional Director heads the Bureau and has primary accountability for strategic decision-making, regional prioritization, and quality assurance—and enhanced delegated authorities to manage the region effectively. With functional links to the Divisions at HQs, technical experts are integrated within the regional bureau structures/pillars and lines of authority.

These are:

Strategic Planning and management ensure the region’s overall coherence with UNHCR’s global objectives and High Commissioner’s Strategic Directions; set regional bureau-wide priorities, manage and direct all regional resources and assess contextual changes to adjust regional operational priorities; provide support to country operations, including on Human Resources , Supply, Finance and Information and Communications Technology (ICT); ensures financial and procedural oversight.

Protection elaborates and empowers regional approaches to UNHCR’s global protection priorities; monitors and supports the exercise of UNHCR’s core protection mandate at the country level.

External engagement defines and oversees the implementation at country and regional level of strategic communications, resource mobilization, and partnership strategies, including with UN and NGO partners, development institutions, and the full range of stakeholders under the whole of society approach of the Global Compact on Refugees. The partnership approach includes cultivating and supporting partnerships for economic and financial inclusion, livelihoods, and social protection, supported by socio-economic analysis.

Data, Identity Management and Analysis (DIMA) supports regional information, data management, and analysis in alignment with regional objectives and provides expertise in the collection, validation, curation, protection, interpretation and representation of operational data.

The Bureau provides operational support and oversight to 11 country operations: Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Some 4,300 staff are deployed in the Bureau and country offices. The Bureau also supports UNHCR’s Representation to the African Union (AU) and the Economic Commission of Africa (ECA) based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Most UN agencies, including WFP and UNICEF, have regional offices in Nairobi.

The region has the largest number of people with and for whom UNHCR works in Africa. This includes over 5 million refugees and asylum seekers, 14 million internally displaced people, as well as approximately 900 000 returnees, stateless persons or persons at risk of statelessness. The majority of people forced to flee their countries are hosted in 7 countries, namely Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania (United Republic of), and Rwanda. Uganda hosts over 1.57 million refugees, the largest refugee population in Africa. Ethiopia has over 4.3 million internally displaced people. Before the current crisis in Sudan, approximately 3.7 million people were internally displaced in Sudan. In the six months since the start of the current crisis, an estimated 4.5 million people were newly uprooted and forced to flee their homes to safer parts of the country. Sudan is one of the largest internal displacement situations in the world and one of the fastest-growing displacement crises. The Regional Bureau Director also serves as the Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan situation thus EHAGL RB supports him with coordination and planning, reporting and resource mobilization for the Sudan situation. In Somalia, around 3.87 million people are internally displaced throughout the country. Mixed movements and human trafficking are significant regional protection challenges.

The region is characterized by pockets of instability and insecurity, recurrent climatic events contributing to resource-driven intercommunal conflict, fragile state institutions and governance systems, and heightened socio-economic vulnerability of forcibly displaced. Political instability and conflict in Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Sudan have sparked new internal displacement, resulting in large internal and external population movements. Despite the challenges, the Bureau seeks to expand opportunities that exist in the humanitarian/development/peace nexus to enhance collaboration and engage strategically with governments, donors and financial institutions for the inclusion of refugee programmes in national systems, while seeking contributions of development actors to sustainable reintegration initiatives in Burundi, Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. The Bureau engages with partners in the UN, financial institutions (AFDB, IFC, WB) and Regional economic communities (IGAD, EAC, ICGLR) as part of its agenda. The EHAGL region is highly strategic, as it has received over half (51%) of the World Bank’s total global IDA allocations under the special instruments for refugees and host communities covering seven countries. Many of the pledges made at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum (GRF) were relevant to the region, with additional commitments expected during the 2024 GRF.

Living and Working Conditions

Nairobi is in UN Security Phase 1 however politically instigated demonstrations and riots can occur at any time. There is general crime similar to that in large cities and a high sense of vigilance and alertness is required.

Despite the security concerns mentioned above, Nairobi is a very good duty station for families. It has good medical facilities and the recreational facilities, schools and hotels are of international standards. It has an excellent climate, and comfortable houses and other forms of accommodation are available as are good banking facilities, unlimited access to all forms of communications such as internet, telephone Sim cards, etc.

Even though the position is based in Nairobi, s/he is expected to travel on missions to remote locations in the field, where the quality of life and working conditions would be challenged alongside with security concerns.

Skills

Additional Qualifications

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science

Certifications

Work 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, Policy research & development, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Add. 2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 – Part A

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance