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.

Programme Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

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

External contacts are predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization's programme (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.
- 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 within the country and field visits, assist in 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.
- Assist in developing the country operations plan in compliance with global strategic priorities and regional priorities as well as with annual programming/planning instructions.
- Assist in managing 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.
- Assist in the process to ensure a consistent application of the organization's criteria and policies for the selection of implementing and operational partners.
- 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.
- Undertake proper collection, use and monitoring of baselines, standards and indicators needed to measure and analyze UNHCR's performance, trends and target interventions.
- Undertake field visits to evaluate and improve the planning, programming, implementation and monitoring of assistance projects.
- Implement the establishment of sound monitoring processes, review final reports and on progress in order to advise on any corrective actions required or the need for additional resources to reach planned target levels.
- Apply UNHCR's corporate tools (e.g. Global Focus, Focus Client) to record data and 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 compliance in issuance of audit certificates for Implementing Partners.
- Monitor the implementation of IP Risk Management techniques and tools.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Authority

- Provide inputs for the country operations plan (including budgets, staffing levels and structures) as well as prepare funding submissions, appeals and reports;
- Negotiate implementing partner agreements;
- Represent UNHCR in UN fora dealing with operations management and programmatic issues;
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR's global strategies, protocols and guidelines;


ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Economics, Business Administration, Social Science or related field plus minimum 6 years of previous job 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.
- 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 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
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness 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>
========================================================================================================
See below for this postion's Operational Context
======================================================================================================== The Programme Officer will be supervised by the Head of Sub-Office and will assist in the development of programme strategies, operational priorities, monitoring IPs activities, meeting with partners, supporting finalization of contingency plans that respond to new and emerging operational challenges for the AoR, assist in developing the country operations plan in compliance with global strategic priorities and regional priorities as well as with annual programming/planning instructions and strategic objectives.

The incumbent of this position must have experience in programme management, and knowledge of UNHCR programme management tools (MSRP, Focus, etc.) and be able to support in consolidating data and entering the relevant data into the systems as appropriate, as well as acting as a support to offices to maintain reviews of resource allocations and expenditures. Advanced English skills are essential for this position. As all meetings and activities with all stakeholders are undertaken in Spanish, fluency in Spanish is essential as well.

The incumbent should maintain good attitude to work in multicultural groups. Capacity to build and maintain strategic alliances with stakeholders, UN organizations and NGOs is important. The incumbent may oversee some national staff so demonstrated experience/skills in management are an asset.

Fluency in Spanish (which is the official language in Colombia) is essential. Excellent knowledge of English is important due to regular reporting requirements. Under the supervision of the Head of Sub-Office, SO Cucuta (Norte de Santander) is responsible for UNHCR activities in the Departments of Norte de Santander, La Guajira and Arauca on the border with Venezuela, as well as some targeted areas of Valledupar, Vichada and Santander Departments in. The SO supervises the FO Arauca and the FO Riohacha.

A total of 22,000 persons were displaced due to armed conflicts since January 2018 in Catatumbo, Norte de Santander Department, including Venezuelans.

