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Head of Field Office

Barranquilla

  • Organization: UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  • Location: Barranquilla
  • Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Protection Officer (Refugee)
    • 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.

Head of Field Office

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Head of a UNHCR Field Office (HoFO) is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent carries the full delegated authority of the UNHCR Representative (or the country Manager or Head of Sub-Office) of the country, who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position, on the other hand, provides all information on developments in relation to the protection (legal protection issues relating to the persons of concern to UNHCR), security (Physical security in relation to the UNCR staff and the persons of concern to UNHCR) and operational matters (programme and office management / administration) within the domain of its geographical area of responsibility to the UNHCR Representative (or the country manager) on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), Representative will direct and guide the Head of Field Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoFO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.

While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Office will always remain the same despite its grade level, the other parameters (therefore the depth and breadth of the competencies) such as the size of the population of concern to UNHCR, their specific legal/security concerns, volume of assistance, Number of operational / Implementing partners and the size of the Office (i.e. number of UNHCR staff and their grade levels) will determine the appropriate grade level. The operational autonomy also depends upon the same parameters/competencies.

As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, he/she is required to liaise with all the relevant senior government officials, security organs in the area, the Head of various Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and internationals based in the area), Civilian/tribal leaders/elders, local opinion makers and the local media net-work to ensure his/her assigned responsibilities are effectively and efficiently discharged.

As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissioner's operations, he/she remain as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their conventional responsibilities in favour of refugees and others of concern to UNHCR.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- The Convention concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, IDPs, refugees, returnees and the stateless, where applicable, is disseminated to the local authorities.
- UNHCR policies and standards are applied consistently in the AOR to ensure quality protection of populations of concern.
- A healthy, safe and respectful working environment is provided to the workforce in the AOR.

Responsibility

- Monitor and report on the implementation of refugee conventional responsibilities and international obligations of the local authorities Vis a Vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on local situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR  standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs, where applicable; Advocate, promote and encourage the concerned authorities and local opinion makers to uphold established UNHCR standards that have become the international norms.
- Ensure that the basic needs of the concerned population are properly assessed with the participation of the beneficiaries themselves, the host governments and/or the competent Implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself.
- Subject to the needs, ensure that the planning, formulation and budgeting of identified assistance projects are done as per UNHCR programme cycle; upon approval of assistance project, ensure the timely implementation and rigorous monitoring  of identified assistance activities
- Ensure through the subordinate staff that all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) are met on a regular basis.
- Manage all UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
- Ensure that all security measures of UNHCR office (and residential, where ever applicable) compounds are always up to date; any security breaches and/or potential security threat should be reported immediately to competent UN security coordinator in the country.
- Ensure that staff welfare, both in terms of working and living conditions, are maintained at a satisfactory level within the constraints in the operational area; this requires remaining current in health and medical facilities locally available and evacuation options available in a moment of medical urgency.
- Guide, coach and advocate the subordinate staff to maintain highest standards of conduct and behaviour thorough one's own practice and deeds.
- Prepare and submit regular reports, both verbally and written, to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO. In the event of substantial telephone conversation that leads to specific action or non-action, it should be recorded and share with the other party.
- Any other responsibilities/functions deemed necessary or as delegated by the UNHCR Representative of the country in order to meet the level of the services in the organization.


Authority

- Represent UNHCR in inter-agency fora and with local authorities in the AOR.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR's global protection, programme, finance, human resources and security policies and standards.
- Submit project proposals for assistance to refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR Representation or Sub-Office in coordination with local authorities and NGOs.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Management/Personnel Administration or Law or Political Science or International Relation or Economics or a related field plus minimum at least 6 years of relevant work experience relevant to the function. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) plus 5 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 4 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- In-depth knowledge in all aspects of UNHCR mandate and its Field level application.
- Applied knowledge of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration.
- Should be conversant in the current priorities in the organisation and existing mechanisms within the organisation to implement those priorities.
- Basic computer skills and working knowledge in MS Office software.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Working experience both in UNHCR HQ and/or a Regional Office and the Field
- UNHCR Specific learning/training activities ( i.e. Learning Programme in Management & Operations)
- Proficiency of the language(s) that are used within the Sub Office area.
-Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Head of Field Office (P3) 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
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness 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
======================================================================================================== The Head of Field Office will be supervised by the Representative. Given the level of the position and as the most senior UNHCR staff member within the AoR, the incumbent should possess strong interpersonal, leadership, liaison and managerial skills.  Knowledge of the region and operational context in Colombia is an asset.

Solid experience in a broad range of protection issues, including protection monitoring and humanitarian coordination (including but not limited to Protection Cluster coordination). Experience in UNHCR operations, especially field and protection, including in an emergency context is highly desirable.

Adaptability, flexibility and good communication skills including excellent verbal and written proficiencies in English and Spanish (which is the official language in Colombia) are essential.

Knowledge of international protection and mixed migration issues, cross-border displacement and durable solutions.

Demonstrated high level of diplomacy and negotiation skills to navigate complex inter-agency context in Colombia.

Knowledge of UNHCR and inter-agency policies, standards, programmes and humanitarian operations in a variety of geographical locations and operational contexts.

