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
2024-01-01
Job Posting End Date
December 21, 2023
Standard Job Description
Operations Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Operations Officer works under the direct supervision of the Senior Operations Officer/Coordinator or Head of the Office and will be the focal person responsible for liaising with Partners through sector meetings and other coordination mechanisms in the Area of responsibility (AoR) as deemed necessary and required by the senior management. S/he will also assist with management issues pertaining to the operations within the area of responsibility (AoR). The incumbent will maintain contact with NGO/Implementing partners, Government officials at the Central level, Donors and UN agencies based in the locations covered under AoR. The incumbent also receives indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country programmes. The incumbent may supervise some support staff. Within UNHCR, the incumbent has regular contact with other sections/units at Headquarters and with field offices on issues related UNHCR’s programme in the countries/operations covered under the AoR.
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 UNHCR’s activities in the operations within the AoR, if necessary through mission to the countries/operations covered.
- Keep abreast of the events that may affect the situation of persons of concern (PoCs) in the countries/operations under AoR and provide regular reports and relevant information on developments regarding the situation of PoCs as appropriate.
- Through a wide network of external contacts and through studying field reports, regularly analyse the operational context, early warning signs and the protection situation of PoCs.
- Prepare analytic papers and formulate recommendations for action for the country offices/operations within the AoR.
- Ensure compliance of UNCHR’s project implementation, management and reporting with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
- Identify potential gaps and problems and in cooperation with other relevant sections recommend appropriate solutions to ensure the continued efficient implementation of programme activities and effective coordination with other UN agencies and NGOs.
- In the bureaux, respond to queries and requests for assistance and guidance from the field, and follow-up where needed, in close coordination with other concerned focal points of the Bureau.
- In the field, prepare project proposals, conduct needs assessment in various fields of assistance and monitor implementation of projects under the AoR.
- Maintain relations with UN agencies, NGOs and other parties operating in the AoR, in order to promote UNHCR objectives.
- Liaise with operational partners on issues relating to the protection and assistance of refugees/IDPs and other persons of concern.
- Maintain a wide range of external contacts with Permanent Missions, donors, and civil society organization.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- 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
Public Administration; Economics; Social Science;
Business Administration; Law; or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Programme Management
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Understanding of UNHCR mandate and operations.
Desirable
Experience in field operations. Experience working with UNHCR; or other UN entities or partners preferably in the area of refugee or humanitarian operations. Proven track record in emergency preparedness, response and management.
Functional Skills
MG-Field Operations Management
MG-Coordination
(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
Strong operational background and field experience in UNHCR programme management. At least 5 years of solid experience in operations management with UNHCR; or other UN entities or partners in the area of refugee or humanitarian operations with field experience in operations management and preferably in thematic areas of either Shelter/NFI, Health, WASH or CCCM will be an asset. Proven track record of emergency preparedness, response and management. Good political awareness and knowledge of other UN language such as Arabic and French.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
The Security Level for Amman and the rest 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.
Nature of Position:
The Operations Officer works under the direct supervision of the Senior Operations Officer at the Bureau. S/he will be the focal person responsible for sub-region country operations within the MENA region and work closely with both operations and relevant sections/teams at the Bureau on a wide range of issues pertinent to operations under her/his area of responsibility such as strategic planning, getting, and showing results. In so doing, the incumbent will actively support the country-level and regional strategic planning processes, implementation, reporting, periodic review, monitoring and evaluation in line with the latest policies, guidance, rules and regulations, as well as contribute to periodic review and quality assurance to provide feedback to operations.
Within the Bureau, the incumbent will be the “go to” person on all matters regarding her/his AoR and may have contact with focal points in relevant sections/units at the Bureau/HQ on issues related to UNHCR’s programmes in thematic areas. Depending on the expertise and needs, s/he may be asked to be the focal point for specific thematic/technical areas at the bureau level and expected to undertake missions within the region as needed.
S/he will work closely with the Programme, Protection, Liaison and External Relations and other teams in preparing briefing kits, talking points, and providing updates to donors and other stakeholders. The incumbent will also be responsible for emergency preparedness, contingency planning in operations within the AoR and will work closely with the Emergency Service DESS to ensure compliance with the requirements of the policy on emergency preparedness and response. She/he will also provide support, at short notice and possibly for periods of up to three months, to RB MENA field operations in case of gaps in staffing or need for emergency deployment.
