Dep Director

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the IOM-FOM issued for this Compendium / Fast Track exercise, as well as the  Revised Policy and Procedures on Assignments (UNHCR/HCP/2015/2 refers). Deputy Director

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

The post is located in the relevant Bureau/ Division at Headquarter or in a Regional Office covering a number of countries (sub-region). Regular contacts predominantly with the Desks/ Representatives on the management and coordination of Field Offices.  Contacts are related primarily to overseeing the day to day work of the Bureau/ Division or Sub-region under his/ her purview and assisting the Director in his regional management responsibilities, i.e. analysis and policy review, provision of orientation and support to field offices and constant monitoring of factors affecting delivery of assistance and implementation of the core mandate.

Contacts are mainly with Government representatives, NGO's, UN Agencies and implementing partners most directly involved with UNHCR in the delivery of protection and assistance to refugees and persons of concern to UNHCR.  The purpose of these contacts is to ensure proper coordination and a smooth provision of protection and assistance to all beneficiaries.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT:

1. Maintains up to date knowledge and analysis of all significant developments affecting UNHCR activities in region of responsibility, and carefully monitors such events and analysis of the countries covered in order to be able to assist in formulating of authoritative advice on policies and strategies for adequate preparedness and response.
2. Assists the Director in ensuring coordination and consistency in policies, operations and core activities held in the HQ/Field/ Sub-region, in the areas of protection, resource management, external relations,  mainstreaming of thematic sectors (women/children, environment, education, training, etc).
3. In close consultation with Head of Desks/ Services/Representatives, review major operational problems or considerations and decide on an appropriate course of action or make recommendations to the Director or High Commissioner.
4. On behalf of the Director, coordinates and supports the work of the Heads of Desk/ Services in their dealing with substantive departments/divisions and ensure cohesion in their activities, and through arbitration, assist in problem solving (not applicable to the posts in sub-region).
5. Ensures the follow up by the Division/ Bureau on decisions, recommendations of SMC, ECOSOC, EXCOM, UN General Assembly, OCHA, European Union or key external partners, requiring specific actions and/or reporting.  Coordinates likewise with Headquarters departments/divisions, UNHCR¿s effective participation in such fora.
6. In liaison with the Heads of Desk/ Services/Representatives, and PI where applicable, presents UNHCR¿s position on significant events to the media (e.g. press briefings, radio interviews) and diplomatic missions, other enquiries, visitors and institutions in order to increase awareness and understanding of UNHCR¿s activities.
7. Generally works closely with the Director in formulating authoritative advice to the AHC, DHC and HC on UNHCR¿s strategies and activities in the relevant Division/ Region/ Sub-region.
8. Acts as Office-in-Charge whenever the Director is absent (not applicable to the posts in sub-region).
9. Participates in major meetings and conferences and articulate UNHCR¿s policies and positions of its core activities in the relevant Division/ Region/ Sub-region.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES:

- Advance University degree in Political Sciences, Economics, business Administration, International Law or related field.
- Minimum 22 years of previous job experience relevant to the function, of which 12 years should be in an International capacity.
- Communication and negotiating skills.
- Computer skills.
- Extensive field experience, including emergency operations
- Analytical skills.
- Writing skills.
- Proven management skills.
- Fluency in English and another relevant UN language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

- UNHCR management learning programme
- Excellent knowledge of UN and UNHCR rules and regulations C001L4 - Accountability Level 4
C002L4 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 4
C003L4 - Communication Level 4
C004L4 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 4
C005L4 - Client & Result Orientation Level 4
C006L4 - Organizational Awareness Level 4
M001L4 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 4
M006L4 - Managing Resources Level 4
M005L4 - Leadership Level 4
M002L4 - Managing Performance Level 4
M004L4 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 4
X006L4 - Policy Development & Research Level 4
X005L4 - Planning and Organizing Level 4
X008L4 - Stakeholder Management Level 4 - High level of skill in programme management, strategic policy formulation and conceptual thinking abilities.
- Experienced stakeholder management skills, preferably in complex operational environments and managing sensitive government and interagency relations.
- Diverse operational, representational and coordination experience.
- Excellent communication skills including proven analytical and drafting aptitude and demonstrated public speaking skills.
- Proven leadership and management / team-building skills.
- Proven skills, to represent the Bureau before external stakeholders such as governments, regional institutions, UN agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, civil society and other organizations.
- Donor relations, public information and resource mobilization experience an added advantage. - The Bureau provides strategic direction, support and oversight in a region with 32 countries and is present in ten countries.  Three Regional Offices (Washington, Panama City, Buenos Aires) report to the Bureau and together oversee operations in 15 countries in the Americas. - The Deputy Director will manage operations in the Americas, a politically diverse and multi-faceted region with distinct programmatic requirements.  This includes programme development, implementation and reporting, human and financial resource implications.  The effective management of operations will contribute to the fulfillment of the Bureau¿s vision and priorities. - Operations in the Americas are driven by solutions approaches, with five operations selected as part of the Multi-Year Multi-Partner initiative; they require creative and proactive programme management. - In the context of the Brazil Plan of Action (BPA) and Global Compact on Refugees, new opportunities continue to emerge in the region.  Several countries have demonstrated solidarity with global and regional refugee situations, offering solutions to persons of concern.  To maintain the implementation momentum of the BPA, effective programming to improve assistance requirements in line with regional and country specific protection and solutions strategies will be essential. - Complex situations such as in Venezuela, Colombia and North of Central America require considerable programme guidance to ensure adequate and timely operational implementation, resource mobilization, effective stakeholder coordination, and operational support to create and maintain programmatic coherence and consistency. - The operational environment in Venezuela is volatile and its programme requirements complex.  Operational challenges require constant monitoring and problem solving. - The provision of effective advice on programme and resource management as well as operational support will be provided to the field on policy and practical matters in coordination with relevant HQ and key external stakeholders. - Extensive field experience and familiarity with oversight issues highly desirable.
- Fluency in Spanish and English is essential as they are the main UN working languages in the region.  Fluency in these languages is important.  Portuguese is desirable and French is considered as an asset.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the Add. 3 to March 2017 Compendium is Thursday, 3 August 2017 (midnight Geneva time).