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Representative

Madrid

  • Organization: UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  • Location: Madrid
  • Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

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.

Representative

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
As the High Commissioner's senior representative in the country, the Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCR's effective performance in the country of her/his assignment. The incumbent usually manages a budget of less than USD 6 millions.
Reporting to the Director of the Bureau, the 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 Representative works with his/her team to identify strategic objectives and develop coherent, consistent and effective responses to the challenges faced.  He/she is responsible for ensuring the adequate provision of technical support and guidance to the office 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. 
The Representative works to ensure that UNHCR is widely perceived as an effective and trusted partner. S/he 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. He/she 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 Representative strives to build a dynamic and sufficiently capacitated 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 Representative must at all times reflect the core values and principles embodied in UNHCR's mandate. A failure on the part of the 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 strategy to protect and find solutions for persons of concern.
- The protection framework in the country ensure 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 operation to ensure quality protection for populations of concern.
- Resources are commensurate with operational objective 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 political context.
- Manage a consultative process within the country 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 specific projects.

Operations
- Implement a results-oriented approach for assessing, designing and delivering the country operation.
- Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the country operations plan and that necessary resources are allocated to it.
- Ensure the country operation's adherence to UNHCR's policy on Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM).
- Ensure the country 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 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 Contracts (or Purchasing) Committee, Local 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 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 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 11 years of relevant job experience at professional level, with more than 10 years in international capacity. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 12 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 10 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services.
- 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.
- Excellent IT skills, in particular MS Office Applications.
- 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 Representative (P5) 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
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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.

 

UNHCR Country Office is Spain is reporting to the Regional Office for Southern Europe (ROSE) based in Rome Italy.  The team in Spain is composed of more than 30 UNHCR staff members and Affiliated Workforce Personnel and is supported by a newly created Senior Protection Officer P4.  Given the highly political and complex protection and operational environment, the incumbent of this post is expected to have the right protection background and political astute and strong interpersonal skills to address the challenges in the region as a part of a larger regional team.  Moreover the incumbent must have a proven track record in leading a UNHCR Representation in a complex environment.

In this context, the Representative is expected to have strong representational, managerial, team-building and coordination skills as well as a solid background in protection, programme, fundraising and external relations. Proven diplomatic and negotiation skills are also important required competencies. Furthermore, linked to the positioning of the post within the regional structure under ROSE, the incumbent is also expected to have a flexible personality to ensure that both at the operational level as well as on the staffing and office structures, the country strategy aligns with the regional priorities.  In addition to coordinate the work well within the Mediterranean context, the incumbent shall have a good understanding of European issues relating to refugee protection and migration as well as being acquainted with the North African situation as Spain is the only European country with a land border in Africa. Knowledge of UNHCR operations in Latin America will also be an asset but not a full requirement.

UNHCR has, by law, an active role in the Spanish protection and asylum system.  The office is deeply engaged on issues related to access to the territory, status determination, the development and implementation of the Common European Asylum System (Dublin), monitoring of reception and now plays a key role in promotion of alternative path ways, integration, resettlement and private sponsorships. The Office is likely to continue to be involved in ensuring that UNHCR¿s views are taken into consideration in the drafting of asylum implementing legislation, and thus knowledge and skills in this regard will be required. Experience in interacting with Government officials at higher levels is essential. One of the key functions of this position is to represent UNHCR in technical and political discussions both with central and provincial Governments and to engage them on policy and global solidarity issues, including fund-raising.  Although Spain is slowly recovering from the economic crisis, since the change of Government in Spain the approach of the Government to refugee protection and particularly access to the territory is evolving and represents opportunities UNHCR must seize.   Spain is a G20 member, but donor support is limited.  This contrasts to the wide public support, namely the more the 500,000 individuals who regularly contribute to UNHCR and make Spain the world leader with regard to private fundraising support.  It is expected that the Representative is supporting DRRM in the efforts to increase the governmental funding support, as well as accompanies and ¿ if requires guides ¿ PSP activities in Spain which operates under the umbrella of España con ACNUR (ECA).

