Reg Representative

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.

Regional Representative

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
As the High Commissioner's senior representative in the region, the Regional Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCR's effective performance in the countries falling within her/his area of responsibility. The incumbent usually manages a budget of USD 6 million and above.

Reporting to the Director of the Bureau and in cooperation with the country/national offices, the Regional 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 Regional Representative works with his/her regional team (including country/national offices) to identify strategic objectives and develop coherent, consistent and effective responses to the challenges faced at the regional and national levels. He/she is responsible for ensuring the adequate provision of technical support and guidance to all country/national offices 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. 

On the basis of delegated authority from the Bureau Director, the Regional Representative plays the role of Regional Coordinator in relation to a broader grouping of countries in the sub-region to which s/he is not directly accredited.  S/he assures overall strategic coherence in those countries, spearheads the development of sub-regional strategies, oversees the allocation and management of resources, and provides first-tier political support to country Representatives reporting to him/her as required.

The Regional Representative works to ensure that UNHCR is widely perceived as an effective and trusted partner. He/she 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 all other key strategic partners and actors. S/he 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. 

In a complex and demanding political and operational environment, the Regional Representative strives to build a dynamic and sufficiently capacitated regional 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. 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 Regional Representative must at all times reflect the core values and principles embodied in UNHCR's mandate. A failure on the part of the Regional 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.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- UNHCR has a clearly articulated country/regional strategy to protect and find solutions for persons of concern.
- The protection framework in the country/region ensures availability and quality of asylum, operating systems and search for durable solutions for all categories of persons of concern.
- UNHCR is fully integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.
- UNHCR's policies and standards are applied consistently within the country/regional operation to ensure quality protection for populations of concern.
- Resources are commensurate with operational objectives and are allocated and managed effectively to meet the country/regional operation's objectives.
- UNHCR provides a healthy, safe and respectful working environment for its workforce in the country.

Responsibility
Strategic Direction
- Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the local or regional political context.
- Manage a consultative process within the country/regional 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/regional specific projects.

Operations
- Implement a results-oriented approach for assessing, designing and delivering the country/regional operation.
- Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the country/regional operations plan and that necessary resources are allocated to it.
- Ensure the country/regional operation's adherence to UNHCR's policy on Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM).
- Ensure the country/regional operation plans are consistent with the regional and global strategic priorities.
- Manage a participatory process, with all stakeholders, to apply UNHCR's standards and indicators in assessing and measuring the performance of the country/regional operations.
- Promote accession to the Convention and Protocol, and ensure the application of protection standards in the treatment of all persons of concern especially women and children.
- Ensure all 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 Regional Contracts (or Purchasing) Committee, Local Regional 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 regional offices, 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.

Authority
- Represent UNHCR in the UNCT/Humanitarian Country Team and other inter-agency fora.
- Decide on the country/regional 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.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Political Science, Social Science, International Relations, Law, Business Administration, Human Resources Management, and/or other relevant fields plus minimum 16 years of previous work experience relevant to the function at professional level, with more than 10 years in international capacity. Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 17 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 15 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- 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.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Completion of UNHCR training programmes, such us Protection Learning Programme, Operations Management Learning Programme.
- Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Regional Representative positions. 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. 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 <p>The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.</p>
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
======================================================================================================== In addition to the regular duties of Regional Representative, the following are some key aspects of the role in Central America:
In Central America and Mexico, where the Regional Representative leads UNHCR¿s response, he/she is responsible, in consultation with the Director of the Bureau, for developing and implementing a strategic vision for UNHCR¿s intervention in support of, and in coordination with, national and local authorities, ensuring buy-in from state and non-state actors, to advance UNHCR¿s protection and solutions agenda in the relevant countries. 
A priority will be to continue working with States to implement and further develop the MIRPS. To this end, the continued mobilization of the relevant authorities within States, UN system, International Financial Institutions, civil society, the Church, academia and the private sector are key, as part of the whole society approach and to further promote implementation of MIRPS in the region.
The Regional Representative also ensures that documented needs and integrating cross-cutting issues (e.g. age, gender, diversity, etc.) and activities in support of early recovery are included in the response,   in coordination with other UN agencies, operational partners, humanitarian and development actors. The Regional Representative also identifies possible avenues for fundraising and follows these up, bringing them to the attention of relevant units at Headquarters as appropriate.
The Reg.Rep., in consultation with the Director of the Bureau, advocates for UN entities, civil society, the private sector, the media and other relevant actors to take protection concerns into due account, using private and/or public advocacy as appropriate .

The Reg. Rep. undertakes the necessary efforts to ensure that activities lead and contribute to an early as well as long-term protection and recovery of affected populations (NCA, Ven sit and NIC sit) , by cooperating closely with actors responsible for advocacy planning and implementing protection and solutions oriented  interventions. Sensitive political context requires political acumen and excellent negotiation skills to work collaboratively with government counterparts, regional organizations; NGO, Academia, Donors and others under the whole society approach. 

