UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
Family Type
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
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
2024-06-01
Job Posting End Date
December 21, 2023
Standard Job Description
Head of National Office
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR National Office is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent acts under delegated authority of the UNHCR Regional Representative (or the Deputy Regional Representative), who exercises supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position reports and 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 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 Regional Representative (or Deputy) on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), the Regional Representative will direct and guide the Head of National Office (HoNO) to take the most appropriate course of action. The Head of UNHCR National Office will on request serve as a designated member of the UN Country Team, participating in relevant meetings including monthly UNCT meetings, engaging the involvement and advocacy of the Regional Representative as may be appropriate. S/he will also advise the UN Resident Coordinator in regard to UNHCR’s issues of concern. The Head of the UNHCR National Office will also support the UN Designated Official as a member of the Security Management Team. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoNO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Regional/Deputy Regional Representative fully informed.
As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, s/he is required in consultation with the Regional Representative to liaise with relevant government officials, security organs in the area, Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and international which are based in the area), local opinion makers and the local media.
As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissioner’s operations, s/he remains as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their responsibilities emanating from the 1951 Convention 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 1951 Refugee Convention responsibilities and international obligations of the national authorities vis-a-vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on the situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Regional Representative/Deputy Regional Representative. Request regional support as appropriate.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs and stateless persons, where applicable.
- Ensure that the basic needs of the concerned population are properly assessed with the participation of the beneficiaries themselves, the host government and/or the competent implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself and its UNCT partners.
- 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, specifically on integration and self-reliance measures.
- 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 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. Support the UN Designated Official and represent UNHCR in the regular meetings of the Security Management Team.
- 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 Regional/Deputy Regional Representative.
- Participate in the deliberations and work of the UN Country Team and promote UNHCR’s issues of concern.
- Any other responsibilities/functions deemed necessary or as delegated by the UNHCR Regional Representative in order to meet the level of the services in the organization.
- Represent UNHCR in inter-agency fora and with national authorities.
- 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 Regional Representation 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 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
Economics; International Relations; Law;
Management; Political Science; Personnel Administration;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
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.
Desirable
- Working experience in the Field.
Functional Skills
- PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
- MG-Office Management
- HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
- IT-Computer Literacy
(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 Candidate should a have a solid protection background to be able to deal with the forced displacement population in Guyana. The situation is fluid and requires flexibility to adjust following new developments. Moreover, sound political analysis is key for this position as the regional situation is tense. The candidate will need management skills to supervise a small and diverse. Finally, the candidate requires good communication skills to maintain the protection space in the country and to clearly communicate UNHCR´s mandate.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
Spanish
,
,
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 ongoing political, human rights and socio-economic developments in Venezuela have led to over a million Venezuelan refugees and migrants to move into Latin American and the Caribbean countries. It is estimated that Guyana, has welcomed over 23000 refugees and migrants from Venezuela. The increasing number of refugees and migrants from Venezuela has put additional strain in already limited resources and impacted host communities, especially vulnerable local communities in the country ‘s interior where service provision is already limited. Moreover, by the end of 2023 political unrest in the country has increased due to tensions between the governments of Venezuela and Guyana about a border dispute.
Although the protection environment in Guyana is generally supportive to refugees and migrants, Guyana is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol. One of the main protection concerns affecting persons of concern to UNHCR in Guyana is GBV and its consequences. GBV, particularly violence against women and girls, is pervasive in the country. Data from 2019 suggests that 1 in every 2 women in Guyana will experience Intimate Partner Violence and POCs in the country are disproportionately affected. Limited livelihood opportunities increase the vulnerability of persons of concern, forcing many men and women to search for opportunities in mining areas, where Government presence is scarce. In addition, many women resort to sex work or survival sex in order to provide for their basic needs.
In close coordination with the Government of Guyana, UNHCR Guyana works to implement protection responses including GBV prevention, integration through educational support and an initial framework for asylum-seeker and refugee registration. UNHCR is one of the only organizations with presence in field locations bordering Venezuela and Brazil, which enable identification of the most vulnerable PoCs and provision of emergency assistance in very remote locations. The office has 19 AWF positions, from 24 in total, including several AWF located in remote locations.
Living and Working Conditions:
Guyana is categorized as a B (Family) duty station but is in general offering lower standard living conditions than other B duty stations with a relatively high cost of living. The cost of accommodation has increased significantly over the past years due to the augmenting number of staff from the oil industry and private companies, which continues to expand and puts pressure on the housing market.
There are some entertainment options including public parks, restaurants, hotels, and bars.
COVID-19 restrictions and precautions were mostly removed, including mask wearing and vaccination certificates requirements.
As with most Latin American countries, urban violence remains a concern particularly in the Capital Georgetown, Region 4. Although violent armed crimes do occur and are a concern particularly in marginalized communities and commercial areas, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded markets and shopping streets is a more common threat as well as burglaries and car break-ins. Extreme caution is recommended when walking in the streets and persons should avoid carrying valuables when in parks or other public areas.
Health facilities are limited but basic healthcare is available.
With regards to educational facilities, an international curriculum (U.S) is followed at the Georgetown International Academy. There are other private schools where expats often refer their children, including School of the Nations.
Due to the lack of infrastructure in the country, movement within the country between hinterland regions is challenging and movement to many regions in the country’s interior are only possible through fluvial or aerial means.
Skills
Additional Qualifications
DE-Governance in fragile contexts, MG-Business Performance Analysis and Management, MG-Cashflow and Financial Resources Management, MG-Coordination, MG-Diplomacy, MG-Management Planning, PG-Administration and monitoring of resources, PR-Asylum/Migration, PR-Community-based Protection – Principles and methodologies, PR-Coordination in Forced Displacement situations
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
Programme Management (PM) 1 – UNHCR
Work Experience
Communications, Emergency Preparedness & Response, Field Operations, Office Context: Field, Protection, Work Context: Interagency Coordination, Work Context: Operational Response, Workforce to Supervise
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.