UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
Family Type
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
2024-01-01
Job Posting End Date
December 21, 2023
Standard Job Description
Senior Inter-Agency Coordination Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Inter-Agency Coordination Officer is located in Country Operations, Multi-Country Offices, Regional Bureaux, Regional Refugee Coordinator’s Office or in the Partnership and Coordination Service (PCS) in Headquarters. S/he plays a crucial role in ensuring UNHCR’s approach to partnership and inter-agency processes are consistent, strategic and coherent. The main aim is to ensure that UNHCR can fulfil its role to support the Government to lead the refugee response, coordinate other actors in the initial stages of a refugee emergency and adhere to UNHCR inter agency commitments in IDP situations. This should be done in line with UNHCRs Mandate, the Global Compact for Refugees, the IDP policy, and agreed inter- agency commitments. More specifically, s/he advises the senior management on inter-agency processes and related positioning, coordination, advocacy, information, resource allocation, fundraising, reporting, and communication with government entities, other UN agencies, NGOs, civil society actors, private sector media, other relevant actors through strong engagement in humanitarian inter- agency processes, but also with a focus on development processes as they impact on UNHCR. The overall goal of the position is to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of UNHCR’s leadership roles and responses to situations affecting people of concern to UNHCR (refugees, IDPs, stateless persons, returnees, host communities) through an open and transparent partnership approach.
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
- Proactively lead and/or participate in inter-agency fora to ensure that UNHCR’s Mandate and programmes are given due attention and reflected in linkage at the country level, bureaux and at the policy levels of humanitarian and development coordination systems.
- Formulate UNHCR inter-agency positions and ensure senior management endorsement for internal and external consumption and provide briefing notes, talking points and issue papers for relevant discussions in-house with partners, including UN agencies and NGOs, donors, and in inter-agency fora.
- Promote UNHCR’s policies and linkages within multilateral processes, including humanitarian and development processes as elaborated by the humanitarian working groups, the Inter -Agency Standing Committee, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), as well as in regional intergovernmental fora (IGAD, ASEAN, ECOWAS, etc) .
- Contribute or lead the effective establishment and maintenance of coordination mechanisms and tools, in line with the refugee coordination model and globally-agreed arrangements applicable in various situations (refugee-only; mixed refugee-IDPs; refugee and migrant movements), ensuring timely and effective needs assessment, appropriate planning, prioritization, implementation, reporting and evaluation, including through the development of joint appeals, regional refugee response plans, regional refugee and migrant response plans, refugee and resilience plans, comprehensive responses.
- Ensure UNHCR participates in line with current policy in inter- agency appeals for IDPs to allow access to pooled funds.
- Lead cross-functional preparation of issues and follow-up within UNHCR in the relevant substantive units and services.
- Maintain frequent formal and informal contacts with his/her counterparts in other organisations.
- Responsible for furthering understanding within UNHCR on inter- agency issues and priorities and advising staff on policy developments and reform initiatives within the humanitarian sphere, as well as the broader UN and development processes. This includes updating key staff on the developments within the Inter-Agency frameworks, UN reforms, Global Compact, as well as promoting and stimulating UNHCR’s implementation of key reforms within the humanitarian and development architecture.
- Ensure internal institutional coherence and coordination of actions pursued for a strong refugee coordination system under government leadership where possible, with accompanying planning instruments in the delivery of refugee responses.
- Where there is lack of clarity as to UNHCR’s positions and priorities, identify where there are gaps or a lack of clarity and stimulate a process whereby policy will be clearly mapped out and agreed at the highest levels in the organisation.
- Maintain close contact with DER/PCS on emerging issues.
- 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.
For positions in country operations only:
- Establish and coordinate country-specific coordination mechanisms for situations led by UNHCR. Where applicable, coordinate the development of country-specific refugee response plans (or refugee and migration response plan and refugee and resilience plan) and comprehensive responses.
- Advise senior management on engagement in country inter-agency processes, including inter-alia, Humanitarian Response Plans, UNDAF and humanitarian-development nexus initiatives; represent and facilitate UNHCR’s contribution to these processes.
- Ensure that the High Commissioner’s accountability towards refugees is reaffirmed in inter agency processes, including under the refugee coordination model and try to harness inter agency support for the coordination mechanisms established.