Demonstrated experience in lobbying and advocacy with Governments.

Excellent high level of diplomacy and negotiation skills to navigate complex inter-agency contexts and ability promote and maintain relations and partnership with a wide variety of stakeholders including, UN organizations, diplomatic missions, civil society organizations, media, scholars and public-at-large

Ability to develop protection networks mobilizing key actors of States and Civil Society
Experience in raising donor support to emerging crisis (NIC, Ven situation) and for implementation of MIRPS (Central America, Mexico and Belize). 
Strong analytical skills in conducting research and developing policy, concept papers; briefing notes among others
Experience / flexibility in dealing with multiple situations /crises

Experience in mainstreaming AGDM in all operations Proven strong managerial and leadership skills, particularly in changing situations (restructuring / expansion, also in line with the regionalization strategy)

Considering the Situation in Central America, knowledge of internal displacement as well as mixed movements is an asset.

Experience in the design, coordination and evaluation of protection operations / strategies

Strong presentation and public speaking skills and demonstrated experience in representing an organization in the public sphere including through public speaking engagements, the press, television, facebook live, radio etc.

Ability to engage with senior government officials and broad range of stakeholders including civil society, faith based institutions, the private sector, etc.

Expertise in capacity building of implementing and governmental partners;

Ability to manage a large team and coordinate with national and branch offices in the region;

On-the-job coaching and mentoring of staff;

Demonstrated drafting skills in English and Spanish; Complex operation with multiple functions / coverage: supervision of Costa Rica and Mexico offices, representation in Cuba, Nicaragua, with no UNHCR presence, and consolidating and leading UNHCR¿s response in the North of Central America (Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador), including  the representation function, in addition to Panama and Belize.
In Costa Rica, Mexico, Belize and Panama the focus is on enhancing the quality of asylum and promoting sustainable durable solutions for refugees, most of them living in urban settings. In Cuba, where the government does not allow refugees to locally integrate, UNHCR staff conducts mandate RSD and focuses its actions towards resettlement and humanitarian assistance.  In Nicaragua, UNHCR works through local partners to ensure asylum seekers and refugees from the NCA are given support and assistance, in view of the crisis affecting the country and the paralysis of the asylum system.

Three countries of the North of Central America (NCA) ¿ El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras-  have been increasingly affected by the action of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) and other illegal armed groups, which is posing a major challenge to their democratic governance, and has impacted states¿ abilities at local, regional and central level to provide adequate protection to the affected populations. The current crisis is fueled by drug and human trafficking, polarized political systems, weak law enforcement and socio-economic hardships ¿ such as poverty, inequalities and unemployment, and has caused forced population displacement both within the countries and across borders, mostly north to Mexico and the United States, but also increasingly South to Costa Rica and Panama. These new protection challenges require the involvement of both governments and UNHCR in forced population displacement issues, as well as the mobilization of the rest of the UN system and key civil society actors dealing with Human Rights / migration issues. To this end, UNHCR has mobilized the States and a wide range of other relevant stakeholders to adopt a regional version of the CRRF, named the MIRPS. This was adopted in October 2017 in San Pedro Sula, and there will be an annual Follow up Mechanism in November 2018 to review progress made in its implementation. Panama and countries covered by the Regional Office have well developed infrastructure, modern office complexes, massive hotels, and apartment buildings. It is an important hub for international banking and trade. Recreational facilities including restaurants, theater, symphonies, ballet, and shopping malls.
Good private health facilities comparable to international standards.
Malaria is a risk throughout the year in Bocas del Toro, Darién and Kuna Yala but not in the Capital City.
International schools are available for foreigners from Kinder up to 12th grade in English and Spanish. Some schools also give French courses.
Good and developed banking infrastructure. Recognized foreign banks have presence in the country. They offer checking accounts, debit and credit cards.
Tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May).
Big international hotels are present in the Capital City that are secure and safe.
Various real estate agencies and also online possibilities of finding accommodation are available.
Frequent mission travel to countries within the region and the Darien province. Most newly arriving expatriates are faced with the challenges of overcoming cultural and language barriers. Is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America.
The main threat is crime. Crimes range from armed robberies, drug trafficking-related crimes, rape, muggings and purse-snatching to petty theft.
The capital city is rated as security level ¿ 1 ¿minimal¿ whereas for Darién Province (border with Colombia) it is security level ¿ 2 ¿low¿.
Use prudence and exercise good personal judgment when moving around the country, especially in the town of Colon area is recommended Excellent command of Spanish is essential.
The population is an ethnic mix, with heritages including Spanish, African, Amerindian, and North American.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in this Flash Vacancy is Thursday 23 August 2018 (midnight Geneva time).