UN High Commissioner for Refugees
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.
– 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
In Jordan, a comprehensive refugee response is in place for some 750,000 refugees and asylum seekers, the majority from Syria. Sub-Office Mafraq manages UNHCR’s refugee response with the government and with partners in Zaatari Refugee Camp, Raba’a Al Sarhan Reception Centre, and Mafraq town. Zaatari Camp is home to some 80,000 Syrian refugees, and a comparable number of refugees reside in the urban area covered by the Sub-Office. UNHCR in Mafraq works closely with the government as well as with UN Agencies, national and international operational and implementing partners, donors and development actors. UNHCR is responsible for Camp Coordination and Camp Management in Zaatari Camp, and for ensuring strategic, intra -camp and sector working group coordination. Staff of Sub- Office Mafraq include some 100 national and international UNHCR employees.
Given this context, candidates must have extensive experience leading effective teams in the field, ensuring respect for diversity and for the Code of Conduct. They should have previous experience as a head of office, and should have a demonstrated ability to work in both camp and urban environments. They must have demonstrated an ability to develop and implement strategic plans that incorporate key elements of the GCR.
Given the importance of building strong and constructive relationships with the refugee community, government counterparts and donors, strong relation-building and interpersonal skills are essential. Experience in interagency and other coordination functions is desirable, as is experience working with donors and development actors.
Qualified candidates must have superior communication skills, oral and written, in English. Arabic language is desirable.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
Desired languages
Arabic
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Road traffic accidents remain a pertinent risk to staff. Vehicle travel is difficult at certain times due to low visibility and heavy traffic. Zaatari Camp is heavily populated and there have been isolated reports of theft, pilferage, intimidation and vandalism inside the camp. Security level at Zaatari Camp is at level 2.
Nature of Position:
Mafraq Governorate in Jordan is located 80 km to the north from the capital Amman with total population 549,948 and 166,000 of them are refugees. Mafraq is categorized as (B) duty station.
Accommodation average rent at Mafraq Governorate is between 450- 500 USD for unfurnished apartment and between 700-850 USD for furnished apartment depending on the size of the property itself and number of bedrooms.
Mafraq has cold semi-arid climate. Summers are long, hot, dry, and clear while the winters are cold, windy, and partly cloudy over the course of the year.
International schools are not available in Mafraq, most of the available schools are governmental with few privet Arabic schools.
Advanced medical services are available in Mafraq, providing needed medium medical treatments to the population. However, critical medical situation treatment is referred to Amman. UNHCR has signed a frame agreement with Sara Specialty Hospital in Mafraq to treat UNHCR patients
and their dependents when the need be. The Security Level of the country is assessed at Level 1 (MINIMAL), except the northeast Jordanian Syrian border area, where it is assessed at Level 3 (MODERATE). Road traffic accidents remain a pertinent risk to staff. Vehicle travel is difficult at certain times due to adverse weather conditions, low visibility and/or heavy traffic.
Living and Working Conditions:
Mafraq Governorate in Jordan is located 80 km to the north from the capital Amman with total population 549,948 and 166,000 of them are refugees. Mafraq is categorized as (B) duty station.
Accommodation average rent at Mafraq Governorate is between 450- 500 USD for unfurnished apartment and between 700-850 USD for furnished apartment depending on the size of the property itself and number of bedrooms.
Mafraq has cold semi-arid climate. Summers are long, hot, dry, and clear while the winters are cold, windy, and partly cloudy over the course of the year.
International schools are not available in Mafraq, most of the available schools are governmental with few privet Arabic schools.
Advanced medical services are available in Mafraq, providing needed medium medical treatments to the population. However, critical medical situation treatment is referred to Amman. UNHCR has signed a frame agreement with Sara Specialty Hospital in Mafraq to treat UNHCR patients and their dependents when the need be. The Security Level of the country is assessed at Level 1 (MINIMAL), except the northeast Jordanian Syrian border area, where it is assessed at Level 3 (MODERATE). Road traffic accidents remain a pertinent risk to staff. Vehicle travel is difficult at certain times due to adverse weather conditions, low visibility and/or heavy traffic.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
BA: Economics (Required), BA: International Relations (Required), BA: Law (Required), BA: Management (Required), BA: Personnel Administration (Required), BA: Political Science (Required)
Certifications
Work Experience
Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting
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. 1 to March 2023 Compendium – Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
We would like to call your attention on the eligibility of International Professional (P) category:
According to our Recruitment and Assignments Policy, P staff members will not normally serve in the country of their nationality, and the first regular appointment in the P category 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.
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to visit https://bit.ly/3HIjYv3
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 15 May 2023 (midnight Geneva time)