Senior 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.

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.

Apart from excellent functional competencies, the incumbent for this position is also expected to possess proven managerial skills and competencies with an emphasis on leadership and planning. S/he must have clearly demonstrated competencies in managing processes and performance of a large and diverse workforce. Performance orientation, initiative and maturity are equally crucial to keep the workforce together and to yield the best results in the operation. Previous experience in different UNHCR programmes and field operations is essential in taking sound decisions on complex UNHCR programming. Knowledge and ability to provide support to cluster coordination and cluster budgeting is an asset. Great sense of initiative and leadership as well as team building skills are required for this position. Proven record of interpersonal skills and team spirit are paramount to the nature of this culture and the staff of UNHCR Syria. S/he should be able to work effectively with people from all backgrounds and be comfortable in working with a large workforce that respects and appreciates leadership. Political sensitivity, effective resource management skills, performance orientation, pro-activeness and maturity are crucial for effective management of the workforce and ensuring the best results in the operation.

Political awareness is of essence since the incumbent will have regular contacts with other UN agencies, NGOs and government counterparts According to the 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan(HRP), the UN estimates that 13 million people in Syria are in urgent need of protection services and humanitarian assistance, including 2.98 million people in hard-to-reach areas. A total of 6 million people are displaced within Syria, while 5.3 million have fled to neighboring countries and further afield.

UNHCR¿s response for IDPs in Syria is structured around its lead agency responsibilities in the Protection, Shelter and NFI sectors and is delivered within the overall framework of the HRP. UNHCR also protects and assists more than 49,081 refugees and asylum-seekers residing in Syria. The context and unprecedented scale of the operation pose particular operational challenges for UNHCR. In 2017, the total Operating Level (OL) of Syria Operation reached over USD 164 million, while in 2018 the OL currently stands at approximately USD 145 million.

The operation in Syria is a complex political, security and operational environment, placing enormous pressure on staff. The position of Senior Programme Officer, P4, in Damascus is a key post and demands extensive and proven programme skills and experience in diverse circumstances and operations, both large and small, including in emergencies. It is certainly not a place for anybody without solid programme experience, technical knowledge of MSRP and FOCUS, excellent drafting skills, networking capacities and the right communication skills with sensitive partners and counterparts. It is also not a place for those who only worked in camp-based operations and programmes without any experience in urban settings or exposure to refugee and IDP large-scale programmes. Working under the supervision of the Assistant Representative (Programme), P5, the incumbent of the position is responsible for:

- Providing strategic analysis and advice on all issues pertaining to programme management and management of operational budgets to senior management;
- Managing the operational budget and ensuring it is implemented efficiently and effectively, with high implementation rates;
- Establishing and maintaining sound financial control mechanisms, ensuring compliance with UNHCR and UN rules and procedures;
- Negotiating Project Partnership Agreements (PPAs) and their revisions with some 25-30 implementing partners, including local and international NGOs and relevant government ministries;
- Providing leadership, guidance and supervision to the Programme and Cash Units colleagues, consisting of 3 international staff and 14 - 16 national staff;
- Providing close monitoring and oversight of the cash assistance programme;
- Managing day-to-day programme activities related to each aspect of the programme cycle and following up with relevant functional units, including Protection, Operations, Supply, Project Control, External Relations, as well as field offices, on all issues related to implementing projects; 
- Providing programmatic support and guidance to the functional units and helping them to articulate the programmatic aspects of their involvement with IDPs and refugees;
- Leading the development of the COP/prioritized plan and providing programmatic support to the office and the sector coordinators in the production of the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP);
- Providing programme training to other units, field offices and partners;
- Representing UNHCR in inter-agency fora, including in the Programme Management Team (PMT). The present security situation in Syria also creates pressures at work and in daily life as priorities are frequently upended for other urgent ad hoc tasks. The incumbent should be prepared to work under such conditions and be able to manage stressful situations.

Syria is officially a non-family duty station with a four-week R&R cycle and the security situation remains volatile.

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