Previous field experience with internal and cross-border displacement as well as processes for local reintegration in a complex political environment.

Ability to establish good relations with local, national and international media/press to ensure greater visibility to IDP populations.

Fluency in Spanish (which is the official language in Colombia) is essential. Excellent knowledge of English is important due to regular reporting requirements. UNHCR Colombia, which traditionally was an IDP focused operation, is shifting to a mixed operation addressing new IDP situations despite the ongoing peace process, and increasing arrival of Venezuelans and Colombian returnees.

The Barranquilla office is covering the Atlantic Coast region in northern Colombia, including the cities of Cartagena (Bolivar) and Santa Marta (Magdalena). During the last year more than 200,000 Venezuelans and returnees have arrived in this region requiring UNHCR and other agencies to step its humanitarian response.

UNHCR Colombia is one of the countries piloting the Multi-Year Multi-Partner Protection and Solutions Strategy. UNHCR Colombia¿s operational vision for the next three years (2018-2020) is that with the support of UNHCR, civil society, communities and other actors, the Colombian State ensures that people of concern to UNHCR live increasingly safe and secure lives in their communities and progressively attain durable solutions, including access to rights (economic and social integration and truth, reparation, and justice), applying a community-based protection and AGD sensitive approach.

After 50 years of conflict, the Government of Colombia and the FARC reached a peace agreement and prepared a pathway to an end to the conflict which has resulted in more than 7 million IDPs representing 88% of the more than 8 million victims of the conflict (Government figures). It is under this operational context that the Colombian government, donor countries and the UN are working on a post-conflict agenda. This includes an increased emphasis on finding durable solutions for displaced populations within and outside Colombia. One of UNHCR¿s main challenges is to work with the government and UN (development) agencies on comprehensive solutions while maintaining a focus on and providing visibility of the impact of the continuous violence generated by illegal armed groups and ongoing forced displacement in various regions of the country.

Colombia is becoming a country of transit and destination for asylum-seekers, refugees, and migrants. According to Colombia¿s Migration authorities, there were over 550,000 Venezuelans remaining in Colombia at the end of 2017. It is expected that the number of new arrivals will continue, including those in need of international protection. There are also increasing number of Colombian returnees and mixed families among the outflows from Venezuela.

The main protection risks facing the vulnerable Venezuelans include: lack of documentation, risk of refoulement, lack of access to health and education, SGBV, trafficking, forced recruitment, and xenophobia. UNHCR supports the Government¿s efforts to enhance its asylum system and respond to the humanitarian and protection needs of Venezuelans. At national level, UNHCR co-leads (together with IOM) the Inter-Agency Border Group on Mixed Flows (GIFMM) to coordinate humanitarian actors¿ support to the situation. There is no robust registration system in place to address the increasing number of Venezuelan arrivals, ensure effective individual case management, and referral pathways to service providers. In Barranquilla, the HoFO will need to manage the inter-agency response to the arrival of Venezuelans and returnees. The office will be shared with IOM, UNICEF, UN Women, WFP and UN Human Rights.

UNHCR, together with IOM, supports the nation-wide government-led registration exercise started on 6 April 2018 through technical, material, and human resources contribution.

UNHCR Colombia has a Branch Office in Bogota, which oversees three Sub Offices in Cucuta, Medellin, and Pasto and a Field Office in Barranquilla. Each Sub Office oversees two field offices: SO Cucuta oversees FO Arauca and FO Riohacha; SO Medellin oversees FO Quibdo and FO Apartado; SO Pasto oversees FO Buenaventura and FO Mocoa.

UNHCR office in Barranquilla will report directly to Bogota. Colombia is a large country (1,141,748 km2); its population rises to 47,000,000 citizens.

Located in the northeast vertex in the Atlantic department, near of the shore of the Magdalena river, at 7,5 kilometers of their mouth in the Caribbean Sea.

Barranquilla is located at latitude 10º 59' 16" at the north of the Equatorial line, and a longitude of 74º 47' 20" at the Greenwich occident.

This place has 154 km2 of total extension with 1.218 million of citizens.

The weather is warm and damp. The medium temperature in Barranquilla is 27.4 °C.

That is a prefer place of the tourists for their beaches, enjoyable culture, carnivals, museums, historical squares, architectural beauty and different ecosystems than make this city like a cultural treasure to Colombia.

Barranquilla had one of the first ports in Colombia, for that reason is an important economic focus. The Colombian Military Forces have gained control of urban areas and main connection routes, improving general security conditions through the country and forcing illegal armed groups inland, however armed confrontations continue in some areas.

Safety and security issues continue to be a concern. Though the situation improved significantly in recent years, common crime and isolated attacks by illegal armed groups continue to affect important cities.

Staff must ensure to count with functioning communication means with the UN Security and keep abreast of the security situation in the capital or any travel inland through the normal channels of communication.

All official missions are to be conducted with full compliance to MOSS requirements, considering destination, transportation selected and activities carried out.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in this Flash Vacancy is Tuesday 18 December 2018 (midnight Geneva time).

This vacancy is now closed.
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