Head of Field Office P2

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 Pay

Residential location (if applicable)

Yaounde, Cameroon

Grade

PR2

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

2024-01-01

Job Posting End Date

December 21, 2023

Standard 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 HoFU will, in addition to his responsibilities in the standard JD, advocate and promote UNHCR standards and international norms concerning the treatment of people of concern (refugees, IDPs, returnees), and encourage the concerned authorities and local opinion makers to uphold these standards and norms. S/he will ensure effective follow up of the office and guest house construction activities currently ongoing. The candidate will be expected to establish and maintain close working relationships with the authorities and facilitate their participation in working groups and meetings relating to durable solutions for refugees and other persons of concern in the AoR.

The incumbent is expected to improve the collaboration with MINUSCA, local authorities and the other humanitarian actors, follow up the security situation related to the post-electoral context and advice the management accordingly.

S/he will ensure that the basic needs of the population of concern are properly assessed with the participation of the beneficiaries themselves, the competent Implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself and the relevant authorities. S/he will liaise with UNHCR field offices, BO Bangui and other key partners in CAR, South Sudan and DR Congo to ensure appropriate cross border cooperation and harmonization concerning management of populations after December 2020 election (refugees, IDPs, returnees) and voluntary repatriation of refugees.

The candidate should have work experience in emergency context, preferably, in high-risk field/remote locations. Experience in Central Africa Republic would be an asset. S/he should ensure that the planning, formulation, and budgeting of identified assistance projects are done as per UNHCR programme cycle; as well as ensure the timely implementation and rigorous monitoring of identified assistance activities. The incumbent should ensure that all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities are met on a regular basis

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

French

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position

Central African Republic is a complex operational context with 07 offices: 1 Representation (Bangui), 1 Sub-Office (Bouar), 03 Field Offices (Kaga-Bandoro, Mongoumba and Berberati) and 2 Field Units (Bria and Obo).

Obo is one of the remote locations where UNHCR operates in CAR, and is accessible only by air for staff members. UNHCR provides assistance to 3996 refugees in the AoR of FO Obo which covers mainly four (4) Sous-Prefectures.

The HoFU will, in addition to his/her responsibilities in the standard JD, advocate and promote UNHCR standards and international norms concerning the treatment of people of concern (refugees, IDPs, returnees), and encourage the local authorities and opinion makers to uphold these standards and norms. S/he will ensure effective follow up of the office and guest house construction activities currently ongoing.

The HoFU will, in addition to his responsibilities in the standard JD, advocate and promote UNHCR standards and international norms concerning the treatment of people of concern (refugees, IDPs, returnees), and encourage the concerned authorities and local opinion makers to uphold these standards and norms. S/he will ensure effective follow up of the office and guest house construction activities currently ongoing. The candidate will be expected to establish and maintain close working relationships with the authorities and facilitate their participation in working groups and meetings relating to durable solutions for refugees and other persons of concern in the AoR.

The incumbent is expected to improve the collaboration with MINUSCA, local authorities and the other humanitarian actors, follow up the security situation related to the post-electoral context and advice the management accordingly.

S/he will ensure that the basic needs of the population of concern are properly assessed with the participation of the beneficiaries themselves, the competent Implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself and the relevant authorities. S/he will liaise with UNHCR field offices, BO Bangui and other key partners in CAR, South Sudan and DR Congo to ensure appropriate cross border cooperation and harmonization concerning management of populations after December 2020 election (refugees, IDPs, returnees) and voluntary repatriation of refugees.

S/he should ensure that the planning, formulation, and budgeting of identified assistance projects are done as per UNHCR programme cycle; as well as ensure the timely implementation and rigorous monitoring of identified assistance activities. The incumbent should ensure that all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities are met on a regular basis.

Living and Working Conditions:

The country is landlocked and surrounded by countries with security problems (Chad, DRC, Sudan, and Cameroon). Volatile socio-political situation, social unrest, and grievance in Bangui with frequent civil servants strikes causing interruption of public services due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are causing insecurity in town. The population in Bangui including the expatriates is concerned about cases of criminalities. The country is totally dependent on Cameroon seaport. There are only 4 airlines that operate to/from Bangui. Travel time from Douala to Bangui for a truckload averages 4 days to a week due to bad roads and roadblocks. The curfew is from 10pm-5am. This situation puts great stress on staff members. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. A UN clinic provides basic medical care for UN personnel. The entire country is a High-Risk non-family duty station-D with 6 weeks R&R cycle.

The security situation across the country is still a concern as crimes (theft, abduction, armed robbery, carjacking, murder, illegal detention of weapons and illegal checkpoints/taxation, torture and sexual violence) continues throughout the country because of endemic poverty, easy access to weapons and the weak capacity or absence of judicial authorities in many areas. However, the deployment of the FACA in Bangui led to an improvement of the overall security situation. Movements, activities, and clashes between opposing armed groups that are vying for control of mineral rich areas continue with varying intensity. The endless violence against the civilian population and humanitarian actors, MINUSCA has adopted a more robust posture towards armed groups with positive results.

Skills

Additional Qualifications

MG-Field Operations Management, MG-Resource Management

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 Science

Certifications

HCR Learning Program – UNHCR, HCR Management Learning Program – UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 – UNHCR

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, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

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

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance