Programme/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.

Programme/CBI Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The incumbent reports to the Head of Office and receives functional guidance from the Senior Programme Officer in the Sub Office and the CBI Officer in the Regional Representation. The incumbent will supervise both national and local staff as well as international volunteers. S/he will be supervised by the Head of Office in Baraka and receive functional supervision from the Senior Programme Officer in Goma. 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, UNHCR Policy and Operational Guidelines on CBIs, and Administrative Instruction on the Financial Procedures for CBIs 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.

Under the supervision of the Head of Office, he/she will be responsible for the development and implementation of the operational plan for the area of responsibility (AoR) of FO Baraka and will be responsible for ensuring that the operational budget is correctly apportioned and used efficiently, both by partners and under direct implementation. There are some 40,000 Burundian refugees in the area of operation, mostly in two camps/sites; as well as a large number of internally displaced persons. The office works with a number of implementation partners (eight in 2018) and is seeking to engage broadly with a wide range of operational partners, including development partners with appropriate. The incumbent will form a large network of partners and will advise the head of office on the possibility to forge new and innovative partnerships.

The Area of Operation is volatile, with difficult security conditions. In this context, the incumbent will prioritize risk management and advise the Head of Office on risk mitigation in the planning and implementation phase. S/he will ensure that an effective monitoring system is in place and work in close coordination with project control colleagues. S/he will ensure that reporting requirements are met. S/he will need to be able to communicate clearly with all units not only in Baraka but in two field units in South Kivu Bukavu and Uvira.

In coordination with the CBI Regional Officer in Kinshasa, he/she will be responsible for the implementation and updating of the strategy for cash-based response for refugees and IDPs in the FO Baraka AoR. He/she will ensure that cash and vouchers are routinely and systematically considered as a response option in both emergency and protracted situations within the AoR, are complementary of other types of assistance and are planned, implemented and monitored in line with best practice and organizational guidance. The incumbent plays a role in programme coordination, planning, monitoring and evaluation as well as ensuring capacity-building of UNHCR personnel and partners, and advocacy, information and communication on cash and voucher-related issues.

S/he will provide policy and guidance on CBIs, develop or update CBI Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), supervise and coordinate Cash feasibility assessment, Post Distribution Monitoring and Market Monitoring, and learning and experience sharing exercises. S/he will coordinate approaches and strengthen/develop strategic partnerships with other country/regional UN agencies including WFP, NGOs as well as financial service providers involved in CBIs.

The incumbent holds a professional position responsible for provision of technical support and advice as well as advice on strategic planning and policy making on activities within the area of CBIs as an integral part of UNHCR programmes.

External contacts are predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization's programme (e.g. partners receiving funds from UNHCR, financial partners involved in the delivery of cash such as Vodacash, counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments, Cash Working Groups, PoCs).

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- The needs of persons of concern (PoCs) 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 submitting inputs for project funding submissions and appeals and for reports.
- In coordination with the Head of Office and CBI officers in Goma and Kinshasa Regional CBI Officer in Kinshasa and in collaboration with the country teams and building on on-going programmes and country experience, a cash-based response for refugees and other PoCs is developed, updated and implemented.
- CBIs are consistently considered as a response option across the AoR, when CBIs are feasible, appropriate, technically-sound, cost-effective, innovative, sustainable and complimentary to other forms of assistance. Where applicable, this is done in close partnership with WFP and/or other partners.
- CBIs are designed and implemented according to UNHCR guidelines and good practice established, with the overall objective of contributing to the well-being of beneficiaries.
- Technical advice is provided to UNHCR and partner organisations on the implementation of the cash-based response for shelter, non-food, food items and other essential needs.
- A coherent operational plan is developed concentrating on the systems of targeting, delivery and monitoring of the cash-based assistance.
- An exit strategy from cash-based intervention and other forms of assistance geared towards achieving self-reliance is developed.

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 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.
- Implement and update of the strategy for cash-based response for refugees and other PoC in the AoR. This strategy is based on an updated understanding of the cost of living and the impact of the on-going cash-based interventions in country.
- Support the development and strengthening of cash-based approaches, operational arrangements and procedures based on existing corporate guidance and standards.
- Provide technical assistance and operational support to the field office on all aspects related to CBIs, including assessments, planning and budgeting, technical choices, legal and regulatory aspects, implementation modalities and coordination in emergencies and protracted displacement situations.
- Supervise and coordinate cash feasibility assessments and post distribution and market monitoring.
- Coordinate, facilitate and implement assessments/response analysis, planning, budgeting, coordination, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of CBIs.
- Liaise with all relevant units to ensure coordinated planning and implementation of CBIs.
- Ensure easy-to-access complaint response mechanisms are provided to the beneficiaries at all phases and cases are documented, reviewed and resolved on a routine basis.
- Support the development, design and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system for all programmes.
- Contribute and coordinate the drafting and review of CBI Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), partner reports and proposals.
- Ensure coordination with financial service providers involved in UNHCR cash delivery.
- Prepare and administer accurate lists of beneficiaries for cash assistance payments in line with the procedures established by the office.
- Assist in preparing detailed reports and breakdown of the cash assistance provided.
- Keep cash lists updated and free of duplications and ensure delivery of cash assistance to beneficiaries in a timely manner.
- Support the development and dissemination of policies, operational guidance, instructions, tools and analytical frameworks aimed at ensuring the technical integrity of cash-based programmes, building on existing guidance and tools wherever possible.
- Help establish a network of UNHCR staff and managers that are familiar and confident with the use of CBIs with the objective of mainstreaming CBIs within UNHCR, with particular attention to Protection colleagues.
- Support and undertake field-based operational research with relevant organizations as needed to improve CBI programmatic responses in the different sectors of displacement operations.
- Ensure an inter-agency coordination mechanism on CBIs is established and functioning.
- Implement and monitor operational plan of cash-based assistance for various populations groups in the AoR.
- Participate to needs assessments as necessary, and development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation of the operational plan.

Authority
- Provide inputs for the country operations plan (including budgets, staffing levels and structures) as well as prepare inputs for funding submissions, appeals and reports.
- Provide technical support and guidance on overall strategy, design, implementation and reporting on CBIs in the AoR.
- Negotiate implementing partner agreements.
- Represent UNHCR in UN fora dealing with operations management and programmatic issues, including cash assistance.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR¿s global strategies, protocols and guidelines.
- Communicate clear guidance and minimum standards to all stakeholders that will build local capacities and improve the quality of cash programmes.
- Represent UNHCR position on cash in the various working groups (especially existing Cash Working Groups) and with its partners and other UN, donor, international agencies at the provincial level.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in development studies, development economics, plus minimum 6 years of previous work experience in the implementation and monitoring of humanitarian/development projects and programmes with demonstrated experience in cash-based interventions, with the UN and/or non-governmental and/or public sector 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.
- Experience as a programme officer managing budgets of over 1 million.
- Experience in planning and managing cash assistance.
- Proven knowledge and technical skills in the set-up, design, implementation and monitoring of CBIs from a multi-sectoral perspective.
- Demonstrated expertise in cash feasibility studies, assessments and surveys; needs and response analysis; cash transfer programming, setting up and monitoring of systems.
- Solid skills in analysis, using and presenting quantitative and qualitative data, and report writing.
- Familiarity with community-based and participatory approaches.
- Broad knowledge of key actors involved in developing policies and programmes related to cash-based assistance: International and Non-governmental organizations, research institutes.
- Strong communication and individual organizational skills.
- Excellent networking skills with private and public sector institutions.
- Excellent knowledge of computer software and database applications, including Excel.
- Excellent written and spoken French and English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Prior work experience in the region.
- Experience in working with development actors and/or in a CRRF country.
- Experience of working in complex, fast-paced operations, preferably with refugees and IDPs.
- Experience in conducting needs assessment, market assessments and/or cash feasibility assessment. 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
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X003L3 - Technological 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.