- Facilitate UNHCR’s catalytic role in the context of the Global Compact on Refugees
- Liaise with other UN agencies and other inter government agencies and fora to find areas of cooperation, joint initiatives and where applicable negotiate joint agreements or work programmes to further protection and assistance for persons of concern
- Participate, chair and/or coordinate the work of Multi–sector group (MSG), including determining collective priorities, managing the MSG work plans and supervising secretariat functions.
- Ensure that UNHCR provides constructive and coherent inputs on the humanitarian policy and coordination issues addressed by the IASC and other fora in regions and country operations. This should be in collaboration with main partner agencies (OCHA, WFP, UNICEF, the ICRC and NGOs).
- Participate in field support and advise missions as appropriate.
- Provide support to colleagues on humanitarian coordination issues
- Alert the regional Bureau, multi-country office and/or RRC office on issues related to coordination arrangements interface with development and humanitarian systems.
For positions in the Regional Bureaux, Multi-Country offices or RRC offices only:
- Promote within relevant country operations coordinated approaches to decision making frameworks, especially in regards to humanitarian inter agency processes, but also with a focus on development processes as they impact on UNHCR in the field.
- Operationalize UNHCR’s inter-agency policies and maintain an inclusive inter-agency regional approach.
- Advise UNHCR’s senior management on engagement in regional inter-agency processes, including regional Economic Commissions and regional UNSDG as well as regional fora (IGAD,ECOWAS, ASEAN, etc).
- Establish regional coordination mechanisms and/or consultation fora for situations led by UNHCR. This should include, inter alia: support to RRC (if appointed); information-management; reporting.
- Ensure timely preparedness across the region / multi-countries.
- Liaise with other UN agencies and other inter government agencies and fora at the regional level to find areas of cooperation, joint initiatives and where applicable negotiate joint agreements or work programmes to further protection and assistance for persons of concern.
- Where applicable, coordinate the compilation of a regional refugee response plan (in some situations, this could be a regional refugee and migrant response plan or a refugee and resilience plan), as well as its monitoring and the tracking of financial contributions.
- Ensure efficient and timely circulation of information to stakeholders, including through the production of regular and up-to-date information, key messages and regional situational analysis.
- Ensure effective coordination mechanisms are in place in country operations in line with globally-agreed arrangements and the refugee coordination model and provide support as required, including through field missions, to safeguard harmonized position and communication between national and regional coordination mechanisms UNHCR leads or is actively engaged in.
- Advise field operations on how to facilitate UNHCR’s catalytic and convener’s role in the context of the Global Compact on Refugees.
- Advise field operations on how to engage in UNDAF processes.
- Organize regional-level capacity building, as required.
- Support the organization of annual regional NGO consultations and facilitate events as required.
- Alert the HQ (DER and DESS) on issues related to coordination arrangements interface with development and humanitarian systems.
For positions in the Partnership and Coordination Service only:
- Liaise with other UN agencies and other inter government agencies and fora to find areas of cooperation, joint initiatives and where applicable negotiate joint agreements, letters and MOUs to further refugee protection and assistance as well as agreements for other persons of concern.
- Promote within UNHCR’s Bureaux and Functional Divisions coordinated approaches to decision making frameworks, especially in regards to humanitarian inter agency processes, but also with a focus on development processes as they impact on UNHCR in the field.
- Advise Regional Bureaux, multi-country offices, RRC offices and country operations on inter-agency and coordination matters, including issues related to the humanitarian-development nexus.
- Carry out field support missions, as required.
- Represent UNHCR with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee: ensure UNHCR’s engagement in IASC structures is strategic and coherent and that UNHCR is represented adequately in the relevant subsidiary bodies, support the Head of Service in representing UNHCR in the Operational Policy and Advocacy Group.
- Compile inputs and draft reports or comments for key inter-agency processes, amongst others the Secretary General’s report for ECOSOC on humanitarian coordination and UNHCR’s self-report on commitments made at the World Humanitarian Summit.
- Assist with UNHCR’s participation in the ECOSOC Humanitarian Segment, in cooperation with UNHCR New York.
- Draft input and coordinate the input of others into annual reports in the area of partnership and coordination, such as the Global Appeal and Report and into Standing Committee documents.
