Senior Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) 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 CBI Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Whilst UNHCR¿s use of Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) has gradually expanded in both scope and scale, systematising their use across all operations requires sustained multi-year planning and resources, management¿s ownership of the process and a fundamental transformation in the way UNHCR plans and delivers assistance and services. Building on its experience to date, UNHCR adopted its CBI institutionalisation strategy 2016-2020, which sets out to achieve the institutionalisation of CBI over a five-year period.

Since 25 August 2017, over 500,000 Rohingya have fled into Bangladesh from Rakhine state in Myanmar. For years, UNHCR has had presence in the 2 main camps neighbouring Cox¿s Bazar ¿ Nayapara and Kutapalong ¿ housing some 33,500 individuals. With recent influx, the existing camps have expended with numerous spontaneous settlements appearing in the surrounding areas.

UNHCR would like to explore the option of provision of cash to individuals residing in the camps and spontaneous settlements as well as host communities. While financial services are currently not available in the markets accessed by refugees, we are exploring which options for delivery of cash could be possible. In the short-term, UNHCR is seeking to implement Cash in support to its Shelter, WASH and Nutrition programs. The cash programs currently under consideration are linked to the initial phase of emergency. The Senior CBI Officer is also expected to explore / lay the foundations for other areas where cash may be appropriate, including multi-purpose cash.  The incumbent will also support the set-up of cash based support for host communities, in support to UNHCR programmes for peaceful coexistence and other similar interventions outside camps locations.

The Senior CBI Officer will set up UNHCR CBI programmes in Cox¿s Bazaar. S/he will work together with the country team and sectoral experts to design, set up and implement of CBI across sectors. The Snr CBI Officer will also actively participate and represent UNHCR in cash coordination, and will build capacity within the Country Team and help the Office with the establishment of CBI capabilities and infrastructure

S/he will set up the Cash Task Team/Multi-Functional Team (led by the management and composed of programme, protection, finance, supply, data management officers) and work closely with the management to ensure their engagement of in the entire process. If so requested by senior management, s/he will link with the relevant line authorities, inclusive but not limited to the Refugee Relief and Repatriations Commissioner (RRRC) / other as applicable. S/he will report to the Head of Office in Cox¿s Bazar, while working closely with the Programme Unit. The Senior CBI Officer will be based in Cox¿s Bazaar and undertake missions as required.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- A multi-year cash based intervention strategy for Bangladesh is developed.
- A clear vision for UNHCR¿s CBI in Bangladesh (cash for basic needs / cash for education/ cash for protection outcomes) is formulated.
- The roll-out of CBI institutionalization strategy is promoted, and internal communication is established and maintained to ensure reach within the CBI section.
- Technical support and guidance on all aspects related to CBIs, incl. assessments, planning and budgeting, technical choices, legal and regulatory aspects, implementation modalities and coordination is provided.

Responsibility
- Develop and expand multiple new small-scale programmes, which will serve to test partners, modalities and delivery mechanisms.
- Develop and lead a coordinated and harmonized approach with all UN agencies and National and International NGOs vis a vis cash interventions.
- Assist in planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating cash-based interventions (CBIs) for persons of concern.
- Promote capacity-building of UNHCR personnel and partners, and in advocacy, information and communication on cash and voucher-related issues, supporting inclusion into UNHCR-led CBI learning programmes / other capacity building initiatives as applicable.
- Review and provide technical inputs on reports and programme proposals.
- Assist in negotiating UNHCR partners and financial service provider agreements.
- Assist in defining and promoting an integrated vision of providing assistance which incorporates in-kind and cash and/or voucher modalities to meet UNHCR objectives.
- Facilitate capacity building and training of programme, protection, ICT, finance/admin, supply/procurement personnel on various aspects of CBIs.
- Help to sustain and expand a network of strategic and operational partners (incl. UN agencies, INGOs, research institutions, private entities) to ensure complementarity and efficiency and share lessons learned.
- Advocate with government, donors, etc. on all issues relating to CBIs and contribute to UNHCR's resource mobilization efforts.
- Participate and represent UNHCR at coordination meetings and Cash Working Groups and share information of UNHCR¿s programmes.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of a practicable strategy to institutionalize and scale up the use of CBIs in UNHCR operation.
- Support the development and dissemination of policies, operational guidance, instructions, tools and analytical frameworks aimed at ensuring the technical integrity of cash-based programmes.
- Advocate for adequate resourcing of CBIs, including the deployment of qualified technical specialist staff.
- Liaise with technical sectors (education, livelihoods, protection, programme, etc.) to integrate CBIs into existing approaches, tools and strategies.
- Develop and maintain technical partnership and networks.
- Undertake any other responsibilities or functions required.

