Regional Prog 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.

Regional Programme Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The incumbent receives guidance from the Senior Regional Programme Officer, the Deputy Regional Representative or the Regional 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 Regional 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 region 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 region and field visits, assist in the development of strategies, methodologies, contingency plans that respond to new and emerging operational challenges for the region.
- 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 operation plans in region 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/regional level.
- Assist in managing a transparent, consultative and responsible process for the approval of the country/regional-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 duties as required.

Authority

- Provide inputs for the country operation plans in the region (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 regional 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.
-       Excellent 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 Regional 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>
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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.

 

¿ Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services.
¿ Solid knowledge in programme issues, management of UNHCR tools (MSRP, FOCUS) and knowledge of IPSAS.
¿ Experience in the management of local integration and resettlement operations.
¿ A high level of skills in management of programmes, political decision making and negotiation.
¿ Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting.
¿ Ability to manage for results: translate strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitor them, making periodic adjustments as required.
¿ Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of operations.
¿ Solid knowledge of the geo-political realities and socio-political situation of the region and of the relevant actors to UNHCR.
¿ Sensitive political context requires ability to work collaboratively with government counterparts and civil society partners.
¿ Ability to effectively represent UNHCR at the senior level in internal and external meetings and to build strong relationships with counterparts.
¿ Excellent communication and analytical skills
¿ Excellent command of the Spanish language, both written and oral.
¿ Excellent English skills. ¿ RO Argentina covers 5 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.
¿ There are UNHCR presence in Buenos Aires, Argentina; in Santiago de Chile (National Office) and Field unit in Arica, Chile.
¿ All five countries differ in the level of implementation of UNHCR¿s objectives and activities. 
¿ The regional strategic objectives of RO Argentina are oriented towards legal and protection matters and focus as a priority on achieving durable solutions.
¿ In total, the sub-region is host to more than 370,000 Venezuelans including asylum seekers, refugees and individuals benefiting from other legal arrangements.  Countries have provided a variety of migratory and protection responses to this influx, including access to asylum systems.
¿ RO Argentina provided an immediate response to the emergency situation in the region which was affected by the influx of Venezuelans.
¿ Moreover, Argentina and Chile have been included in the Emerging Resettlement Countries Mechanism (ERCM) to work for the establishment of a sustainable resettlement structure. It is expected that Uruguay will follow suit. ¿ Advocacy for livelihoods is being carried out throughout the region with the aim to facilitate local integration and self-reliance. However, challenges remain in order for UNHCR PoC to achieve self-sufficiency, and in some countries, the situation has even deteriorated due to the substantial increase of asylum seekers.  
¿ It is expected that the region continues developing a leadership role in the implementation of the Brazil Plan of Action (BPA) through the implementation of key programmes related to durable solutions, quality asylum systems, border protection networks and eradication of statelessness.
¿ Governments have developed legal and institutional (National Commissions Refugees) frameworks for refugees.
¿ Asylum seekers and refugees have access to some existing public programmes and in some countries Governments are increasingly involved in local integration matters and the provision of humanitarian assistance. Emphasis is given to the citites of solidarity programme in coordination with local authorities.
¿ Programmes are implemented by NGOs, working in close coordination with governments, civil society networks and private sector.
¿ Challenges remain in order for UNHCR PoC to achieve self-sufficiency, mainly in issues related to housing and labour insertion.
¿ UNHCR has reinforced cooperation with the UN System in all countries.
¿ In regional fora such as MERCOSUR, the South American Conference on Migrations and the OAS, UNHCR seeks to ensure standardization and harmonization of policies and actions to address refugee protection and assistance in the region. ¿ Buenos Aires is a modern city with emphasis placed on commercial, economic, cultural and industrial activities.
¿ The country has a temperate climate with an average winter temperature of 5ºC (July/August), and an average summer temperature of 30ºC (Jan/Feb).
¿ The sanitary facilities are trustworthy.
¿ Possibility of renting private accommodation.
¿ Frequent missions to the countries covered by the RO. ¿ This is a category ¿A¿ family duty station.
¿ The Security Level for Argentina is LOW
¿ Crime can be found in the capital city and other large cities in the country. These crimes include street robberies, express kidnapping, electronic fraud, house break-ins, office burglaries and petty thefts. ¿ Spanish is an essential communication and working language.
¿ Considering that the RO covers 5 countries, missions are very frequent.
¿ The incumbent will directly supervise 3 newly national staff (GL7, GL6, GL5), at the RO and one P-2 TA Associate Supply Officer plus a G5 Snr Supply Assistant.
¿ The incumbent will also provide technical support in programme issues to NO Chile and other units at the RO.¿
¿ It expected that the incumbent also provide coaching on UNHCR procedures related to programme tasks to the national staff in Buenos Aires and the G6 newly recruited staff as programme Associate in Chile

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