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Snr Prog Officer

Juba

  • Organization: UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  • Location: Juba
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Project and Programme Management
  • 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.

Senior Programme Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

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

Externally the incumbent acts as adviser or representative of the Organization with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority. Contacts are predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization's programmes (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.
- Prioritized plans are developed taking into account UNHCR's  Global Strategic Priorities (GSPs), regional and country level priorities, resource availability, technical soundness and in compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
- Broad partnerships are developed and maintained with key stakeholders in order to maximize the response to finding solutions of problems affecting the persons of concern.
- 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 and field visits, contribute to 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.
- Develop the country operations plan for overall compliance with global strategic priorities and regional priorities as well as with annual programming/planning instructions.
- Advise the Representative on the gaps and problems in order to decide on resource allocation for operations.
- Manage 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.
- Manage a consultative process to ensure a consistent application of the organization's criteria and policies for the selection of implementing and operational partners.
- Initiate and/or 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.
- Ensure that technical support is provided to achieve UNHCR's strategic priorities.
- Ensure proper collection, use and monitoring of baselines, standards and indicators needed to measure and analyze UNHCR's performance, trends and target interventions.
- Ensure quality programmes by promoting use of UNHCR's corporate tools (e.g. Global Focus, Focus Client) to 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 and monitor audit compliance of the country operations, issuance of audit certificates for Implementing Partners, the audit reports issued by the Office of Internal of Oversight Services (OIOS) and external auditors.
- Ensure and monitor the implementation of IP Risk Management techniques and tools.
- Perform other duties as required.

Authority

- Set and enforce parameters, criteria and deadlines for the design, review and report of operations.
- Clear the submission of the country operations plan (including budgets, staffing levels and structures) as well as of funding submissions, appeals and report.
- Negotiate implementing partner agreements.
- Represent UNHCR in UN and other operations management and programmatic for a.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR's global strategies, protocols and guidelines.
- Approve recommendations and advice on the technical capacity required of UNHCR and its partners.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Business Administration, Social Science, Economics, International Relations or 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.
- 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 Senior 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
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
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking 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>
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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.

 

In addition to the standard competencies for the post, the ideal candidate should be able to do the following:

¿ Provide managerial leadership and oversight for staff under her/his supervision in the program section.
¿ Under the guidance of the Assistant Rep Operations, lead the program unit with focus on timely completion of program tasks.
¿ Provide direct supervision to 4 national and 3 international staff in the unit by ensuring clear and appropriate reporting lines.
¿ Promote strong teamwork and clear communication within program unit and provide timely across-pillars programme and operational information to colleagues in Refugees/IDP units and other sections.
¿ Promote capacity building and empowerment of national program staff, ensure quality program/resource management including monitoring and top notch analysis and reinforce constructive partnership with both project and operational partners.
¿ Undertake overall management and coordination of the South Sudan program activities, including effective resource management and quality program delivery.
¿ Pursue results-based, solutions-oriented program management outcomes, mobilize additional resources, provide guidance and support to Sub and field offices and partners, and timely reorienting programmatic interventions in response to new and evolving operational needs and priorities. ¿ Maintain close cooperation with all Government, Operational and I/NGO partners.
¿ Promote decentralized and multi-functional approach in program delivery.
¿ Lead the process of timely and quality completion/revision of PPAs, follow up of audit recommendations, completion of Year-End Reports, Country Operations Planning, Mid-Year Report and detailed planning exercises.
¿ Enhance program monitoring and management capacity at the Juba level, provide systematic monitoring and analysis of project implementation and timely revision and conclusion of sub-agreements.
¿ Prepare and coordinate program inputs for donor reports, donor appeals and proposal submissions, external documents required by HQs and facilitate regular program briefing to donors.
¿ Whenever designated and necessary, the Senior Program Officer sould be ready to serve as focal point for Refugee Coordination, representing UNHCR in various inter-agency forums including the PMT and carrying out coordination activities in view of implementing the Refugee Coordination Model under the guidance of the Assistant Representative (Operations). UNHCR¿s engagement under the National Dialogue process is mainly via the Sub-Committee on Refugees and International Outreach (NDSCRIO). So far, consultations of the steering committee have been held with refugees in Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Sudan, to ensure their voices and inputs are added to the peace process. The latest meeting between UNHCR and NDSCRIO leadership was held on 27 April 2018, where it was agreed that planning and coordination need to be further improved.


