Representative D1

Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position

E (most hardship)FamilyDI1Professional

* 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 AssignmentNo2023-10-13November 9, 2023

Representative

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
As the High Commissioner¿s senior representative in the country, the Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCR's effective performance in the country of her/his assignment. The incumbent usually manages a budget of USD 6 million and above.

Reporting to the Director of the Bureau, the Representative is responsible and accountable for translating organizational and Bureau-wide objectives and policies into effective programmes. Through a continuous process of situational analysis, the Representative works with his/her team to identify strategic objectives and develop coherent, consistent and effective responses to the challenges faced. He/she is responsible for ensuring the adequate provision of technical support and guidance to the office to enable them to fulfil their accountabilities, including those outlined in the Terms of Reference of UNHCR offices as well as the Age, Gender and Diversity Accountability Framework.

The Representative works to ensure that UNHCR is widely perceived as an effective and trusted partner. S/he is responsible for creating effective networks, relationships, partnerships, and synergies with governments, NGOs, relevant regional political and other fora, civil society, persons of concern and other key strategic partners and actors. He/she lends visibility to important strategic issues, promotes concerted action and the commitment of sufficient resources and expertise to address important matters of concern to UNHCR. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.

In a complex and demanding political and operational environment, the Representative strives to build a dynamic and sufficiently capacitated team. S/he devolves appropriate authorities, facilitates the sharing of expertise and best practice and creates a climate of collaboration, which aims to empower and motivate colleagues to approach challenges with insight and innovation and to work toward achieving measurable and effective results. The Representative is responsible to ensure a vibrant Multi-Functional Team approach is established and employed at different stages of the operations management cycle, including in programme monitoring, and engaging the participation of relevant functions within the operation. S/he has a responsibility to inform the Bureau and other relevant parties at Headquarters of key political and operational developments in a timely manner.

The comports and actions of the Representative must always reflect the core values and principles embodied in UNHCR's mandate. A failure on the part of the Representative to adhere to these standards would have negative implications for UNHCR¿s credibility, operations and, ultimately, the protection and well-being of persons of concern to the Office.

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
Strategic Direction
- Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the local political context.
- Manage a consultative process within the country operations and with external partners.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that generates political and financial support for UNHCR¿s operations. Mobilize financial support for UNHCR corporate priorities as well for country specific projects.

Operations
- Implement a results-oriented approach, engaging a robust Multi-Functional Team, for assessing, designing, delivering and monitoring the country operation.
- Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the country operations plan and that necessary resources are allocated to it.
- Ensure the country operation¿s adherence to UNHCR¿s policy on Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM).
- Ensure the country operation plans are consistent with the regional and global strategic priorities; manage a participatory process, with stakeholders, to apply UNHCR¿s standards and indicators in assessing and measuring the performance of the country operations.
- Promote accession to the Convention and Protocol and ensure the application of protection standards in the treatment of persons of concern especially women and children.
- Ensure persons of concern, especially women and children, have access to relevant information; ensure that cases of sexual violence and abuse against girls and boys are reported and dealt with expeditiously.
- Ensure the engagement of UNHCR in the UNCT, UN common programming, planning and funding activities and to actively contribute in the establishment of the CCA/UNDAF and the consequent joint implementation activities.
- Participate in the Cluster approach, ensure UNHCR¿s Cluster Lead role and implement other IASC and inter-agency/UN policies.
- Ensure that risks to the operation¿s objectives are regularly assessed, priority risks are identified and risk treatments for the priority risks form an integral part of the operations plans.

Resource Management
- Ensure that staff and financial resources are commensurate with operational objectives.
- Ensure effective and efficient management of resources within the rules and procedures of UNHCR.
- Establish and manage local administrative mechanisms such as a Local Contracts (or Purchasing) Committee, Local Asset Management Board and APPC.
- Ensure local compliance with UNHCR¿s human resources (HR) policies including on gender, disabilities, diversity, ethics and HIV/AIDS.
- Manage a process of recruitment, assignment and reassignment of local staff for the country operation, in accordance UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Where necessary, identify the most appropriate affiliate workforce and optimize its use.
- In coordination with the Global Learning Centre, ensure that the learning needs of UNHCR¿s workforce in the country are identified, assessed and addressed.
- Exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support and conduct regular performance appraisals and coaching.

