Head of Field Office, P3, Zarzis, for non-nationals of Tunisians

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

UNHCR Field Office in Zarzis, Tunisia covers the 8 governorates in the south including Medenine, Tataouine, Gabes, Cafsa, Sfax, Kebili, Sidi Bouzid, Tozeur, and Kasserine. The caseload in the south are asylum seekers and refugees in a mixed migrant’s context. The operational and protection contexts are very dynamic and complex often challenged by emergency triggered by considerable increase of mix movements affecting the country. Despite UNHCR does not have direct access to border entry points, UNHCR Field Office is entrusted to monitor any movements occurring in the south either by land (border with Algeria and Libya) or by sea. The office work closely with the local authorities and regularly coordinate with the various Governors, regionals security and border officials.

The office is composed of 22 staff and in line with UNHCR national strategy provides a set of multi – sectoral services while conducting registration, RSD and RST activities under the aegis of the Protection Unit in Tunis. The partners supporting UNHCR in delivering protection and assistance are three namely Arab Institute for Human Right (AIHR) who handles the Legal component Tunisian Association for Management and Social Stability (TAMSS) who support in building the resilience of refugees, and the Tunisian Committee for Refugees (CTR) who delivers Protection and shelters activities.

The daily registration rate for new arrivals in the south has significantly increased over the past few months. In May, the average number of daily registrations was 5 Individual per day, which surged to 14individual in June, and has now reached approximately 27 individuals. These are mainly Sudanese and South Sudanese nationals. It is expected that this trend will continue. Beside of new arrivals by land, the office intervenes when people rescued at sea are referred by the authorities to UNHCR. The rescue at sea operations are carried in the various ports under Zarzis FO.

Given the complexity of the context and the challenges of the mixed movements, the Head of Office should demonstrate solid leadership and managerial skills. He/She should have proven ability to advocate for the people we serve, extensive negotiation experience as well as strong analytical capacity. This position requires the ability to lead the UNHCR operation ensuring the centrality of protection. Knowledge of the protection principles, standards and measures is essential to mitigate protection risks and ensure that field realities inform UNHCR national strategies.

The HOFO should demonstrate maturity, patience, and ability to build team spirit among a multifaceted and diverse team. Pragmatism, creativity, and flexibility are also an important asset.

The HOFO should be able to communicate fluently in French, Arabic, and English.

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

Arabic

,

,

Desired languages

French

,

,

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:

FO Zarzis is at the forefront of CO Tunisia ‘s operational response to mixed migration, which has been increasingly drawing on existing resources owing to increased numbers of new arrivals and multi-faceted challenges. Under the overall supervision of the UNHCR Tunis Representative and the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative, the Head of Field Office Zarzis will lead the FO in Zarzis to adequate respond to all monitoring requirements (admin/Programme/protection) and ensure to : – Oversee the functioning of the Field Office structure and manage the office from an administrative, program and protection perspective (RSD, protection interventions, mixed migration, etc.) – Liaise with relevant units at the branch office level to address concerns and issues related to their respective areas of responsibility – Ensure compliance of all staff under his/her supervision with relevant UNHCR rules and regulations – Report on a weekly basis to the Deputy Representative on activities conducted by the Field Office – Update staff performance monitoring documents of staff under direct supervision – Coordinate the contribution of the Field Office to the development and implementation of the operations plan – Provide analysis on the situation in the South and its impact on UNHCR ‘s activities – Chair the inter-agency and partners meeting – Liaise with partners, NGOs and other UN organizations, present in the South – Liaise with all relevant local authorities to facilitate the work of UNHCR and its partners in the South – Coordinate interventions of UNHCR and partners in case of rescue at sea and disembarkation in the AoR

Living and Working Conditions:

Living and working conditions: A variety of housing/accommodation options are offered at very reasonable prices. Normal lease term is generally one year, renewable by tacit agreement. Notice of leaving ranges from one to three months. The health system offers good quality care. It is accessible to everyone all over Tunisia and health care personnel are well trained and competent. There are private clinics where foreigners can be admitted to various specialised services. UNHCR Tunisia has an agreement with Taoufik Hospitals Group covering four clinics (Hannibal-Taoufik- Soukra and Ezzahra). Private primary and secondary international schools are available, French, Arabic and English language. The security situation is generally stable. Terrorism risk level is classified by UNDSS as low or moderate, depending on the region (low in Tunis). Crime is considered to pose low threats, though there have been cases of theft in resort hotels, mostly due to staff leaving attractive items in plain view. Walking alone during daylight hours is permitted, but you may want to be more careful at night. Tunisia is still undergoing a critical period of democratic and social transition. The risk of civil unrest is considered low, though in some rare cases it could turn to violent and lead to roadblock. While foreigners and the UN in general are not a specific target, security advice is systematically shared by UNDSS and UNHCR security staff. Tunisia, the smallest country of the North Africa coast, is a touristic country and good living standards. As a small country, all destinations within Tunisia can be reached in a day drive. In addition to the private taxi services, which is well developed in Tunis, the state runs a reliable and cost-effective public transport system. Banks and related digital services are easily available in Tunisia, in addition to various restaurants, food and beverage services and amenities.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

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: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: 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

Bi-annual Compendium 2023 Part B – October 2023

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance