Head of Sub Office

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 Sub Office

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Head of a UNHCR Sub Office (HoSO) is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent carries the full delegated authority of the UNHCR Representative (or the country Manager) of the country, who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position, on the other hand, provides all information on developments in relation to the protection (legal protection issues relating to the persons of concern to UNHCR), security (Physical security in relation to the UNCR staff and the persons of concern to UNHCR) and operational matters (programme and office management / administration) within the domain of its geographical area of responsibility to the UNHCR Representative (or the country manager) on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), Representative will direct and guide the Head of the Sub office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoSO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.

While the functional responsibility of a Head of a Sub Office will always remain the same despite its grade level, the other parameters (therefore the depth and breadth of the competencies) such as the size of the population of concern to UNHCR, their specific legal/security concerns, volume of assistance, Number of operational / Implementing partners and the size of the Office (i.e. number of UNHCR staff and their grade levels) will determine the appropriate grade level. The operational autonomy also depends upon the same parameters/competencies.

As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, he/she is required to liaise with all the relevant senior government officials, security organs in the area, the Head of various Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and internationals based in the area), Civilian/tribal leaders/elders, local opinion makers and the local media net-work to ensure his/her assigned responsibilities are effectively and efficiently discharged.

As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissioner's operations, he/she remain as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their conventional responsibilities in favour of refugees and others of concern to UNHCR.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- The Convention concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, IDPs, refugees, returnees and the stateless, where applicable, is disseminated to the local authorities.
- UNHCR policies and standards are applied consistently in the AOR to ensure quality protection of populations of concern.
- A healthy, safe and respectful working environment is provided to the workforce in the AOR.

Responsibility

- Monitor and report on the implementation of refugee conventional responsibilities and international obligations of the local authorities Vis a Vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on local situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Representative.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR  standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs, where applicable; Advocate, promote and encourage the concerned authorities and local opinion makers to uphold established UNHCR standards that have become the international norms.
- Ensure that the basic needs of the concerned population are properly assessed with the participation of the beneficiaries themselves, the host governments and/or the competent Implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself.
- Subject to the needs, ensure that the planning, formulation and budgeting of identified assistance projects are done as per UNHCR programme cycle; upon approval of assistance project, ensure the timely implementation and rigorous monitoring  of identified assistance activities
- Ensure through the subordinate staff that all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) are met on a regular basis.
- Manage all UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
- Ensure that all security measures of UNHCR office (and residential, where ever applicable) compounds are always up to date; any security breaches and/or potential security threat should be reported immediately to competent UN security coordinator in the country.
- Ensure that staff welfare, both in terms of working and living conditions, are maintained at a satisfactory level within the constraints in the operational area; this requires remaining current in health and medical facilities locally available and evacuation options available in a moment of medical urgency.
- Guide, coach and advocate the subordinate staff to maintain highest standards of conduct and behaviour thorough one¿s own practice and deeds.
- Prepare and submit regular reports, both verbally and written, to the UNHCR Representative. In the event of substantial telephone conversation that leads to specific action or non-action, it should be recorded and share with the other party.
- Any other responsibilities/functions deemed necessary or as delegated by the UNHCR Representative of the country in order to meet the level of the services in the organization.


Authority

- Represent UNHCR in inter-agency fora and with local authorities in the AOR.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR's global protection, programme, finance, human resources and security policies and standards.
- Submit project proposals for assistance to refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR Representation in coordination with local authorities and NGOs.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Management/Personnel Administration or Law or Political Science or International Relation or Economics or a related field plus minimum 8 years of previous work experience relevant to the function. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 9 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 7 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- In-depth knowledge in all aspects of UNHCR mandate and its Field level application.
- Applied knowledge of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration.
- Should be conversant in the current priorities in the organisation and existing mechanisms within the organisation to implement those priorities.
- Basic computer skills and working knowledge in MS office software.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Working experience both in UNHCR HQ and/or a Regional Office and the Field
- UNHCR Specific learning/training activities ( i.e. Learning Programme in Management & Operations)
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Head of Sub Office (P4) 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. 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
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3 <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
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For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific security and welfare profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). These profiles have been specifically designed to answer some of the key questions (on security conditions, medical provisions, staff welfare, living and working conditions) potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care. This project is still in the pilot phase, and as such some of the information leaflets are being produced as we speak and might not be available yet. They will be soon, so keep checking. 