Security
- In close collaboration with the Designated Official (DO), UNDSS and UN country team/Security Management Team (SMT), gather and analyse information on the local security situation and play an active role in the inter-agency security and contingency planning processes.
- Ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect staff, and that the country operation complies with UN MOSS/MORSS staff security rules, guidelines and procedures.
- Represent UNHCR in the UNCT/Humanitarian Country Team and other inter-agency fora.
- Decide on the country strategy and priorities, country operations plans, and approve the country operation¿s protection strategy.
- Enforce local compliance with UNHCR¿s global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards.
- Negotiate and sign local agreements with implementing and operational partners.
- Authorize payments as per the organization¿s Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP) and in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Modify operational projects and reallocate funds, within the approved budgets and in respect of donor earmarking.

- 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 D1 - 17 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 15 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Business Administration; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; Social Science; or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Learning Prog; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg; HCR Protection Learning Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services.
- A high level of skill in management of broad programmes, political decision making and negotiating, as well as demonstrated tolerance to frequently changing and highly charged situations.
- Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting.
- Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of operations.
- Ability to manage for results: translates strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitors them, making periodic adjustments as required.
- Ability to effectively represent UNHCR at the senior level in internal and external meetings and to build strong relationships with clients.
Desirable
- Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications.

Functional Skills
MG-Client Relationship Management
MG-Change Management
PG-Programme Management (project formulation, programme cycles and reporting standards)
PG-Results-Based Management
UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships
UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
MG-Field Operations Management
MG-Political Decision Making
MG-Country/Regional Office Representation
UN-Analysis of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications
(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.

In view of the political transition and security complexity of the situation in Niger, the ideal candidate for this position should have strong prior experience in managing large Refugee and IDPs operations.

S/he should be a well-rounded professional with a broad range of experience in fostering relationships at the inter-agency level, fund-raising and crucially working with different donors and stakeholders, especially development donors to further the inclusion of the forcibly displaced (refugees and IDPs) in national policies and services.

S/he should be politically-savvy in understanding the issues of importance to UNHCR but also those that may be detrimental to our image and humanitarian principles.

He/ She should be able to manage constantly changing needs and adapt/respond to its demanding challenges due to the geo-political constraints and exigencies in Niger and neighboring countries.

He/she requires a solid experience in negotiating with high level national authorities to implement the protection and solutions strategies in a very complex security and political transition environment.

The ideal candidate for this position should have proven leadership and strong interpersonal skills. Proven experience in the management of staff and resources related to the activities encompassing strategic initiative for comprehensive and sustainable operational plans are therefore essential.French

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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

On July 26, Niger's defense forces seized power through a coup. The action was widely condemned by world leaders, while ECOWAS imposed financial sanctions on Niger. Threats of military intervention to restore constitutional order have exacerbated tensions, making the operational context complex. Despite this, UNHCR continues its operations across the country.

As of 31 July 2023, Niger is hosting 343,491 refugees (of whom 257,777 are biometrically registered), 51,140 asylum seekers, 335,277 internally displaced persons, 38,218 other persons under mandate, such as returnees. Total forcibly displaced persons under UNHCR mandate in Niger: 768,126

The operation in Niger implements a Multi-Year Strategy 2023-2025 for refugees and asylum seekers, returnees, internally displaced people (IDPs), people at risk of stateless, host communities and other crisis-affected communities. The Organisation’s approach in Niger is multi-sectoral and aims to provide protection, assistance, and solutions to forcibly displaced individuals. There is a specific focus on women, children, and people with special needs, using a community-based approach. • Our multi-sectoral programmes are implemented directly by the country office in Niamey, four sub-offices, two field offices and three field units in the Tillaberi, Tahoua, Agadez, Maradi, Diffa regions and the capital Niamey.

As the High Commissioner’s  representative in Niger, the Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCR's effective performance in the country of her/his assignment. The incumbent usually manages a considerable budget, The Representative will report to the Regional Bureau Director of West and Central Africa based in Dakar.