The use of landmines, assassinations of community leaders, kidnappings, forced recruitment; looting, illegal detention, extortion, and restrictions of movement cause displacement, either from rural areas to other cities, or intra urban displacement. The increase of military operations and the eradication of illicit crops also exacerbate the impact on the civilian population and caused displacement. The people flee either in continuous flows, or in massive displacements. State measures to prevent displacement, rely mainly on early warning systems and military operations, but these do not address the causes that are inducing displacement. Norte de Santander Department is the most important entry point for Venezuelan refugees and migrants, with an average of 100,000 persons with intention to stay entering every month. Around 60% of them were compelled to leave their country and are in need of international protection. More than 11% (106,660) of Venezuelans in Colombia live in Norte de Santander, increasingly, Venezuelans are arriving in highly vulnerable conditions which require immediate assistance in term of access to food, health, shelter, education and regularization of their migratory status. In addition, official sources estimate that over 300,000 Colombians who had been living in Venezuela have returned since 2017.  The situation has been changing dramatically; however, operation lacked the capacity to response it effectively. Therefore, the mission was required to strengthen operational capacity of the protection unit. The Sub-Office in Cúcuta covers the entire Venezuelan border including FO Arauca and ¿ as of January 2018 ¿ FO Riohacha. Being the focus of the response, the area of operation of the Sub-Office has seen an increase of 246% of its OPS budget since mid-2017 (from USD 735,818 in mid-2017 to USD 2,547,022 in October 2018), and urgently requires additional support to reinforce the existing staffing structure, which includes 1 G5 Senior Programme Assistant and 1 UNOPS Programme Assistant in Cúcuta, 1 G4 Admin/Programme Assistant and 1 UNOPS Programme Assistant in Arauca, and 1 UNOPS Programme Assistant in Riohacha. All of the Programme staff in the three border offices have been in their respective positions for less than one year. In 2019, the UNHCR Colombia OP for the Venezuela Situation response will be more than three times as high as in 2018, further underlining the urgent need to provide additional programming capacity for the Sub-Office. Since 2015, over 1.5 million Venezuelans have fled the rapidly deteriorating situation of political instability, generalized violence, hyperinflation and lack of access to basic goods and services. Over 100,000 Venezuelans arrive in Colombia per month, of which about half stay in Colombia while the other half move on to other countries in the region.  Norte de Santander Department is the most important entry point for Venezuelan refugees and migrants, with an average of 100,000 persons with intention to stay entering every month. Around 60% of them were compelled to leave their country and are in need of international protection. More than 11% (106,660) of Venezuelans in Colombia live in Norte de Santander, increasingly, Venezuelans are arriving in highly vulnerable conditions which require immediate assistance in term of access to food, health, shelter, education and regularization of their migratory status. In addition, official sources estimate that over 300,000 Colombians who had been living in Venezuela have returned since 2017.  The situation has been changing dramatically; however, operation lacked the capacity to response it effectively. Therefore, the mission was required to strengthen operational capacity of the protection unit. On 12 April, a Level 2 emergency for UNHCR¿s response to the Venezuela Situation in Colombia was activated. Ongoing political and socio-economic developments in Venezuela have led to the outflow of over 1.5 million Venezuelans into neighboring countries and beyond. The rate of arrival in Colombia has been above 100,000 a month for most of 2018, of whom about 60% move on to other countries and 40% stay in Colombia. There are more than 935,000 Venezuelans known to be staying in Colombia as of September 2018, compared to 300,000 in mid-2017. With the Government¿s decision to provide all registered Venezuelans ¿ irrespective of whether or not they have stamped passports ¿ access to the Special Stay Permit (PEP), more than 600,000 Venezuelans are likely to have a regular form of stay in Colombia by December, which will give them access to public services and the labour market for 2 years. This poses significant opportunities but also great challenges in  terms of labour and social integration, prevention of xenophobia, and the absorption capacity of host communities and basic services.

In order to give an appropriate protection response to the increasing influx of Venezuelans, Colombia¿s initial OL for the Venezuela Situation has already been increased five times since January 2018, from USD 1,391,403 to USD 9,125,813. Due to the successive increases of the OL, the operation has faced challenges in implementation and as of 24 October 2018, the OPS implementation rate was at 51.4 % for the Venezuela Situation budget. Cucuta is an A category duty station and is the capital of the Norte de Santander department and the sixth city in Colombia with approx. 800,000 inhabitants. The access to accommodation, supply and transport facilities is of relatively good level.

Both international and national banks have offices in Cucuta, and ATMs can be found all around the city.

Cucuta is hot, but dry. The average temperature is 28 °C, and can reach 38 degrees. An almost constant breeze and plenty of threes providing shadows makes the impact of the hot weather less challenging. 

Good health facilities; staff can be medically evacuated to Cucuta. 

Cucuta offers a good amount of leisure and cultural activities such as sports facilities, parks, cinemas and decent restaurants.

Access to international schools. It has a great variety of shops and shopping malls. Common crime and isolated attacks by irregular armed groups continue to affect some regions in the country. The demobilization of the major guerrilla group might actually in the medium term lead to a more unstable security situation due to other group¿s interest in taking control of former FARC controlled areas.

Staff must ensure to count with functioning communication means with the COS and keep abreast of the security situation in the city 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).