Senior Field Coordinator

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 Field Coordinator

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Senior Field Coordinator is normally supervised by the Head of Sub-Office or Representative or Deputy/Assistant Representative depending on the structure of the Office. S/he may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country/regional programme(s). UNHCR Manual, programme and protection objectives, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Senior Field Coordinator. S/he is expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed to the country/region by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform and institutional developments.

The incumbent normally supervises some professional and support staff. S/he has daily contacts with staff in the various field offices and with the functional units at the Country/Regional Office. S/he also has close liaison with a range of local civilian and military authorities and counterparts in NGOs and UN agencies to discuss matters of common interest.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- UNHCR's operations in the area of responsibility (AoR) are designed to meet the needs of persons of concern.
- An effective monitoring system of the field operations is in place resulting in better service to the persons of concern.
- The protection needs of populations of concern are met through the application of International and National Law, relevant UN/UNHCR protection standards and IASC principles governing humanitarian coordination.
- The AOR has a clear and coherent protection strategy and incorporates a thorough age, gender and diversity (AGD) analysis and reflects the Organization's global, regional and country level priorities.
- The Participation of persons of concern is assured through continuous assessment and evaluation using participatory, rights and community based approaches.
- Protection incidents and gaps in assistance are immediately identified and addressed.

Responsibility

- Coordinate and supervise the field activities in the areas of protection and programme in the AoR.
- Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment and provide advice to the Head of Sub-Office/Representative.
- Maintain relations with local Government Officials at a senior level, as well as with UN agencies, NGOs and other parties operating in the area, in order to promote UNHCR objectives.
- Ensure through direct action and advocacy with senior management that the necessary resources are allocated to address protection and operational gaps.
- Build the capacity of local partners and civil society through training and other initiatives to protect persons of concern.
- Develop and coordinate capacity-building initiatives for communities and persons of concern to assert their rights.
- Ensure through direct action and advocacy with senior management that the necessary resources are allocated to address protection and operational gaps.
- Through a wide network of external contacts and through studying field reports, regularly analyse the operational context, early warning signs and the protection situation of returnees/refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR.
- Prepare analytic papers and formulate recommendations for action for the Office.
- Liaise with local Government authorities and operational partners on issues relating to the protection and assistance of returnees/refugees and other persons of concern. 
- Supervise and monitor the implementation of UNHCR projects; provide protection for persons of concern to UNHCR by ensuring the observance by the local authorities of the recognized principles of refugee, humanitarian and Human Rights law.  Intervene promptly with the authorities in the event of any action or measure detrimental to returnees/refugees and other persons of concern if/when necessary.
- Maintain close contact with UNHCR Field Offices that may have been established on both sides of the border.
- Undertake other relevant duties as required.

Authority

- Represent UNHCR in the Field. 
- Negotiate with local authority counterparts, partners and populations of concern.
- Enforce compliance with, and integrity of, all protection and assistance standard operating procedures.
- Approve expenditures within the DOAP.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Law, Political Sciences or related fields 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.
- Field experience
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Computer skills.
- Knowledge of refugee law.
- Good knowledge of UNHCR's programmes.
- UNHCR Protection Learning Programme.
- UNHCR Operations Management Learning Programme.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Senior Field Coordinator 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

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.

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.

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