 The Representative is responsible and accountable for translating organizational and Bureau-wide objectives and policies into effective programmes. Through a continuous process of situational analysis, the Representative works with his/her team to identify strategic objectives and develop coherent, consistent, and effective responses to the challenges faced. He/she is responsible for ensuring the adequate provision of technical support and guidance to the office to enable them to fulfil their accountabilities, including those outlined in the Terms of Reference of UNHCR offices as well as the Age, Gender and Diversity Accountability Framework. The Representative works to ensure that UNHCR is widely perceived as an effective and trusted partner. S/he is responsible for creating effective networks, relationships, partnerships, and synergies with governments, NGOs, diplomats, relevant regional political and other fora, civil society, persons of concern and other key strategic partners and actors. He/she lends visibility to important strategic issues, promotes concerted action and the commitment of sufficient resources and expertise to address important matters of concern to UNHCR. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System he might be acting as RC. In a complex and demanding political and operational environment, the Representative strives to build a dynamic and sufficiently capacitated team. S/he devolves appropriate authorities, facilitates the sharing of expertise and best practice, and creates a climate of collaboration, which aims to empower and motivate colleagues to approach challenges with insight and innovation and to work toward achieving measurable and effective results. The Representative is responsible to ensure a vibrant Multi-Functional Team approach is established and employed at different stages of the operations management cycle, including in programme monitoring, and engaging the participation of relevant functions within the operation. S/he has a responsibility to inform the Bureau and other relevant parties at Headquarters of key political and operational developments in a timely manner. The comports and actions of the Representative must always reflect the core values and principles embodied in UNHCR's mandate. A failure on the part of the Representative to adhere to these standards would have negative implications for UNHCR’s credibility, operations and, ultimately, the protection and well-being of persons of concern to the Office.

The Representative shall review the adequacy of risk management and compliance systems, structures, procedures and capacities within the operation, make recommendations as appropriate, and assist his or her Senior management in their implementation, ensure that ERM policy and related risk management processes are effectively implemented and will coordinate operations within the country in matters related to risk 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 Strategic Direction –

The Representative in Niger will be playing a critical role during this political crisis transition, - Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management, and reporting. - Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of operations. - Ability to manage for results translates strategic aims into achievable plan, demonstrate recent field operational management in mixed situations is required for this position.

With a staffing component of 445, the ideal candidate for this position should have proven leadership, strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in the management of staff and resources.

The Incumbent will stay abreast of the challenges posed by the local political context. - Manage a consultative process within the country operations and with external partners. - Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that generates political and financial support for UNHCR’s operations. Mobilize financial support for UNHCR corporate priorities as well for country specific projects. Operations - Implement a results-oriented approach, engaging a robust Multi-Functional Team, for assessing, designing, delivering and monitoring the country operation. - Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the country operations plan including all offices and that necessary resources are allocated to it. - Ensure the country operations adherence to UNHCR’s policy on Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM). - Ensure the country operation plans are consistent with the regional in Dakar and global strategic priorities; manage a participatory process, with stakeholders, apply UNHCR’s standards and indicators in assessing and measuring the performance of the country operations. - Promote accession to the Convention and Protocol and ensure the application of protection standards in the treatment of persons of concern especially women and children. - Ensure persons of concern, especially women and children, have access to relevant information; ensure that cases of sexual violence and abuse against girls and boys are reported and dealt with expeditiously. - Ensure the engagement of UNHCR in the UNCT, UN common programming, planning and funding activities and to actively contribute to the establishment of the CCA/UNSCDF and the consequent joint implementation activities. - Ensure UNHCR’s Cluster Lead role and implement other IASC and Inter-Agency/UN policies. - Ensure that risks to the operation’s objectives are regularly assessed, priority risks are identified and risk treatments for the priority risks form an integral part of the operations plans. Resource Management - Ensure that staff and financial resources are commensurate with operational objectives. - Ensure effective and efficient management of resources within the rules and procedures of UNHCR. - Establish and manage local administrative mechanisms such as a Local Contracts (or Purchasing) Committee, - Ensure local compliance with UNHCR’s human resources (HR) policies including on gender, disabilities, diversity, ethics. - Exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support and conduct regular performance appraisals and coaching. Security - In close collaboration with the Designated Official (DO), UNDSS and UN country team/Security Management Team (SMT), gather and analyse information on the local security situation and play an active role in the Inter-Agency security and contingency planning processes. - Ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect staff, and that the country operation complies with UN MOSS/MORSS staff security rules, guidelines and procedures. - Represent UNHCR in the UNCT/Humanitarian Country Team and other Inter-Agency fora. - Decide on the country strategy and priorities, country operations plan, and approve the country operations protection strategy. - Enforce local compliance with UNHCR’s global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards. - Negotiate and sign local agreements with implementing and operational partners. - Authorize payments as per the organizations Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP) and in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and procedures. - Modify operational projects and reallocate funds, within the approved budgets and in respect of donor earmarking. - Perform other related duties as required.