The main areas of concern in South Sudan are armed conflict and crime. The current levels of these risks are HIGH. However, with implementation of identified risk management measures the risks are projected to be reduced to MEDIUM. The current risk level for terrorism and civil unrest is LOW except in areas hosting protection of civilian sites such as Juba, Malakal, Bentiu, Wau and Bor. These projections are expected to remain so in the short and medium barring sudden changes induced by internal/external factors.

The operation in South Sudan is currently responding to an emergency that is high in magnitude. UNHCR has 10 offices (Representation Office Juba, SO Jamjang and Bunj, FO Bor, Malakal, Bentiu, Yambio, Yei, Wau, and field unit in Yida; The security situation in South Sudan as of September 2018, though generally stable remains fragile and fluid in a complex and unpredictable environment. The security situation is characterized by low intensity and localized armed conflict in some areas, high levels of crime across the country, Inter and Intra communal conflict over a diverse range of issues including cattle raids, competition for resources and revenge attacks and regular civil unrest in refugee and IDP operations and host community. These challenges continue directly and indirectly impacted on UNHCR operations.

South Sudan continues to face a humanitarian emergency, with ongoing localized conflict in some parts of the country, economic decline and hyper-inflation and weak rule of law and widespread human rights violations against civilians. The economic difficulties facing the country will most likely remain in the short and medium term with resulting in an increased number of people in need of assistance. Access limitations due to limited infrastructure but also the fluctuating security context will further complicate the delivery of humanitarian assistance in many parts of the country

A political solution to the conflict in South Sudan remains elusive. However, the recent signing of the peace agreement in Addis on 12th September 2018 represents an important milestone for South Sudan after several months of negotiations. There appears to be renewed commitment by both Government and opposition groups to make this latest agreement work. Crime is a significant threat factor and is a major destabilizing factor. The current high crime levels across South Sudan make UN, Agencies Funds and Programmes INGOs and their assets high value targets. Violence against humanitarian workers is a concerning development in South Sudan and reached a new high in 2017, with 28 killed. Nearly half of the 1,159 humanitarian access incidents reported in 2017 by aid agencies involved violence including killing, looting and threats. The trend is "indicative of increasingly difficult times for aid workers in the country.

South Sudan being an integrated mission UNHCR works in close collaboration with UNDSS, UNMISS, other AFPs, INGOs and others in fulfilment of its mandate. UNHCR is represented at the Security Management Team (SMT), Area SMTs, Security cell meetings other meetings in Juba and in Field locations with others participating via tele-conference. The security level in South Sudan is assessed as substantial (security level 4) in all areas.The general security outlook is that ¿ The security situation will likely remain fluid, complex and unpredictable in the short to medium term 
¿ Threats of armed conflict and communal conflict remain intact. The threat and threat actors more or less will remain the same
¿ The current high crime levels across South Sudan make UN/AFPs, INGOs and their assets high value targets and this is not expected to change in the short to medium terms. The deteriorating economic situation is a major driver of crime
¿ Inter and Intra communal conflict to continue over a diverse range of issues including cattle raids, competition for resources and revenge attacks
¿ Civil unrest by refugees, IDPs and Host community will most likely continue over a range of diverse issues The UNHCR operation in South Sudan provides protection and support to refugees, IDPs, and also deals with issues of statelessness. The conflict that broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan People¿s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) in Sudan¿s South Kordofan and Blue Nile States in June and September 2011 led to widespread displacement of civilians, most of whom fled to Upper Nile State (especially Maban County), and Unity State in South Sudan. As a result, UNHCR declared South Sudan a Level 2 Emergency in May 2012 and further scaled up its relief response for 200,000 refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan.

Since 15 December 2013, more than 1.6 million people have been displaced in South Sudan as a result of the civil war between the government and the opposition forces. Civil war in the country has brought massive destruction and loss of life, as well as serious violations of other human rights of local population. While the Level 3 emergency has phased out, the requirements on the ground remain largely unchanged, requiring efforts to simultaneously work through coordination, provision of emergency support, as well as proactive role in search for durable solutions.

The Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) between warring parties was signed in August 2015 and Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) was established in late April 2016. However, conflict erupted in July 2016 in Juba resulting in expulsion of the then First Vice President Riak Machar and spread of conflict - especially in Greater Equatoria. Since then Greater Equatoria has been witnessing an insurgency against the government by different opposition and rebel groups, forcing thousands to flee across the border to Uganda.