Public speaking (media and meetings) is a regular component of this post and excellent communication and presentation skills are a key requirement for the incumbent.  Apart from Officials at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, members of the Government are seldom fluent in foreign languages. Therefore a full command of Spanish language is essential for the Representative in Spain. Spain is party to the 1951 Convention, and as an EU Member State, subject to the legal framework of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), although the country has not transposed all obligations under European law in its national legislation.  While the legal framework to protect refugees is generally positive, it is not always reflected in practice.  Integration is supported to some extent by the positive attitude of the Spanish population and regional authorities, but limited by a difficult labour market situation.  Consequently, many bona fide refugees do not remain in Spain but move on to other European countries. However, in the current European political and security environment, it is likely that onward movements of refugees and asylum-seekers from Spain to other European countries will be more controlled.  As a consequence, Spain would be effectively responsible for more asylum requests under the Dublin Regulation.  Thus, more refugees will be likely to apply for asylum in Spain in the near future. There are three main entry routes to Europe across the Mediterranean for refugees and migrants, with Spain being the main entry point in the Western part of the Mediterranean region.  Although numbers are low if compared with the recent trends along the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes, they have steadily increased since 2015. In 2017, the number of arrivals in Spain doubled reaching a total of 27,253 persons with a notable land arrival of more than 600 persons in Melilla in December 2017. During the first half of 2018 the number of arrivals through the Western Mediterranean route reached 17¿940 (both land and sea arrival).  In 2017, Spain was one of the six EU Member States receiving the highest numbers of asylum claims (31,667).  It was also among the three EU Member States receiving the highest numbers of sea and land arrivals, with a 100% increase compared to 2016. 

The influx relates mainly to persons originating from various Sub-Saharan African countries, the Middle East, and increasingly from North Africa. Spain also receives significant arrivals via its airports, particularly by migrants and refugees from Latin America who do not need visas to enter and also by persons from various countries in Africa and Asia seeking asylum under the accelerated border procedure.  Furthermore, some persons who entered Spain in a regular manner as migrants or tourists seek international protection, including due to a sur place refugee situation. UNHCR operations relate to be provide protection through presence at the main arrival points and the provision of information and counselling and by this attempting to improve access to the asylum procedure for person of concern.  Furthermore, the office is involved in admission procedure at the only land-borders between Africa and Europe (Ceuta and Melilla) and is directly involved in RSD quality control. The work includes a holistic and thematic approach to protection challenges and identifying solutions in protection gaps.  Furthermore, the office is engaged in a variety of advocacy work to address weaknesses in the asylum system, improve the management and the overall quality.  A key component of UNHCR¿s work is advocacy for resettlement and intra-European relocation, and the provision of public information for Spain and the Spanish speaking world.

On 1 June 2018 a new non-elected government took office and appears to seek to strengthen its international profile. UNHCR Country Office in Spain is an H duty station and is part of the UNHCR Regional Office for Southern Europe (Italy, Cyprus, Portugal, Malta and Spain).  It counts on more than 30 staff members and affiliated workforce and is located in Madrid's business area.  Additionally to the main office in Madrid, there are three small field offices in Malaga and Algeciras (Andalusian coast), and in the enclave in North Africa, Melilla.

Working language at the duty station is Spanish. Given the size of the country and the high level of decentralization, inter-regional missions within the country are frequently needed. Staff members (and their eligible dependents) are accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation to perform their duties in the country.

Spain stands out in terms of quality of life, living experience for foreigners and raising children. It is a modern and welcoming country which counts on excellent infrastructures and transport networks in and out. Madrid is a city that is experiencing constant growth and over time it has developed an increasingly multicultural population.  It offers high living conditions and an average cost of living, rather low compared to other Western European capital cities.

