UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
Family Type
Non Family with Residential Location
Residential location (if applicable)
Accra, Ghana
Grade
PR3
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 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
To be able to successfully perform the functions of this position, given the complexity of the operation, the incumbent should have:
- Strong organizational skills and political awareness.
- Strong diplomatic, interpersonal, networking and communications skills.
- Strong management and coordination skills and a dynamic and proactive disposition.
Having a solid field and operations background, including extensive hands-on experience in managing complex security situations, multi-sector and multi-partner coordination skills, conflict management through negotiation and creative approaches, as well as ensuring that environmental sustainability is mainstreamed in all interventions are key attributes the incumbent should possess.
Equally important to this position is knowledge of the GCR approach to refugee response which has been launched in Taraba State in 2022.
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
Since 2017, violent clashes in Cameroon between security forces and separatists have driven thousands of Cameroonians into Nigeria. As of 31 December 2022, there are 86,000 registered Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria of whom 20,674 reside in Taraba state. The ongoing violence in North-west and South-west Cameroon continues to drive the civilian population to seek refuge in Nigeria. In Taraba state, the local governments most impacted by the refugee influx include Sarduana, Takum, Ussa and Kurmi., that are bordering Nwa sub-division of Cameroon where fighting continues. An estimated, over 4,000 individuals fled to villages in Taraba state during the influx of 2021 arising out a flare in the fighting in Cameroon. A refugee verification exercise has been completed in October 2023 to establish the true population on ground. The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Taraba State Emergency Management Agency & UNHCR plays the lead role in the coordination of the humanitarian response with support from the states and Local Government Authorities. UNHCR has established its presence near the refugee hosting areas to facilitate access to services. The local community shares the available limited services with no discrimination. In the same vein, UNHCR makes an effort where applicable to provide services to the most vulnerable among the host community in the ratio of 70:30 to refugees and host community respectively. Host community either provide freely or rent agricultural land to refugees for their livelihood purposes. Refugee hosting areas are in local government regions that have weak and overstretched social services, limited economic opportunities further impacted by COVID-19, limited access to electricity, water, sanitation and health services. a significant proportion of refugees livingin host communities are not easily accessible to UNHCR due to poor transport infrastructure, connectivity, and limited human resource to respond to their immediate needs.
Due to limited resources, there are serious risks of GBV. Over 90% of the GBV survivors lack socio economic assistance with very limited multi-sectoral response services. Safety and security response continue to be challenging due to logistical constraints. Health response is inadequate due to lack of professional health care providers and insufficient drugs in health facilities.
In view of the above, UNHCR Sub Office Ogoja requires the services of the Head of Field Office at P3 level, to oversee and manage the refugee situation in Taraba State. The Head of UNHCR Field Office (HoFO) Takum will report to the Head of Sub-Office in Ogoja. S/He will be responsible for managing refugee operations in Takum Field Office which covers in Taraba State. The incumbent will manage a Field office with 12 (twelve) staff members, including 2 professional staff, One Associate Protection Officer, CBP, one Associate Field Officer (IUNV), one National Officer (NOA) and eight general service staff. S/He will coordinate UNHCR response in the AOR in partnership with mainly 2 government and5 I/NGO partners, including CUSO, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Rhema Care, JRS and Save the Children.
Living and Working Conditions
Takum Field Office is in Taraba State of Nigeria, 4 hours drive from Ogoja town where the UNHCR Sub-Office is located. The other nearest towns are Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State (4.5 hrs journey).
Average annual temperature in Takum fluctuates between 20.8°C (69.4°F) and 40.3°C (104.5°F). The weather is generally hot, the warmest month being March and the coldest is January.
Takum is a relatively small and remote town and lacks advanced medical facilities and social amenities. Malaria and water-borne diseases such as typhoid are common. Staff are required to observe preventive measures and health guidelines from both the government of Nigeria and the UN medical services. The medical facilities are not adequate and hence staff are referred to Ogoja and/or Calabar for Periodic Medical Examination and may have to be evacuated out of town in case of any serious medical issue.
Security risks may be classified as medium to high. There have been reports of armed robbers and banditry. Therefore, movement without necessary security clearances and measures is discouraged. UNHCR international staff stay in a furnished guest house in a secure setting guarded by the relevant security personnel. Some of the basic requirements such as food and clothing can be found within the area. However, some essential commodities can be accessed from Jalingo which is a bigger city with a variety of goods and services. Living conditions can be summed-up as follows: Very basic infrastructure as well as leisure and recreational facilities; Limited health facilities available locally; Malaria & typhoid diseases are common in the region; Due to the security restrictions, office has established well organized guest house facilities where all international professional staff are required to reside; Movement of international staff is restricted to minimize risk of kidnapping; Frequent mission travel to the deep Field locations; High stressful work context, therefore capacity for self-care is critical.
Skills
Additional Qualifications
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 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
To apply for this job please visit unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com.