UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
Family Type
Non Family
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
PR4
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 Sub-Office
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR Sub-Office (HoSO) 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) 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 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 the Sub-Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoSO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.
While the functional responsibility of a Head of a Sub-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.
- 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. 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 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 P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Management Administration, Personnel Administration, Law,
Political Science, International Relation, Economics,
or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
In-depth knowledge in all 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. UNHCR Specific learning/training activities ( i.e. Learning Programme in Management & Operations).
Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
MG-Office Management
HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
PR-International protection concepts and principles
(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 incumbent should have a diverse range of leadership and managerial skills including, ideally, a strong operational background in protection and field activities in development settings. Well-developed stakeholder management, advocacy, interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and partner engagement skills, as well as an understanding of programming and strategic planning are critical to the successful implementation of immediate and longer-term organizational objectives.
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:
The incumbent reports to the Representative and oversees a diverse and motivated team with 5 international staff and approximately 85 national staff (regular and affiliate workforce). The area of responsibility of SO Duhok includes Duhok Governorate and Zakho – independent administration in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I), which host approximately 90,000 refugees/asylum seekers. These are the two Governorates with the highest concentration of refugees camps – to be transformed into formal settlements – UNHCR assists refugees to establish themselves in urban settings within Iraq. As Duhok shares a land border with Syria, SO Duhok also oversees activities related to access to asylum from Syria, and spontaneous returnees to Syria.
Additionally, Duhok and Zakho host some 320,000 IDPs, primarily Ezidis, who were displaced in 2014 as a result of Da’esh operations in Ninewa. Over 40% of the IDPs reside in 15 camps; others reside in urban/peri-urban areas throughout the region. The priority is also to find dignified solutions for this Iraqi displaced currently residing in camps.
The overall protection environment is largely favorable. As the displacement situation is becoming increasingly protracted, UNHCR in Iraq, as part of the broader UN efforts, has transitioned from a humanitarian response towards longer-term development and inclusion of refugees and IDPs in Government service provision and plans.
The incumbent is expected to oversee quality, timely and effective implementation of the Operation’s protection and solutions strategy. S/he is expected to lead discussions at local level to encourage further responsibility of relevant government counterparts, advocate on refugee and IDP protection and solutions and ensure community engagement and empowerment is further strengthened as part of refugee inclusion and IDP solutions efforts. Relations with local Government counterparts, UN Agencies, NGOs especially development actors, and civil society actors are critical.
Living and Working Conditions:
UNHCR Sub-Office Duhok is located in the Mazi Compound, which consists of two office buildings and shared space for all the UN agencies based in Duhok.
Staff are responsible for arranging their own long-term accommodation in Duhok town, with support from UNHCR Administration, and may only reside within private accommodation (apartments) that have been security cleared. GSM network is available.
The security situation particularly in Duhok and generally in KRI is comparatively better than other parts of Iraq where incidents are reported frequently. There is currently no UN-imposed curfew, nor are there any designated ”no go” areas within Duhok city. Social norms exist within Duhok whereby activities beyond 23:00 hrs may be perceived negatively by the community, as well as unnecessarily exposing staff. All new staff must undergo mandatory security briefing and SSAFE training within one month of arrival if not yet done.
Climate is borderline semi-arid and Mediterranean with extremely hot, dry summer and cold wet winter. Precipitation falls in the cooler months, the heaviest in late winter/early spring. Duhok has several snowy days yearly with heavier falls in the uplands and frost is very common. Summer is dry with temperatures reaching close to 45 degrees celsius by day, 30+ at night. Rainy/winter temperature hovers at 10 degrees by day, 0 at night.
Duhok is a cash-based city. There is a very limited number of ATM machines for IQD withdrawals in Duhok. Most international staff plan with Administration to have a portion of their salary paid out locally in USD. It is advisable to bring USD 1,500 to 2,000 as emergency funds, to help settle in before receiving allowance or MPA.
There are several medical facilities located in Duhok and the level of service ranges from a basic clinic to minor surgery. For any serious medical concerns which cannot be addressed in Duhok, staff may be medically evacuated to Erbil and possibly to Amman where the level of medical support is higher.
There are two relatively large shopping malls in Duhok along with many shopping centres where virtually all basic items are available; multiple restaurants and eateries are available in town and at malls.
Islam is the official state religion of Iraq, but there are Christian and Ezidi minorities in Duhok who live in specific neighborhoods in towns or their own villages. The Government does not interfere with public worship. In Duhok, there are mosques, churches and temples; however, this diversity exists in an Islamic cultural context.
Kurds are generally formal (coat, tie, suit or dress) in appearance by both men/women at offices and functions. Conservative and formal dress is the norm. Duhok is perhaps the most conservative of all governorates in KRI.
English is the official UN Language spoken by some government officials and most partners, but all formal communications by government institutions in Duhok are in the Kurdish language; this includes during meetings/functions where personal translations are provided by national colleagues. Nonetheless, Arabic is widely understood and spoken by majority of the population.
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
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: Internally Displaced Persons, 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
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.