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
2024-05-01
Job Posting End Date
December 21, 2023
Standard Job Description
Senior Operations Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Operations Officer normally works under the direct supervision of the Senior Operations Coordinator or Head of the Office and may have alternative reporting relationships depending on the structure and size of the Operation. S/he and will be the focal person responsible for liaising with Partners through sector meetings and other coordination mechanisms in the Area of responsibility (AoR). S/he will liaise with relevant sections at HQ/Region/Field on a wide range of issues concerning the operations such as protection, resource mobilization and allocations, human resources, budget, compliance, staff welfare and security matters. The incumbent may supervise professional and/or support staff. S/he will actively support the regional operational planning process, reporting and monitoring as well as mapping of areas where persons of concern are currently located in the AoR. The incumbent will contribute to progress on issues such as negotiations on Partnership Project agreements, contractual service agreements, and management of Administrative Budgets related to the AoR.
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 operations/countries within the AoR. External contacts are with, UN agencies and NGOs on UNHCR’s programmes in the operations/countries covered under the AoR.
Duties
- Serve as the focal point for the operations within the AoR and follow up on situational realities, challenges and developments which may have an impact on the refugees, IDP situations, and other persons of concern.
- Analyse information received concerning new refugee situations in the AoR and present coherent, consistent and credible proposals to address the emergency needs.
- Manage the process of gathering information, preparation of analytical papers and formulating recommendations for action for the operations within the AoR.
- Contribute to the preparation of action plans to address any operational/legal gaps that have been identified; and ensure advice/guidance is provided to field offices to improve the delivery of assistance of refugees and other persons of concern (PoCs).
- Provide guidance and support for communication, and sharing of best practices amongst countries/operations in the AoR as well as with other entities in the field and at Headquarters.
- Coordinate with field offices for provision of timely, coherent, consistent, quality information about their operations.
- In the bureaux, support senior staff in the preparation of the official submissions to the meetings of the Budget Committee and Contracts’ Committee, and advocate for resources required for the operations to meet their objectives, especially during Annual Planning Reviews, Mid-Year Reviews and ad hoc resource allocation consultations. Analyse Country offices’ requests concerning material requirements and staffing and initiate/coordinate appropriate action to provide Country offices with relevant and timely decisions and direction.
- In the field, coordinate and supervise the field activities in the areas of protection and programme in the AoR. Build the capacity of local partners and civil society through training and other initiatives. Liaise with local Government authorities and operational partners on issues relating to the protection and assistance of PoCs. Supervise and monitor the implementation of UNHCR projects.
- Monitor the implementation of programmes within the AoR through regular missions and participate in on-going needs assessments.
- Keep the various sections and technical units at the Bureau and HQ informed on issues related to the implementation of UNHCR’s programmes within the AoR.
- Maintain a wide range of external contacts with Permanent Missions, donors, and civil society organization.
- 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.
- 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 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
Political Science; Economics; Social Science;
Business Administration; Law; or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Programme Management;
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in field operations. At least 5 years of relevant experience in an international capacity. Understanding of UNHCR mandate and operations.
Desirable
Strong operational background and political awareness. 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
- Working experience in Field locations
- Experience in UNHCR protection and programme delivery as well as management
- Ability to train junior staff under his/her supervision
- Experience working with Government and Civil Society
- Working experience in mixed movements
- Training and capacity building of implementing and governmental partners
- Multi-agency co-ordination and dealing with the public
- Experience in managing teams and supervising both international and national staff.
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:
Mixed movements in NCA are expected to continue as a widespread phenomenon and Guatemala will continue experiencing the dimensions of asylum, origin, transit and return country.
Guatemala continues to position itself as a country of asylum mainly for Hondurans, Salvadorians and Nicaraguans, among others. Improvements in the protection and inclusion prospective triggered by the MIRPS has generated a momentum for an increase of asylum seekers.
Vulnerable groups and persons with protection needs in areas at risk, face exploitation, abuse, persecution and, in absence of prevention and response mechanisms are very likely to experience forced displacement. Deportation from US and MEX to GUA and related circular movements will also continue, alternatives are needed to the ones unable to return to their communities of origin to find safer alternatives in the country.
UNHCR works with national authorities and civil society to strengthen the asylum system, promote local integration in Guatemala and/or resettlement opportunities to specific profiles, and supporting the enhancement of State capacity to protect people in needs both refugees and
asylum seekers currently residing in the country (approx 1,900 persons), persons in the mixed movements, as well as Guatemalans at risk.
The operation has been going through a significant scale-up from 2021 to date which has positioned UNHCR as a relevant actor in the humanitarian and protection landscape of the country. The CO located in Guatemala City is complemented by 5 Field Units and one Field Office. The incumbent will supervise the entire field structure, in addition to some technical units (Programme, CBI, Supply) while reporting directly to the Representative. UNHCR Guatemala has more than 165 personnel, out of which more than one-half are based in the field.
Living and Working Conditions:
Guatemala City is a Family duty station rated as A.
Very good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities).
Adequate schools. There is no lack of private or international schools, although the number of bilingual or bicultural schools is not so high.
Climate in the Capital City is very pleasant all year around, with temperature ranging from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius during the day time.
Accommodation in zones where most of expats live may be expensive (1,200-2,000 USD for an apartment, 1,500-2,500 USD for a house per month).
Recreational activities are limited due to CODIV-19, considering the situation remains still not very controlled and vaccination rate at the time of preparation of this document is still limited.
Most newly arriving expatriates are faced with the challenges of overcoming cultural and language barriers.
Guatemala city is rated as security level 3 Moderate
The main threat is common crime. Crimes range from armed robberies, drug trafficking-related crimes, rape, muggings and purse-snatching to petty theft.
The statistics of crime and violence in Guatemala are among the highest in the region. Guatemala has a well-established culture of juvenile gangs known as Maras, involved in drug trafficking, murder, extortion, kidnapping and smuggling activities.
Guatemala offers the most favorable conditions for committing illegal acts, basically due to its poor rate of impunity, the great numbers of illegal weapons in circulation, and the lack of opportunities for the youth.
Events related to natural phenomena in Guatemala, such as seismic events, intense rainfall, landslides, forest fires, volcanic eruptions and are regularly reported all over the country.
For Central America it is strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, and maintain a high level of personal security awareness.
Security training is provided by UNHCR Field Safety Service and UNDSS.
Skills
Additional Qualifications
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science
Certifications
Programme Management – Other
Work Experience
Work Context: Mixed Migration, Work Context: Operational Response
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, 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.