- Support the organization of Annual NGO Consultations.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD – 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
Law, Political Science, Economics, International Relations,
Business Administration, Social Science
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
In future: completion of the Inter-Agency Coordination Learning Programme
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience of working in an inter-agency environment at field or Headquarters level. Experience of liaising with governments and/or the donor community. Thorough understanding of UNHCR’s protection mandate and core mission. Thorough understanding of humanitarian coordination processes and recent inter-agency developments related to the IASC and the broader UN.
Desirable
Inter-agency coordination role. Drafting joint appeal/ refugee response plan/HRP. Experience with another UN agency or partner.
Functional Skills
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
Given the work entails working with governments in the region (among other stakeholders) previous experience of working in the Americas and knowledge of the region is an asset. Good knowledge of UNHCR protection and solution standards and policies applied to asylum seekers, refugees, displaced and stateless persons. Excellent communication skills . Excellent demonstrated leadership and coordination skills -Ability to provide timely advice on complex issues, working mostly under pressure – Flexibility and adaptability required
- language: Spanish and English Essential, both written and Spoken
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 Senior Inter-Agency Coordination Officer plays a critical role in ensuring UNHCR’s approach to partnership and inter-agency processes are consistent, strategic, and coherent. This includes supporting governments to lead the response to forced displacement, and coordinating with a broad range of external actors, in line with UNHCRs Mandate, the Global Compact for Refugees, IDP policy, and agreed inter-agency commitments.
More specifically, the Senior Inter-Agency Coordination Officer advises the senior management on inter-agency processes and related positioning, coordination, advocacy, information, resource allocation, fundraising, reporting, and communication with government entities, other UN agencies, NGOs, civil society actors, private sector media, other relevant actors through strong engagement in humanitarian inter-agency processes, but also with a focus on development processes as they impact on UNHCR. The overall goal of the position is to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of UNHCR’s leadership roles and responses to situations affecting people of concern to UNHCR (refugees, IDPs, stateless persons, returnees, host communities) through an open and transparent partnership approach.
Under the responsibilities of this position, this will include proactively leading and/or participating in inter-governmental fora to ensure that issues pertaining to UNHCR’s Mandate are given due attention and advanced in regional coordination systems in the Americas (specifically the MIRPS, SICA and CRM), in line with UNHCR’s mandated responsibilities (principally in the context of mixed refugee-IDPs; refugee and migrant movements), supporting timely and effective planning, prioritization, implementation, reporting and evaluation in close collaboration with a broad variety of regional stakeholders. The position will also support the Bureau SMT in the follow-up of the implementation of the LA Declaration liaising with concerned country operations and relevant stakeholders.
This position is based at UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for the Americas in Panama City. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Deputy Bureau Director/Head of Protection and Solutions Pillar. Spanish is mandatory for this position.
Living and Working Conditions
Panama City is classified ‘A’ Duty Station (Family) and has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities) and good supply of goods and services, with no particular health hazards. -In terms of security Panama is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America and it is rated as security level ‘1 minimal’ whereas for Darién Province (border with Colombia) it is security level ‘2 low’. The city is a communication hub and it is possible to fly to all countries of the region with direct flights and it offers good options for travelling in general. -UNHCR offices are located in the Canal Zone, in a green area outside the city centre called ‘Ciudad del Saber’ where most of the other UN Agencies are also located, as well as International Schools, NGOs and research centres, etc. -The cost of living is relatively high for the region (reflected in the post adjustment), especially for housing and health, but it is easy to find accommodation on the private market, including in the area of the office in houses or in the city centre towers in modern apartments. Most of the food is imported except for sea products and some fruits and vegetables. There is a wide range of international schools, several of them offering IB curriculum including some in the office area. -In terms of recreational activities, Panama being a hub for the purchasing of goods for neighbouring countries, the city offers a lot of malls and doing shopping and going to malls is a common week end activity. Cultural offer is limited but there is a good offer of restaurants and a dynamic nightlife. Beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are reachable within one hour by car or by boat directly from the city and there are some options for hiking too. There is also a relatively good range of sports activities.
Skills
Additional Qualifications
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science
Certifications
Interagency Coord Learning Program – Other
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, 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.