In addition to the duties listed in the job description, the incumbent will be undertaking the following duties:
- Keep abreast of political, socio-economic and operational developments in the area of responsibility.
- Advise (if solicited) operations on subjects linked to human resources, budgetary implications, programme and other areas relevant to operations.
- Review or prepare briefing notes and talking points linked to the area of responsibility, and if necessary, provide ad hoc analysis on different issues to the regional bureau management.
- Follow up on all issue raised by the country operations and ensure issues are timely followed up.
- Provide support to field operations within the area of responsibility in emergency preparedness and response, contingency planning.
- Undertake missions up to three months to field operations within the MENA region in case of gaps in staffing and/or emergency.
Living and Working Conditions:
Jordan has a total population of 9.4 million people. Amman houses 42% of Jordan’s population, 4.008 million, making it the populous city in the country. Amman is categorized as (A) duty station. Several International airlines operate daily flights from Amman (Queen Alia International Airport). The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar and the exchange rate is fixed and equivalent to ( 1 JOD=0.71 USD), Money traders and good local banking system are available.
Jordan is visa free for UNLP holders; however appointed staff must obtain a residency permit. Residency permits and other local protocol remain a challenge due to governmental procedures, subject to frequent changes. The process of obtaining residency in Jordan may vary depending on nationality of applicant, type of contract offered and its length.
Staff members assigned to Amman are residing in private accommodation. Rent in Amman can vary depending on the size of the property itself, number of bedrooms and the area of Amman in which it is located. Renting a 3-bedroom apartment can range from 1100 – 2500 USD per month.
Food and other commodities are widely available in the local shops and markets.
Amman tends to have a Mediterranean climate; summers are mildly hot, winter usually starts around the end of November and continues until mid-March, there is occasional snowfall.
The medium for teaching in international schools is English, however there are a few French language schools as well. There is a plethora of institutions for children of all ages from pre-school to high school as well universities.
The majority of international educational institutions are in Amman.
Amman is the home to many top-end hospitals and clinics. Due to Jordanian healthcare’s international appeal, nearly all doctors and many support staff speak English. Healthcare here is also very accessible and affordable.
Jordan has a total population of 9.4 million people. Amman houses 42% of Jordan’s population, 4.008 million, making it the populous city in the country. Amman is categorized as (A) duty station. Several International airlines operate daily flights from Amman (Queen Alia International Airport). The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar and the exchange rate is fixed and equivalent to ( 1 JOD=0.71 USD), Money traders and good local banking system are available.
Jordan is visa free for UNLP holders; however appointed staff must obtain a residency permit. Residency permits and other local protocol remain a challenge due to governmental procedures, subject to frequent changes. The process of obtaining residency in Jordan may vary depending on nationality of applicant, type of contract offered and its length.
Staff members assigned to Amman are residing in private accommodation. Rent in Amman can vary depending on the size of the property itself, number of bedrooms and the area of Amman in which it is located. Renting a 3-bedroom apartment can range from 1100 – 2500 USD per month.
Food and other commodities are widely available in the local shops and markets.
Amman tends to have a Mediterranean climate; summers are mildly hot, winter usually starts around the end of November and continues until mid-March, there is occasional snowfall.
The medium for teaching in international schools is English, however there are a few French language schools as well. There is a plethora of institutions for children of all ages from pre-school to high school as well universities.
The majority of international educational institutions are in Amman.
Amman is the home to many top-end hospitals and clinics. Due to Jordanian healthcare’s international appeal, nearly all doctors and many support staff speak English. Healthcare here is also very accessible and affordable.
Skills
Additional Qualifications
EM-Emergency risk analysis (rank & monitor risks, context analysis, scenario building), FO-Complex field emergency operations, FO-Operational activities in hardship duty stations, PG-Operations Management Cycle, PG-Programme planning at country/bureau level, PG-Situational Analysis, PH-Health Strategy and Programme Management, PM-Strategic project development and implementation planning
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Public Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science
Certifications
Programme Management – Other
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, 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.