Chief of Section (Governance)

Chief of  Section (Governance)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Supervised and guided by the Secretary of the Executive Committee and Head of Service, the Chief of Section (Governance) plays a role in shaping and developing the Office's relations and strategy with its governing bodies, as well as supporting the effective functioning of the Executive and Standing Committees. Internally, this requires close collaboration with the Executive Office, the Divisions and Bureaux.  Externally, the incumbent represents UNHCR in inter-governmental consultations and negotiations on ExCom decisions and conclusions, including adoption of the budget, as well as the development of the draft text and support for annual negotiations of the General Assembly's resolution on the work of the Office both in Geneva and New York, as appropriate. The incumbent may be called upon to act as Secretary, in the latter's absence.

The incumbent manages the Governance Section in support of the work of the Executive Committee and its Standing Committee, and provides guidance and support to the Secretary of the Executive Committee in his/her functions with the Executive Committee Bureau and Member States.  In this context, the incumbent works closely with regional bureaux and divisions at HQ, in particular DIP, DPSM and DFAM, to ensure the quality of governance documentation, which must meet the needs of the Committee and be produced in compliance with the Committee's and General Assembly's rules and deadlines.  The Chief of Section must ensure that all decisions are reached after careful political consideration for potential impact upon the governing body and the Office.

The incumbent supervises the work of the Executive Committee Secretariat, a team of seven staff : Sr. English Editor, Sr. French Translator, one External Relations Officer (Governance), one Associate Editor, two Conference Services Associates (French and English) and one Translation and Conference Services Assistant.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- Official documentation (conference room papers and documents bearing the seal of the Office) is consistent with the Office's policies and priorities; provides content that satisfies the needs of member States; and conforms to the highest editorial standards and UN rules and regulations.
- The Secretary of the Executive Committee is fully supported in the smooth organization and conduct of all governance-related meetings.
- Appropriate guidance and support is provided to (1) the Executive Committee Rapporteur, in the negotiations of decisions and conclusions; and (2) the Member State coordinator, in the annual General Assembly negotiations.
- Member States' formal requests are swiftly and appropriately followed-up.

Responsibility
- Support the Secretary of the Executive Committee to maintain and strengthen relations with Executive Committee Members States.
- Oversee organization of formal and informal meetings of the Executive Committee and its Standing Committee, including the planning, control and finalization of documentation and formulation of reports and draft decisions.
- Advise the Secretary of the Executive Committee concerning the application of relevant rules of procedure and resolutions, including those of the GA and ECOSOC.
- Oversee drafting and editorial activities of the Secretariat, ensuring that the policies and programmes of the Office are accurately and coherently presented in governance documentation.
- Ensure preparation of the High Commissioner¿s reports to the General Assembly on implementation of GA resolutions and support the member State coordinator during the development and negotiation of resolutions of direct concern to the Office.
- Edit governance documentation; draft or revise other documentation of the Office as requested.
- Act as resource person in ExCom informal meetings on conclusions and decisions; ensure that texts properly reflect the consensus of the Committee and take account of the concerns and interests of the Office.
- Supervise preparations for international conferences and meetings called by the Office.
- Promote communication and understanding of the interests and concerns of member States among UNHCR staff.
- Liaise with UNOG and DGACM concerning UNHCR's official documentation; the scheduling of UNHCR's agenda items; utilization rates and compliance with UN regulations.
- Organize, in conjunction with DRRM, the annual Ad hoc meeting of the General Assembly for Pledging. 
- Perform other duties as requested by the Secretary/Head of Service.

Authority
- Manage postings and recruitment processes and evaluate and manage the staff of the Section, providing feedback and supporting professional development. 
- Plan and track the utilization of resources (human and financial) necessary for the effective implementation of the Committee's programme of work.
- Make decisions relative to the organization of meetings of the Executive Committee and its Standing Committee.
- Enforce compliance with the required UN standards for drafting and editorial activities of the Secretariat.
- Coordinate with relevant HQ units in the planning and execution of the programme of work, including agenda items, conference room papers, Informal Consultative Meetings and informal briefings.
- In the absence of the Secretary, clear official documentation for the Executive Committee and the Executive Office.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Advanced university degree in international Law; university degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations or related disciplines.
- Minimum 15 years of relevant professional experience, of which at least 10 years in an international capacity.
- Comprehensive knowledge of UNHCR, its protection mandate and place in the United Nations system, and the functioning of the General Assembly.
- Excellent diplomatic and political skills and judgment.
- Demonstrated ability to accommodate high and shifting workloads with tight deadlines in a context of political sensitivity.
- Strong negotiating skills, including experience in inter-governmental negotiations.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Excellent analytical drafting skills in English.
- Excellent written and oral knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge of other relevant UN languages, preferably French.