Security Considerations:

Currently, the security level is 4 in Niamey.

Since July 26, 2023, the events, the current military authorities have required any mission to travel under armed escort depending on the context, the area and according to the assessment by the administrative authority, either the governor or the prefect of the location.

Travel for missions by land takes place between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in Niamey.

Given the ongoing military operations towards the Malian and Burkinabe borders, particularly in the three-border area and in certain parts of the country, humanitarian activities were temporarily suspended.

Rampant crime, being the greatest threat in Niger, constitutes a substantial security challenge and affects the civilian population in certain locations of the country, and those who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

However, with the timely response capacity of defence and security forces in urban areas, honest citizens manage to freely go about their business. In addition, the United Nations system has established security rules as preventive measures to mitigate the residual risk to personnel. This is a curfew measure between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.

In residential areas, there is almost no red zone but, international staff must reside within a certain perimeter, preferably in areas located maximum 30 minutes from the office.

Concerning disturbances to public order, the situation can be volatile and often unpredictable in Niamey, given the mood swings of students. They are materialized by meetings/marches/sit-ins.

A weekly radio check (every Thursday for UNHCR) and security advisory communiqués are disseminated by UNDSS/SFSO UNHCR.

The request for armed escort is submitted 7 days in advance and the request for Security clearance must be positively approved before any mission.

Living Conditions

Socio-political tensions have persisted in Niger almost two months after the 26 July coup d'état ousting President Mohamed Bazoum. Sanctions by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including the temporary closure of land and air borders, have further destabilized Niger as institutions and individuals grapple with prolonged power outages, liquidity challenges, scarcity, and price hikes of essential goods, while tons of goods remain stranded at the various borders, especially with Benin.

Niamey has recently been classified E duty station with temporary nonfamily restrictions with 8 weeks of R&R frequency due to the prevailing security situation resulting from the breach of peace that took place in July 2023. Though there are several supermarkets, the security situation that led to border closure has a direct impact on the market. As a consequence, local and foreign goods are rare on the market. Very limited educational services are available; French and American International Schools exist. The Medical Section in Geneva after assessing the medical facilities has recommended two clinics safely accessible by UNHCR staff and family members. However, it`s very poor. Most of the travels within the country are undertaken regularly through UNHAS flights. Non-accessible localities are reached by car. Guest houses and commercial accommodations with minimum standards are available in the field offices. There are several banks and ATMs available in the capital but most of the time out of service.

There are 3 seasons in Niger: rainy (June-Sept), cool (Oct-Feb), and very hot (March-May). Communication by mobile is acceptable. Housing conditions are becoming more difficult due to untimely power cuts, and the very high price of rent including advances of 3 to 4 months advance payment. The 2018 Finance law impacts the cost of most purchases.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

LV-Strategic Planning and Advocacy for Refugee Socioeconomic Rights, MG-Organisational Development, MG-UN/UNHCR Management Practices/Standards and Processes, PG-Resource planning, PG-Results-Based Management, PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate), PR-Durable Solutions - Peace-building (Fund), PS-Development of stewardship plans for private partners, PS-Fundraising (incl. operations, programmes), RM-ISO 31000 - International Risk Management StandardBachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science

Certifications

HCR ODML Programme - UNHCR, HCR Risk Management and ERM for Managers - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCRAnnual 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: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Bi-annual Compendium 2023 Part A - October 2023

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

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