Programme 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.

Programme Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The incumbent receives guidance from the Senior Programme Officer, the Deputy Representative or the Representative. The incumbent may supervise some professional staff and 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 Programme Officer. S/he is also expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed to the region by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform and institutional developments.

External contacts are predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization's programme (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.
- 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 within the country and field visits, assist in 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.
- Assist in developing the country operations plan in compliance with global strategic priorities and regional priorities as well as with annual programming/planning instructions.
- Assist in managing 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.
- Assist in the process to ensure a consistent application of the organization's criteria and policies for the selection of implementing and operational partners.
- 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.
- Undertake proper collection, use and monitoring of baselines, standards and indicators needed to measure and analyze UNHCR's performance, trends and target interventions.
- Undertake field visits to evaluate and improve the planning, programming, implementation and monitoring of assistance projects.
- Implement the establishment of sound monitoring processes, review final reports and on progress in order to advise on any corrective actions required or the need for additional resources to reach planned target levels.
- Apply UNHCR's corporate tools (e.g. Global Focus, Focus Client) to record data and 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 compliance in issuance of audit certificates for Implementing Partners.
- Monitor the implementation of IP Risk Management techniques and tools.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Authority

- Provide inputs for the country operations plan (including budgets, staffing levels and structures) as well as prepare funding submissions, appeals and reports;
- Negotiate implementing partner agreements;
- Represent UNHCR in UN fora dealing with operations management and programmatic issues;
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR's global strategies, protocols and guidelines;


ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Economics, Business Administration, Social Science or related field plus minimum 6 years of previous job experience relevant to the function. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) plus 5 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 4 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.


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 UNHCR specific programmes (MSRP, Focus, etc.)
- Computer skills (in MS office).
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Programme Officer 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
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3
X008L3 - Stakeholder Management 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>
========================================================================================================
See below for this postion's Operational Context
========================================================================================================

For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage them – before deciding to apply- to read the country specific security and welfare country 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). Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care.

Staff after having applied to High Risk Duty Stations will have access to country specific information webinars with Field Safety Section (FSS) and Staff Welfare Section (SWS) colleagues and provided with a tool to test their psychological preparedness for serving in High Risk Duty Stations. Applicants who applied for a position in a High Risk country will receive, after the deadline for applications has expired, a joint invitation from the Staff Welfare Section (SWS) and the Field Safety Section (FSS) to participate in these webinars. During the Webinars, latest updates on security and well-being will be provided, and FSS and SWS will address questions raised by participants. Applicants are highly encouraged to benefit, when applicable, from all measures as they provide most up-to-date security and well-being information helpful to assess staff’s readiness to serve in a High Risk Duty Station. A Staff Welfare Officer will also be available, if and when required, to discuss with interested applicants the results of the psychological preparedness tool as well as readiness for assignment in High Risk Duty Stations.

Under the direct supervision of the Snr. Programme Officer, the incumbent should have 
-In depth knowledge of MSRP/FOCUS and ability to train other staff members
-In depth knowledge of UNHCR Programming and ability to organize planning exercise
- Create and maintain good relationship with the Government counterpart (DORR/DORRD) as well as partners;
- Ability to plan, monitor, evaluate and make recommendations to the Snr. Programme Officer on monitoring and implementation related issues;
The incumbent will be the focal point for project monitoring and reporting: thus need to be able to guide and keep track of programme monitoring; and reporting notably the mid-year review and year-end review. UNHCR Afghanistan operation is engaged in voluntary return and reintegration of Afghan refugees; countrywide humanitarian response to conflict-induced IDPs; protection and assistance to refugees, both in urban settings and in camp and hosting arrangements in rural areas (Pakistani refugees in Khost and Paktika). As protection-mandated agency, UNHCR retains an advocacy role in addressing opportunities and protection constraints for persons of concern to the Office and a capacity and institution building role in refugees and IDPs protection.
Over 5.7 million Afghan refugees have voluntarily returned home since 2002, 4.7 million through UNHCR's voluntary repatriation. At the same time, internal displacement has reached high-record levels in 2015 (more than 400,000 new conflict IDPs), with similar expectations for 2016 and 2017, compounding a protracted displacement crisis and fostering increasing population outflows to Europe. Despite the deterioration of security within Afghanistan, UNHCR reconfirmed the goals and validity of the Solution Strategy for Afghan Refugees and will continue to support the Government in ensuring voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees in safety and dignity.  Efforts will be made to fulfil UNHCR responsibilities in the ongoing humanitarian crisis, through a more robust protection role and through Cluster leadership (Protection and Shelter/ NFI). UNHCR will ensure a comprehensive approach to support the reintegration of returning refugees and IDPs through interventions aiming at peaceful coexistence and improved access to basic services, community infrastructure, and livelihoods. UNHCR will continue to coordinate the provision of basic assistance to the refugee population in Khost and Paktika, mainstreaming protection principles in assistance interventions. In 2017, UNHCR will continue to guarantee access to fair and transparent processes of refugee status determination, to a degree depending on the effective enactment of the new Refugee Law. Pending passage of the law, UNHCR will continue to advocate with authorities for full adherence to international standards and will pursue solutions for refugees in Afghanistan, primarily limited opportunities for resettlement. 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 compliant shared compounds and/or UNHCR rented guest houses. 
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. 
Considering the serious restrictions on staff movement, it is crucial that the incumbent demonstrates a record of maintaining a positive attitude whenever confronted with adversity and restraints in his/her social 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, therefore staff assigned must be in good health.   Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.
Banking facilities and ATM machines are available in the banks and in some locations; they have been installed in UN Compounds.  International debit/credit cards can be used. 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.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2018 Compendium is Thursday 18 October  2018 (midnight Geneva time).