Senior Progamme Officer

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Senior Programme Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The incumbent receives guidance from the Deputy Representative or the Representative. The incumbent is expected to supervise normally one or two professional staff and normally supervises some support staff. S/he may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country programme(s). UNHCR Manual, programme objectives, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Senior Programme Officer. S/he is also expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed to the country by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform and institutional developments.

Externally the incumbent acts as adviser or representative of the Organization with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority. Contacts are predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization's programmes (e.g. counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments).

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- The needs of persons of concern in the country are assessed and analysed in a participatory manner and using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective to form a firm basis for planning.
- Prioritized plans are developed taking into account UNHCR's  Global Strategic Priorities (GSPs), regional and country level priorities, resource availability, technical soundness and in compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
- Broad partnerships are developed and maintained with key stakeholders in order to maximize the response to finding solutions of problems affecting the persons of concern.
- IP agreements are established in a timely manner, regularly monitored and reported on in compliance with established guidelines and procedures.
- The organizational fundraising actions are fully supported by maintaining regular contact with donor representatives and by submitting project funding submissions and appeals.

Responsibility

- Through a consultative process and field visits, contribute to the development of strategies, methodologies, contingency plans that respond to new and emerging operational challenges for the country.
- Ensure that global strategic priorities (GSP) and regional priorities as well as information on projected resource availability guide the planning parameters.
- Develop the country operations plan for overall compliance with global strategic priorities and regional priorities as well as with annual programming/planning instructions.
- Advise the Representative on the gaps and problems in order to decide on resource allocation for operations.
- Manage a consultative process to ensure a consistent application of UNHCR's policies/ practices related to and where applicable to UN cooperation , integrated missions, "Delivering as One" initiative, Common Humanitarian Action Plans, UNDAF, etc.
- Manage a consultative process to ensure a consistent application of the organization's criteria and policies for the selection of implementing and operational partners.
- Initiate and/or manage the development of a broad network of partners, good coordination practices and the development of partner capacities.
- Guide and train UNHCR as well as implementing partners (IP) staff in UNHCR standard procedures related to the Results Based Programme management.
- Ensure that technical support is provided to achieve UNHCR's strategic priorities.
- Ensure proper collection, use and monitoring of baselines, standards and indicators needed to measure and analyze UNHCR's performance, trends and target interventions.
- Ensure quality programmes by promoting use of UNHCR's corporate tools (e.g. Global Focus, Focus Client) to assess the technical soundness of the operation and generate data for evidence-based decisions at the country-level.
- Assist in managing a transparent, consultative and responsible process for the approval of the country-level budgets and the allocation of resources.
- Assist in monitoring compliance to the organization's resource allocation framework, providing support and taking corrective action where required.
- Ensure and monitor audit compliance of the country operations, issuance of audit certificates for Implementing Partners, the audit reports issued by the Office of Internal of Oversight Services (OIOS) and external auditors.
- Ensure and monitor the implementation of IP Risk Management techniques and tools.
- Perform other duties as required.

Authority

- Set and enforce parameters, criteria and deadlines for the design, review and report of operations.
- Clear the submission of the country operations plan (including budgets, staffing levels and structures) as well as of funding submissions, appeals and report.
- Negotiate implementing partner agreements.
- Represent UNHCR in UN and other operations management and programmatic for a.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR's global strategies, protocols and guidelines.
- Approve recommendations and advice on the technical capacity required of UNHCR and its partners.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Business Administration, Social Science, Economics, International Relations or related field
- Minimum 8 years of previous job experience relevant to the function (9 years in case of undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS)).
- Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of another UN language.

(In offices where the working language is not English, excellent knowledge of working language of duty station and working knowledge of English.)