 

The candidate should display the following competencies, experience and knowledge:
- Proven experience as a programme officer managing budgets of over 1 million USD;
- Demonstrated experience in planning and managing cash assistance;
- Proven knowledge and technical skills in the set-up, design, implementation and monitoring of CBIs from a multi-sectoral perspective;
- Demonstrated expertise in cash feasibility studies, assessments and surveys; needs and response analysis; cash transfer programming, setting up and monitoring of systems;
- Solid skills in analysis, using and presenting quantitative and qualitative data, and report writing;
- Familiarity with community-based and participatory approaches.
- Broad knowledge of key actors involved in developing policies and programmes related to cash-based assistance: International and Non-governmental organizations, research institutes;
- Strong communication and individual organizational skills;
- Excellent networking skills with private and public sector institutions;
- Excellent knowledge of computer software and database applications, including Excel;
- Experience in working with development actors and/or in a CRRF country;
- Experience of working in complex, fast-paced operations, preferably with refugees and IDPs;
- Experience in conducting needs assessment, market assessments and/or cash feasibility assessment.

Preferably, s/he should have a prior experience in the region.

S/he must have an excellent working knowledge of French and English, as more and more reports are drafted in the English language. The Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is characterized by ongoing conflict, poor or non-existent infrastructure and highly challenging logistics, all of which make access to refugees and other populations of concern quite difficult.
As at December 2018, DRC hosts 43,010 Burundian refugees mainly in the South Kivu Province, mostly in two camps/sites. 
South Kivu is also home to more than 500,000 IDPs. The southern part of the province, and in particular the territory of Fizi, have seen a marked deterioration of the humanitarian situation in 2017, with fighting opposing the national army ¿ Forces Armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo FARDC ¿ to rebel armed groups. There were peaks in fighting in early July and again in late September and early October, when combat reached the town of Uvira.
The province is rich in minerals and control of territory and of the mines is an underlying factor in most fighting. However, the various armed groups in the province have increasingly entered into alliances and claim to be politically motivated against the government of President Kabila. Continued uncertainty around the date of the overdue presidential elections adds to tensions and instability.
Armed fighting is widespread and ongoing all along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Local population lives in fear of reprisals from both armed groups and the national army and displacement is particularly frequent when a territory changes hands.  There are consistent reports of protection incidents, including sexual violence, forced recruitment and arbitrary killings. In this overall context, inter-ethnic tensions are also on the rise. In the southernmost part of the province, bordering with Tanganyika province, a conflict between the pygmee population and the local Babembe people has led to mass displacements in South Kivu and also towards Maniema. Other conflicts between communities have been reported in the « Haut Plateaux de Bijombo », in Uvira territory.
The incumbent reports to the Head of Office and receives functional guidance from the Senior Programme Officer in the Sub Office and the CBI Officer in the Regional Representation. Baraka is a town in the eastern Congolese province of South Kivu, on Lake Tanganyika. This is the main town of the Fizi Territory. Its population in late 2014 was around 120,000 and predominantly French speaking. Other estimates give 90,000. The name of the city means "lucky" in Swahili. There are no paved roads, no running water and no electricity.

Staff live in accommodation provided within UNHCR Compound.

There are limited medical facilities in Baraka that are equipped to deal with serious medical cases.  Evacuation opportunities are limited.  However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life threatening emergencies during day time.  Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.  As a general advice, applicants for the post should be psychologically prepared for the aforementioned context. 

There are limited banking facilities at Baraka and staff requires to go to Uvira for banking and food replenishment. There is an unlimited access to communication means, such as internet, telephone sim cards etc... The Office is also equipped with PAMA. Baraka is a security level 3 duty station. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Please note that the closing date for vacancies in the Addendum 4 is Thursday 28 February 2019 (midnight Geneva time)