Education is compulsory for children aged between 6 and 16.  The school year runs from mid-September to the end of June with the main holidays in December/January and July/August. Spain¿s public schools have good standards and are free.  There is also a wide range of semi-private, private and international schools.  Among the internationals, most follow the British curriculum, but there are some that follow the American curriculum or the International Baccalaureate.  Due to the limited number of places in the schools, fees are usually high. Spain has a very good public healthcare system that can be used by foreigners who are eligible to have a Spanish social security number.  Medical staff are well-trained and often speak English.  Excellent private care is also available at a price. 

Wages are low for an industrialized countries.  Unemployment is one of the highest in the industrialized world.  Unemployment is highest in Andalucia, Extremadura, Ceuta, and Melilla.  Catalonia and Madrid enjoy the highest employment figures.

The presence of women in the Spanish labour market is below European average even after increases in the 1980s and the 1990s. An average woman earns 72 percent of the average men, and women are underrepresented in the higher status occupations. The United Nations Security Management System in Spain (UNSMS) is comprised of 10 participating Organizations with approximately 700 personnel and dependents.  Spain remains a low risk operating environment for UNSMS activities overall, though the risk to terrorist attack in a public place is assessed to be medium.  Spain remains a peaceful country conducive to UNSMS activities.  The country enjoys peace with its neighbours and no intra or inter-state armed conflict is occurring or is likely in the near future. 

Crime rates are assessed as normal against other major European cities. UNSMS Organizations and personnel enjoy freedom of movement inside Spain and throughout Europe.  With this in mind, the threat of terrorist attack in Spain remains significant. The Host Government threat level is at level 4 (a terrorist attack is very likely) and has been for a number of months.  Information available from several sources indicates that supporters of Al Qaeda and/or ISIS are present, to include active planning and potential attacks by ¿lone wolf¿ sympathizers.  Additional returning foreign fighters are anticipated over the next six to seven months.  The likelihood of an individual being present at the given place and at the given time of an attack remains low. Unfortunately, it remains a real concern. Terrorists in Europe typically attack soft-targets, choosing relatively unprotected and vulnerable locations, where they can cause a larger number of casualties. These may include public events like national holidays, markets, festivals, concerts, national monuments, hospitals, schools, sporting arenas, hotels, cultural centres, movie theatres, cafés, restaurants, places of worship, nightclubs, shopping centres, or and public transportation sites. Tactics may include firearms, explosives, vehicles and/or edge weapons. The DO is the UNWTO Secretary General.

Current general threat level in Spain is set by UNDSS at Level 2 ¿ Minimum. Spain UN Security Management Team is meeting once a year given the relatively stable security situation in the country. Though concerns over terrorism have increased lately, Spain remains a low risk posting for staff and families.

Crime rates are low throughout of Spain. However, crime does happen.  These may include violent and non-violent robberies, smash and grab of items in vehicles, pickpocketing, purse snatching and general theft.  Common locations for these crimes are tourist areas, public transport hubs and the metro/subway systems, especially at night.  Criminals often operate in small teams.  Home burglary is also possible.  Burglars look for items that are valuable yet hard to trace, like jewellery, cash, bikes.

Demonstrations occur regularly in major cities and capitals about a variety of political and economic issues.  Police routinely oversee participants and most demonstrations in Spain are non-violent.  While most demonstrations are pre-arranged with local authorities, some do occur without warning. UN presence
* UN headquarters in Madrid: World Tourism Organization (WTO).
* Other UN organizations present in Madrid: IOM, WFP, ONU-Habitat, FAO.
* Other UN organizations in Spain: UN Logistics Base in Valencia, WHO and UN University in Barcelona.

UN national committees and associations
* UNHCR National Association "España con ACNUR" is headquartered in Madrid and it has offices in other regions.
* UNICEF Spanish Committee is also headquartered in Madrid and counts on a large presence, wide visibility and a range of activities.

Work by spouses and dependent family members : Except in the case of citizens of countries belonging to the European Union, Spanish practice requires the conclusion of International Conventions to regulate access to gainful employment by dependent family members of accredited staff. If there is no prior bilateral Agreement or Convention recognising and establishing the terms and conditions to carry out gainful employment, no type of gainful employment whatsoever may be engaged in.

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

This vacancy is now closed.
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