Despite the creation of High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) in June 2017 under the auspices of IGAD and the official launch of the President Salva Kiir¿s initiative for a nation-wide dialogue in May 2017, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan remained highly volatile and conflict spread across areas that had previously been relatively stable. The Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) was unable to ensure security and the economy difficulties facing the country remained with the inflation rate tripled in 2017. In addition, On 21 December 2017, HLRF parties signed yet another Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access at the end of the first HLRF phase. It required parties to cease all hostile military actions by 24 December 2017 which has suffered immediate violations in a number of locations. Proliferation of arms across the country and maintenance of the civilian character of asylum in the camps remained a challenge. The third round of the HLRF talks are being held in Addis Ababa in May 2018 and have yet to conclude, and clashes between government and opposition and/or rebel forces continue to be reported (e.g. in Pagak in Upper Nile). Juba is classified as an E, non-family duty station with limited infrastructure and leisure facilities.   All international staff reside at UNHCR provided accommodation.  UN curfew is from 19:00 to 06:00. Mental robustness is needed in a highly stressful environment with tight deadlines and high workload. There are limited medical facilities in Juba. Therefore, staff assigned must be in good health. Candidates with conditions that would require regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.

Living arrangements
In South Sudan operation there are different accommodation arrangements based on the office location within South Sudan. In Juba, the capital city, staff reside within either of two separate compounds that are both relatively close in distance to the office. One of these accommodations is a small hotel leased by UNHCR, located in Tomping area, where staff members have their own separate rooms and bathrooms. Yet, staff share a common area for leisure activities as well as a kitchen. While in the other compound, located near the presidential palace, staff reside within home-type structures or pre-fabricated containers, each having its own bedroom, bathroom, and a small kitchen.
Field offices, on the other hand, have different arrangements for each location. For instance, in some locations, UNHCR compound is comprised of both accommodations and offices, while in other filed offices, UNHCR staff reside within UNMISS compounds. In all UNHCR compounds, regardless of the location, accommodations are equipped with all the necessary furniture including: wardrobes, drawers, bed, bed sheets, flat screen TV, desk, desk chair, large fridge, utensils, pots, pans, and towels. 
All rooms are provided with in-house services including, regular cleaning, personal laundry picked up twice or three times a week, and the option of doing your own laundry is also available in some locations.
In addition, most locations are equipped with a gym, or some sports equipment.
Rent is deducted directly from staff entitlements.
Food and Water
In Juba, all basic foods are available in the market place ranging from meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, in addition to a few restaurants located in town. While in the field, food supply varies depending on the season. In addition, all UNHCR staff have the option of eating at a cafeteria, if they don¿t wish to cook their own food, which serves three meals a day. Water tanks in all UNHCR compounds are treated, yet most staff prefer to drink bottled water or boil their water before drinking.
As a general advice, applicants for the post should be psychologically prepared prior to deployment by staff welfare officer, and during this preparation session staff can learn more details with regards to living and working conditions. ¿ UN Curfew is in force across the country but timing differs from one SRM Area to another.
¿ International personnel must request and receive security clearance for all travel (official and non-official) within and outside South Sudan. National personnel must request and receive security clearance for all official travel within and outside of South Sudan.
¿ International staff on mission must stay in either a UN facility or UN approved commercial lodging for staff members.
¿ UN international personnel intending to stay in approved residences outside UN compounds , prior to signing lease agreement  must arrange a security inspection of the residence by UNDSS ¿ All UN staff must be accommodated in UN  residential compounds
¿ Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environment (SSAFE) must be conducted for UN personnel in areas with HIGH Risk level and above within one month of arriving in the mission
¿ All international staff should be issued with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPEs should always be on-hand for use when required
¿ All national staff are to be issued with radios and PPEs. PPE to be kept in the office and radios at staff residence to prevent staff being targeted by security agencies
¿ All international staff including UNVs and International Contractors working for UNSMS systems organization must be  issued with appropriate radio communication equipment ( VHF /  UHF Handsets)
¿ Some roads in South Sudan are designated as roads requiring Force Protection.  Such designation may change from time to time( A force protection road map is issued regularly)
¿ Majority of movements within South Sudan is by Air as roads are impassable for a number of reasons.

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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