Authority
- Provide technical support and guidance on overall strategy, design, implementation and reporting on CBIs in the Country.
- Represent UNHCR's position of cash intervention in the various working groups and with the government and UNHCR partners and other UN, donor, international agencies.
- Make judgments on the quality of project proposals coming from UNHCR partners, on the quality of candidates screened for deployments and on the quality of material/outputs submitted by staff and consultants supervised.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR¿s global strategies, protocols and guidelines.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Economics, Social Sciences, Political Science or other relevant field plus minimum 8 years of previous work experience relevant to the function including field experience, and a minimum of 4 years of international experience in CBIs with a UN Agency and/or an INGO. 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 cash-based interventions in displacement settings and humanitarian situations.
- Demonstrated experience in technical development, field support, and training/capacity building related to CBIs.
- Knowledge of UNHCR programmes.
- Previous experience in international networking, preferably related to CBIs (incl. external partnerships, high level meetings and networks).
- Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Work experience in sectoral cash-based interventions (shelter, health, nutrition, food security, WASH, livelihoods, education etc.).
- Previous work experience with UNHCR.
- Prior work experience in the region and expertise in CBI and social safety nets are a plus.
- Inter-agency coordination experiences. 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
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing 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.

The Senior Cash Based Interventions Officer will manage the current CBI  programmes in Cox¿s Bazaar. S/he will work together with the Cash Task Team/Multi-Functional, and sectorial experts to design, set up and implement of CBI across sectors, leading CBI internal coordination meetings. S/He will also actively participate and represent UNHCR in the cash working group, other relevant working groups and will make special effort to participate in coordination task forces, workshops and trainings related to CBI. Following militant attacks against security posts on 25 August 2017, Myanmar launched a brutal crackdown on Rohingya residents of Rakhine State, triggering the largest, swiftest refugee exodus in the region in decades, with over 720,000 fleeing across the border. A level 3 emergency remains in effect.

Prior to the current emergency, an estimated 300,000 Rohingya refugees were present in Cox¿s Bazar. Today, over 900,000 have sought safety in official and makeshift camps. Of those, 620,000 live in the congested Kutupalong mega camp, the largest in the world with high risks of flooding and landslides. In response, UNHCR is implementing large-scale disaster risk reduction projects and the relocation of at-risk persons, while transitioning to mid-term site planning and development. Concurrently, UNHCR is addressing strains on host communities through investments in livelihoods and infrastructure.

The Rohingya are diverse and resilient, but with acute protection needs. Restricted movement and scarcity of available land in Bangladesh results in overcrowded sites with a range of risks. Protection and gender mainstreaming are thus key, with focus on community-based empowerment and resilience. Targeted interventions are needed to address widespread trauma, legal and physical needs, GBV, and child protection.

The operation requires strong interagency coordination in a complex, politically charged environment. UNHCR is uniquely situated in Bangladesh, where the government has given IOM a lead role within a coordination structure distinct from a traditional Refugee Coordination Model. UNHCR works closely with local officials and the RRRC in Cox¿s Bazar, but Dhaka-level ministries and taskforces exert strong influence. Additionally, UNHCR manages engagement of nearly 100 international and national NGOs, a division of the Bangladesh military, and several battalions of border guards. The Office also spends considerable time on representational, external relations, and PI work. Cox¿s Bazar is a category ¿D,¿ family duty station with a 2-year of SAL.  Educational facilities are limited, and international schools from primary to secondary school are currently only available in Dhaka. Health services are limited, but better medical services are available in Dhaka/Bangkok. Malaria and dengue risks exist throughout the year.  Vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis and diphtheria are required.

Cox¿s Bazar is the principle tourist destination in Bangladesh, with the longest beach in the world stretching over 120km to the tip of the peninsula, with dramatic scenery and a number of high quality hotels and restaurants. Leisure and recreational facilities generally focus on beach activities (surfing, jet ski, etc.) and hotel-based activities (swimming pools, gyms, restaurant, and bars). Infrastructure and shopping options in Cox's Bazar -- a small city of just 250,000 persons -- are relatively limited, however.

Cox¿s Bazar is a comfortable duty station, but the workload in the L3 emergency setting is heavy, with staff regularly working long hours and often under stressful conditions.  The R&R cycle is every 8 weeks. There are domestic flights available from/to Dhaka on a daily basis during daylight hours. Banks/ATM machines are available in Cox's Bazar and credit/debit cards are accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged easily in banks and exchange houses. UNHCR staff members who upon assignment to Bangladesh opt not to install their family (i.e. recognized dependents) in Cox¿s Bazar may be compensated for maintaining two households through a `living allowance¿.  For more details, please refer to the Administrative Instruction on Exceptional Administrative Measures for the Bangladesh Emergency operation UNHCR/AI/2017/10.¿ The security level system in Bangladesh is level 3 moderate.  Although security is generally acceptable, given the current situation in the area, no movement on highways at night is allowed.  Walking and jogging on the streets as earmarked is permitted.  Staff members may avail rickshaws and taxis within Cox¿s Bazaar city only.  Crowded local markets should be avoided.

Please note that the closing date for vancancies in the Addendum 2 is Sunday 16 December 2018 (midnight Geneva time)