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
2023-11-30
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
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 with situational changes in the region affecting the organization. Demonstrates the ability to coordinate and work effectively with partners from different backgrounds. Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of management of forcibly displaced persons in a mixed situation where IDPs, refugees and returnees are living in the same areas. Knowledge in inter-agency cluster coordination mechanism and have a well-developed political acumen to interact with local authorities and government interlocutors. Demonstrated ability to make sound and timely decisions and be accountable for them. Previous working experience in remote management and emergencies is an added advantage as the position requires agility due to the fast-moving context. The incumbent will need to have excellent communication, negotiation, and analysis skills to undertake his/her responsibilities as well as strong management skills to lead a big diverse team amid challenging operational circumstances and deteriorating local security and socio-economic conditions.
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: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
Nature of Position:
UNHCR has been present in Nigeria since 1978 working with the Government of Nigeria, partners, and other United Nations Agencies to uphold the rights and wellbeing of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugee and IDP returnees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. The Nigeria operation continuous to face a protracted humanitarian crisis linked to the ongoing insurgency in the Northeast.
The 2023 HRP which is based on robust inter-sectoral analysis, outlined in the 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), identified 8.3 million people in need of some form of humanitarian and protection assistance in the three states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY states), a marginal change from 2022. In 2023, due to the broadening of needs among the identified population groups, 6 million people will be targeted for humanitarian response – an increase of 500,000 people or nine percent from the 5.5 million people targeted in the 2022 HRP.
According to government sources, there are more than 200,000 IDPs in Adamawa State. Moreover, since June 2022, there are more than 20,000 Cameroonians asylum seekers that arrived to Adamawa State, exactly in Mubi, Michika and Madagali local government areas (LGA).
Given the pervasive insecurity, killings, abductions, illegal vehicular checkpoints, complex suicide attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), widespread human rights violations continue. Key protection concerns faced by the displacement affected communities include, gender-based violence (GBV), physical violence, child marriage, family separation, unaccompanied and separated children, psycho-social distress and trauma, persons with specific needs not receiving or being able to access life-saving services, persons without adequate shelter, persons missing documentation, and persons having no legal redress for human rights violations as well as housing, land and property (HLP) loss and damages.
In response to large scale displacement in Adamawa State of Northeast Nigeria, UNHCR ensures timely and effective leadership, coordination, and response, utilizing a protection and solutions lens. UNHCR contributes to the humanitarian response for IDPs and refugees as well as the durable solutions initiatives being led by the Government of Nigeria (GoN) in partnership with UN agencies and the broader humanitarian community. As operational approaches, UNHCR responds within the interagency cluster/sector approach and makes use of community and area-based approaches to provide protection interventions to displacement-affected individuals and communities. UNHCR also engages with State authorities in Adamawa State and advocates for enhanced conditions for the voluntary return of Nigerian Refugees in the Lake Chad Countries (Cameroon, Niger and Chad) as well as the reintegration efforts critical for the success and sustainability of their return.
Protection monitoring activities are conducted in Yola North, Yola South, Mubi North, Mubi South, Fufore, Maiha, Madagali and Michika. With strong knowledge in inter sector coordination, UNHCR is leading PSWG (physical meetings) in Yola and Mubi. The Mubi Field Coordination Meeting is leading by UNHCR, IRC and Plan International in Mubi. CCCM/Shelter/NFI is leading by UNHCR. ISWG is conducted in Yola and chaired by OCHA. The present Governor established Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to oversee activities of UN Agencies and INGOs in the State. UNHCR is invited in all government meetings in Yola.
Living and Working Conditions:
Yola is the capital and the largest city of Adamawa State in northeastern Nigeria. Spoken languages are English (official), Hausa, Fulani, and others.
Security: Continuous security challenges due to armed conflicts and terrorism in the NE and NEC security areas. Being a Level 5 High-Risk Duty station, mandatory adherence to all SRM measures is vital for safety and security of UNHCR personnel and/or assets and operations. Our operational areas are Yola North, Yola South, Mubi North, Mubi South, Fufore, Maiha, Michika and Madagali. Access to Michika and Madagali is with military escort. Michiga and Madagali experience frequent attacks In Yola and Mubi kidnapping acts are recurrent.
Due to the prevailing security situation, host government curfew time in Maiduguri: 22:00 hrs. – 06:00 hrs. – curfew time in Humanitarian Hubs within Local Government Aareas: 18:00 hrs. – 06:00 hrs.
Accommodation: There are no UN/UNHCR guesthouses in Yola. UNHCR international staff appointed to Yola must rent their own houses.
Travels: All movements to Michika and Madagali are conducted using armoured vehicles (AV). Travels from Yola to Maiduguri can be done only with UNHAS and is approximately 45 minutes. Travel from Yola to the capital city Abuja can be done by both UNHAS or UNDSS commercial airlines and the flight time is approximately 1 hour. Being a Level 5 High-Risk Duty station, mandatory adherence to all SRM measures is vital for safety and security of UNHCR personnel and/or assets and operations. Security Clearances – Security clearance (TRIP) at http://dss.un.org is mandatory to all states within
Food: Food stuff and other groceries are readily available locally, including supermarkets.
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
Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned Refugees
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.