***For National Officer positions, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Completion of the UNHCR Learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position
- Good knowledge of UNHCR financial rules, procedures and processes
- Knowledge of another relevant UN language
- Knowledge of UNHCR specific programmes (MSRP, Focus, etc.)
- Computer skills (in MS office) C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X008L3 - Stakeholder Management Level 3 The Senior Program Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant Representative (Programme/Partnership). The incumbent will be responsible for the implementation and oversight of all UNHCR projects in Afghanistan; he/she will head the Program Section in Kabul which currently has one international P3 Program Officer, one CBI Officer and  five national staff, he/she will be responsible for providing functional guidance to the NO Program Officers in all the Sub and Field Offices. The incumbent is required to have proven knowledge of IDP operations. The incumbent is required to have proven knowledge of IDP operations. Given the volume of programme workload and regular interactions with the partners, the incumbent should be able to provide strategic directions to all actors.  He/she have good programming experience and creativity due to the security consideration of of the operation.  The incumbent should be prepared to undertake regular field mission in the country. Despite a fragile security situation and significant socio-economic and political challenges, Afghanistan has seen the highest number of voluntary returns in UNHCR's 67-year history, with over six million Afghans recorded to have returned to the country since 2002. UNHCR has assisted over 5.2 million with cash and other assistance to meet immediate humanitarian needs.  In 2016, more than 600,000 refugees and undocumented Afghans returned from Pakistan and Iran marking a renewed surge despite adverse conditions for return in Afghanistan. 372,577 were registered refugees assisted by UNHCR with USD150m in cash assistance to cover transport costs and meet immediate humanitarian needs including shelter, food and medical care.  As at June 2017, over 2 million registered Afghans hosted in Pakistan and Iran are potential beneficiaries of the voluntary repatriation programme in the coming years. In the past decade, Afghanistan has seen increased internal displacement due to conflict. In 2016 OCHA reported over 660,672 new conflict-induced IDPs. This remains the highest on record, and a 40% increase on the 470,000 displaced in 2015. While it is projected that displacement figures for 2017 may also exceed 600,000 individuals, the trends in 2018 and beyond will depend on the evolving security situation. Meanwhile, a significant number of IDPs remain in a protracted situation, in need of humanitarian assistance and durable solutions. Afghanistan continues to host a large population of Pakistani refugees, estimated at 125,000 individuals, who fled North Waziristan Agency in 2014. UNHCR also leads coordination with humanitarian partners to provide essential services in one refugee camp established in Khost Province, accommodating some 16,000 individuals. The prospects of return for the majority of refugees has not materialised.  Although a small number of refugee families have returned spontaneously, there have been few positive signs of successful reintegration.  In addition, Afghanistan currently hosts 350 asylum-seekers and refugees of various nationalities, registered under the UNHCR mandate, in Kabul and other urban centres. Despite continued advocacy by UNHCR with the Government to pass a Refugee Law, this is yet to be finalised. In 2017, UNHCR Afghanistan has been revising its operational strategy in consultation with its partners at HQ and Field level. In the worsening security situation, the new strategy requires agile human resource management, staff welfare and security measures. The existing tools such as Security Risk Assessments and Programme Criticality are being utilized.  The Afghanistan operation is challenged to attract suitable candidates for advertised positions, even when positions are advertised externally. The implementation of the strategy, coupled with political importance of the operation, requires new skill sets (e.g. partnership/networking building) as well as staff with track records of performance and creative thinking in key areas such as protection and information management. In order to attract and retain staff with appropriate profile, the operation is working to implement a range of measures to support the strategy going forward. The re-aligned strategy focuses on key areas of engagement including: (a) emphasize the centrality of protection (b) protection monitoring and analysis with reinforced information management (b) addressing protection risks through humanitarian programming for protection (c) strategic support and advocacy with Government and development stakeholders to strengthen the humanitarian-development nexus in order to realize durable solutions for returning refugees and IDPs. A key element of this is to expand partnerships and networks. The operation¿s strategic protection goals are closely aligned with the UNHCR Global Strategic Directions for 2017-2021 http://www.unhcr.org/5894558d4.pdf and are designed to achieve four concrete protection outcomes through effective coordination with both humanitarian and development partners:

- Protection of civilians in high intensity conflict areas is promoted and protection risks mitigated.
- Protection risks among newly displaced IDPs and returnees are mitigated through reduction of vulnerability and enhanced community capacity.
- Access to basic services in areas of high displacement and return is promoted.
- The rights of asylum-seekers and refugees are protected. (NB: Given the extremely fluid situation in Afghanistan, this section may require adjustments as it evolves.)

Afghanistan is a high risk country with a very complex operational environment, characterized by uncertainty and frequent security incidents. 
Movement by all personnel is restricted and closely coordinated and monitored by the security officers.
All international staff are accommodated in MOSS/MORSS compliant UNHCR Guesthouse. 
Visits to restaurants, other social venues or in friend¿s houses are prohibited except in UN compounds and Embassies. The situation is frustrating and increase stress making it difficult to some colleagues to cope with this type of life.
Staff interested in the position should be mentally, psychologically and physically fit and ready to face situations when required to be locked down in the compounds and the bunkers for the extended period of time due to incidents.
All international staff benefit from R & R (Rest and Recuperation) that is currently on a 6-week cycle for the entire country.
Apart from the UNAMA clinic which does not have proper medical facilities, there is very little medical back up like German Clinic, therefore staff assigned must be in good health.   Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. (NB: Given the extremely fluid situation in Afghanistan, this section may require adjustments as it evolves.)

The security situation continues to be unstable, volatile and indeed unpredictable in the entire Afghanistan. The overall operational context for 2017 will remain heavily dependent on a series of uncertain developments in the current year, including outcome of planned parliamentary elections in 2016, the ongoing consolidation (or fragmentation) of political authority within the Taliban, uncertain regional interests/developments in fostering peace among increasingly fragmented armed elements within Afghanistan and in the border region of Pakistan, and the continued interest among key international stakeholders in promoting a negotiated peace settlement.
Formal peace talks, assuming they formally commence in 2016, may take years to reach a political settlement among disparate groups.  Any progress in peace negotiations will be accompanied by continued displays of force, terrorist-type incidents, increasing spread-out of confrontation between the Security Forces and Anti-Government elements, with a renewed involvement of international military forces.
As evident in the first part of the year, the daily situation in Afghanistan continues to witness a considerable number of security incidents including armed clashes, IED and suicide attacks.
Recently reported security incidents highlighted that International Community has been among the targets of the AGE. 
AGE groups including Taliban and Haqqani Network continue to display increased intent and capability to plan and conduct attacks across the country, increasing pressure on urban centres including Kabul Capital City.
Although UN is not the prime target, individuals can be affected as part of the international community. For this reason, UNDSS continue to impose movement restrictions resulting in further shrinking of areas of our operation. Recently reported security incidents highlighted that International Community has been among the targets of the AGE.  AGE groups including Taliban and Haqqani Network continue to display increased intent and capability to plan and conduct attacks across the country, increasing pressure on urban centers including Kabul Capital City. Although UN is not the prime target, individuals can be affected as part of the international community. For this reason, UNDSS continue to impose movement restrictions resulting in further shrinking of areas of our operation.  Although mitigation measures are in place to ensure staff safety and security the humanitarian space can be expected to further shrink and limit access to beneficiaries and the implementation of programmatic activities. Insecurity and political instability in certain areas continue to hinder UNHCR's protection and relief operations, resulting in unreliable and insecure access to persons of concern to the Office. The candidates for this position should be psychologically ready to work in a challenging and at times frustrating environment in view of the prevailing situation in the country.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2017 Compendium is Monday 6 November 2017 (midnight Geneva time).