¿ Fluency in Spanish (which is the official language in Colombia) and excellent knowledge of English are essential.
¿ Knowledge of UNHCR and interagency policies, standards, programmes and humanitarian operations in a variety of geographical locations and operational contexts.
¿ Managerial, practical operational skills and maturity.
¿ Previous field experience with internal and cross-border displacement as well as processes for local reintegration in a complex political environment.
¿ Ability to establish good relations with local, national and international media/press to ensure greater visibility to IDP populations. ¿ After more than 50 years of conflict, the Government of Colombia and the FARC reached a peace agreement and prepared a pathway to an end to the conflict which has resulted in more than 7 million IDPs representing 88% of the more than 8 million victims of the conflict (Government figures). An official yet intermittent dialogue with the other main guerrilla group, the ELN, is taking place in Quito, Ecuador, generating a polarized and cautious reactions regarding the outcome.
¿ UNHCR Colombia, which traditionally was an IDP focused operation, is currently shifting to a mixed operation addressing new IDP situations despite the ongoing peace process, and increasing arrival of Venezuelans and Colombian returnees.
¿ UNHCR Colombia is one of the countries piloting the Multi-Year Multi-Partner Protection and Solutions Strategy. UNHCR Colombia¿s operational vision for the next three years (2018-2020) is that with the support of UNHCR, civil society, communities and other actors, the Colombian State ensures that people of concern to UNHCR live increasingly safe and secure lives in their communities and progressively attain durable solutions, including access to rights (economic and social integration and truth, reparation, and justice), applying a community-based protection and AGD sensitive approach.
¿ It is under this operational context that the Colombian government, donor countries and the UN are working on a post-conflict agenda. This includes an increased emphasis on finding durable solutions for displaced populations within and outside Colombia. One of UNHCR¿s main challenges is to work with the government and UN (development) agencies on comprehensive solutions whilemaintaining a focus on and providing visibility of the impact of the continuous violence generated by illegal armed groups and ongoing forced displacement in various regions of the country. ¿ Colombia is becoming a country of transit and destination for asylum-seekers, refugees, and migrants. According to Colombia¿s Migration authorities, there were over 550,000 Venezuelans remaining in Colombia at the end of 2017. It is expected that the number of new arrivals will continue, including those in need of international protection. There are also increasing number of Colombian returnees and mixed families among the outflows from Venezuela. The influx of Venezuelans affect not only the immediate border areas but also areas covered by UNHCR Sub-Office Pasto.
¿ UNHCR Sub-Office Pasto¿s area of responsibility includes four departments/provinces (Nariño, Putumayo, Cauca y Valle del Cauca) within the South-West region of Colombia, which borders Ecuador and is highly affected by the conflict/violence in Colombia with a substantial IDP population and very diverse institutional dynamics in each of the four departments. According to official figures, the region has registered almost 1.5 million of victims related to the internal conflict.
¿ Pasto is composed by the office in Pasto, FO Mocoa, and FO Buenaventura, with 36 colleagues among UNHCR staff, Individual contractors UNOPS and UNVs. Within the framework of existing global, regional and national guidelines and strategies, the Head of Sub-Office (P4), with the support of Heads of Field Office (P2) Mocoa/Putumayo and Buenaventura/Valle del Cauca, is responsible for the management, operational activities and general direction of the implementation of UNHCR operations. ¿ Given the nature of the context, the HOSO will liaise with Government authorities, UN agencies and NGOs on issues related to the prevention/protection of IDPs. Furthermore, the incumbent will establish contacts with institutions, public servants, representatives of community organizations and other entities that may contribute information on the current situation of the population at risk, human rights issues, and infringement of International Humanitarian Law in the region. These functions require co-ordination and collaboration with national, regional and local institutions, the UN system (including the Area Security Management Team/Area Security Co-ordinator), and other international humanitarian actors and NGOs. Worth noticing that currently UNHCR leads the Protection Working Group/Cluster across the country and also the Local Coordination Team in Nariño and Putumayo.
¿ UNHCR¿s presence is crucial to enhance protection and durable solutions strategies for vulnerable population, particularly in remote/marginal areas where forced displacement and unaccompanied returns occur, and the State¿s presence is minimal or none at all. The Sub Office does monitoring missions to geographical areas of interest with a special emphasis on vulnerable and/or at-risk communities (mainly afro-descendants and indigenous groups). The porous border with Ecuador requires special attention as do issues such as the prevention of displacement, AGD and SGBV, and the protection of IDPs. ¿ Perspectives for an improvement in the situation in the AOR are not clear despite efforts made by National and Provincial authorities. The security and operational environment in the departments under SO responsibility (Nariño, Putumayo, Cauca y Valle del Cauca) are complex. Although UNHCR is not a target in the ongoing armed conflict, care must be taken at all times to avoid being at the wrong place at the wrong time and to continue to uphold core humanitarian principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality. ¿ Colombia is a large country (1,141,748 km2); its population rises to 47,000,000 inhabitants;San Juan de Pasto is the capital city of Nariño Department; the city is placed in the Atriz Valley, at 2,527 meters above sea level;
¿ The precipitation is moderate (about 800 mm), with an average temperature that varies from 8°C to 18 °C, along the year and humidity rate of 60% to 88%;The municipality total population is estimated at some 550,000 inhabitants (DANE 2015), being the second largest city in the Pacific Region after Cali;
¿ The city has a sufficient supply of housing, health institutions, educational centers, access roads, public transport (buses, taxis, etc.), home public services and places for recreation, leisure and cultural activities. It has an airport with several daily flights to Bogotá and Cali, mainly.
¿ UNHCR-Pasto Office is located in the Versalles neighborhood, in a reasonably safe and accessible area;
¿ Pasto is close to the border with Ecuador (85.8 km to the International Bridge of Rumichaca), due to it, the city has commercial and social dynamics typical of border areas, and, in terms of security, it is not immune to situations of violence and common crime, derived from the presence of organized armed groups interested in controlling territories and illegal activities in specific areas of the city.
¿ The city hosts displaced population from other regions, especially from the Costa and Pie de Monte, and also from other Departments. ¿ The Colombian Military Forces have gained control of urban areas and main connection routes, improving general security conditions through the country and forcing illegal armed groups inland, however armed confrontations continue in some areas.
¿ Safety and security issues continue to be a concern. Though the situation improved significantly in recent years, common crime and isolated attacks by illegal armed groups continue to affect important cities.
¿ Staff must ensure to count with functioning communication means with the UN Security and keep abreast of the security situation in the capital or any travel inland through the normal channels of communication.
¿ All official missions are to be conducted with full compliance to MOSS requirements, considering destination, transportation selected and activities carried out.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the Add.4 to March 2018 Compendium is Wednesday 5 Septembe 2018 (midnight Geneva time).