Head of Operations

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.

Head  of Operations D1

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

The Head of Operations reports directly to the UNHCR Representative based in Nairobi, and are part of the UNHCR Snr. Management Team in the Kenyan Operations.    S/He will directly supervise the Head of Sub-Office Dadaab and Alijingur as well as the heads of sectorial/technical functional units at the P4 and P5 level in the Operations in Eastern Kenya.

UNHCR is exercising its refugee mandate in Dadaab but is also the lead of the Dadaab Protection Cluster, one of the most important and at the same time most contentious sector insofar as the authorities concerned. Besides being accountable for the overall performance and management of the UNHCR Eastern Kenya operations, the Head of Operations is also representing UNHCR vis-à-vis a wide range of external stakeholders, such as:

a) The main UN Agencies all have a presence in Dadaab, with more in the process of establishing/expanding their presence in Dadaab. The Head of Operations is responsible for representing UNHCR in various inter-agency fora and coordination bodies.
b) Maintaining the coordination and cooperation with NGOs and strengthening as called for, by the Head of Operation. S/he will also interact with the NGO Steering Committee insofar it concerns Dadaab.
c) Most of Dadaab is currently in security phase IV and it is expected that it will remain, while it cannot be excluded that the security situation will further deteriorate. The Head of Operations is responsible for staff security in all Dadaab region, interacts with the UN Head of Security for all Dadaab and will represent UNHCR in the SMT for Dadaab region.
d) The relationship with the Host Community could be sensitive and consistently needs to be nurtured at the different levels. The Head of Operations has the main responsibility for this.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT:

Accountability
- There is a clear strategy to protect and find solutions for persons of concern in Dadaab region.
- Appropriate safety measures in UNHCR are fully integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.
- UNHCR¿s policies and standards are applied consistently within the operational area to ensure quality protection for populations of concern.
- Resources are commensurate with operational objectives and are allocated and managed effectively to meet the operation¿s objectives and respecting earmarking.
- There is a healthy, safe and respectful working environment for its workforce in the region.
- Essential services for the general welfare of staff (i.e. living and working conditions, health, education, recreation, etc.) are in place. 

Responsibility

Strategic Direction
- Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the local political context.
- Manage a consultative process within the operational area and with external partners.
Operations
- Implement a results-oriented approach for assessing, designing and delivering the country plan agreed with the Representative of Kenya operation.
- Ensure that the protection strategy in Dadaab is fully integrated into the country operations plan and that necessary resources are allocated to it.
- Manage a participatory process, with all stakeholders, to apply UNHCR¿s standards and indicators in assessing and measuring the performance of the operations in the Sub Offices of Dadaab and Alinjugur.
- Ensure that protection / humanitarian concerns receive due attention and space in various coordination and policy meetings with external stakeholders at all Dadaab level by effectively representing UNHCR in this fora.
- In close cooperation with partners and Host Community and local authorities, ensure that refugees benefit from adequate protection, including attention.
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.
- Ensure that local administrative mechanisms such as a Local Contracts (or Purchasing) Committee, Local Asset Management Board and APPC are in place and functioning.
Security
- In close collaboration with the representational office, 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  Sub offices  comply with UN  MOSS/MORSS staff security rules, guidelines and procedures

Authority
- Represent UNHCR in inter-agency fora in the operation area.
- In consultation with the Country Representative decide on the strategy and priorities for Dadaab operation plan including 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
- Advanced University Degree in Political Science, Business Administration, Economics, Law, or related field.
- Minimum 20 years of previous job experience relevant to the function; of which 10 years should be in an International capacity.
- Good understanding of protection, including in an IDP / cluster setting, operational management experience.
- Previous working experience in a complex operational environment, with many external stakeholders.
- Fluency in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES:

- A combined field/ HQs experience (either Geneva or NY) would be a strong asset. 
- Learning programmes/workshops on the cluster approach and/or IDP protection, inter-agency cooperation, humanitarian space, security management etc. an asset. 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
M002L4 - Managing Performance Level 4
M006L4 - Managing Resources Level 4
M005L4 - Leadership Level 4
M003L4 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 4
M004L4 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 4
X004L4 - Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Level 4
X001L4 - Analytical Thinking Level 4
X007L4 - Political Awareness Level 4 To be able to successfully perform the functions of this position, in the complex operation in Dadaab, the incumbent must have:
- knowledge of and implicit familiarity with Kenyan and Somalia operations, and, the range of issues and    questions relating to the political and humanitarian concerns;
- Strong organizational skills and political awareness;
- Strong diplomatic, networking, external relations and communications skills with a dynamic and proactive disposition;
- Aptitude to articulate and speak well and excellent drafting skills.
- Strong management, with matching interpersonal, team management, diplomatic and coordination skills. Dynamist is a definite requirement.
- Previous solid field and operations experience, including extensive exposure and hands-on experience in managing complex security situations. The Dadaab operation in eastern Kenya is on the border with Somali and hosts one of the biggest refugee populations on the continent with about two hundred and forty thousand refugees, the majority of whom are Somalis.

The incumbent oversees and manages an operation that effectively has two separate but inter-related Offices, namely SO Dadaab, covering Dagahaley and the two Ifo camps; and, FO Alinjugur, covering Hagadera camp. S/he will be an integral part of the senior management team in the Kenya operation and will report directly to the Representative in Nairobi. The Head of Operations will have a number of senior level positions reporting directly to him or her. As such s/he will be responsible to ensure that the UNHCR Dadaab operations are implemented in a fully effective manner and, particularly, in a spirit of partnership and co-ordination with an important number of UN agencies, NGOs,  Garissa County Government and other partners that are involved in the delivery of assistance to the refugee population.

Further, she/he will provide leadership in the development of strategic and operational plans, foster co-ordination across all the elements of the operation, oversee the implementation, monitoring and assuring of results. The Head of Operations being the most senior UN officer in the area will assume responsibility of UN Area Security Coordinator.

In all of these aspects, the Head of Operations will ensure regular and inclusive co-ordination and he/she will be accountable for the implementation of a comprehensive information and communication strategy, which is inclusive and embracing all stakeholders. Consultations/meetings with all partners, refugees and local authorities shall be conducted on a regular basis. All staff members in the Dadaab Operation reside in the office compound where a curfew is in effect during the night. International staff reside in private accommodation with kitchen facilities.  There are 2 restaurants in UNHCR compound where relatively good food is provided.

Climatic conditions are harsh, and despite fumigation of the compound, insects are present in the environment. Apart from a satellite JMS medical clinic, there is no other medical back up. Therefore, staff assigned to Dadaab must be in good health. Evacuation opportunities are limited. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.

There are limited banking facilities in Dadaab. Internet and communications networks are available in the compound. Dadaab is a security level 4 duty station.
The security situation continues to be a challenge in SO Dadaab and the candidate needs to have undergone proper security training. Meanwhile, staff movements in the Dadaab Operation are strictly restricted and all staff are obliged to adhere to security advisories.  Staying in the office compound is regulated by a curfew in effect during the night and the requirement to answer daily radio checks.

Field travel is subjected to military escorts and candidates from certain nationalities may face additional constraints in regards to their movements inside the office and the camps, which may affect the quality of their delivery. It would be advisable to check with this office prior to applying.

Please note that the closing date for the vacancies in this Flash Vacancy Notice is Monday 19 February 2018 (midnight Geneva time).