Dep Representative

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.

Deputy Representative

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Direct supervision is received from the Representative at D2 level. Advice and operational support may also be provided by the Director/Deputy Director of the Bureau and by other senior staff in the Bureau and in the support Divisions at Headquarters. The Deputy Representative will also refer to policies, standards, rules and regulations which are in force within UNHCR.

The incumbent will assist the Representative in the overall management of UNHCR's. He/she promote, together with the Representative, UNHCR's objectives and priorities through formal and informal contacts with relevant government ministries and departments, UN agencies, diplomatic missions, I/NGOs, media, and other interested parties to raise support for the work of UNHCR. He/she maintain regular contacts with the Representative and staff at Headquarters and in the field to consult, discuss operational issues, and to seek common grounds for solutions on activities and programmes of importance to UNHCR and also, contacts with persons on matters of great importance to UNHCR's programmes e.g. head of national/international organizations, embassies, UN agencies, and high officials/ministers in the national government.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- The protection framework in the country ensures availability and quality of asylum, operating systems and search for solutions for all categories of concern.
- UNHCR's policies and standards are applied consistently within the country operation to ensure quality protection for populations of concern.
- Resources are commensurate with operational objectives and are allocated and managed effectively to meet country operational objectives.
- UNHCR provides a healthy, safe and respectful working environment for its workforce in the country.

Responsibility
- Provide legal protection advice and guidance on matters of doctrine and policy to Representative, the Heads of Offices and protection staff in the country.
- Provide advice and support to offices in the country operation on specific issues/problems faced related to asylum, refugee protection and assistance, including access to territory, access to RSD and asylum procedures, non-refoulement adequate reception and the implementation of durable solutions, including developing a Protection Management Framework for each national office.
- Provide legal and programme related advice and guidance to offices in the country on developing and maintaining fair and effective asylum regimes in accordance with international standards and norms, especially with regard to national asylum/refugee legislation and the building of local protection capacity.
- Provide legal and programme related advice and guidance on matters relating to the issue of asylum and migration to the Representative and offices in the country with particular emphasis on the problems of trafficking and smuggling.
- Provide guidance and leadership related to the implementation of the Age, Gender Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM) Participatory Assessments in sub-region and ensure the follow up on any identified gaps related to the reception and integration systems and structures in the region with relevant stakeholders.
- Keep abreast of and analyse trends and key issues related to legal protection and assistance in the country, including preparing strategy and position papers with policy recommendations on specific protection, assistance and durable solutions related issues relevant to the country.
- Directly supervise Protection and Programme sections and develop operations plan in accordance with the organizational policies and operational strategies.
- Assist the Representative in the promotion of UNHCR strategic goals and objectives in the country, monitoring of the overall progress towards achieving them and in managing the Representation country office.
- Ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect staff, and that the country operation complies with UN MOSS/MORSS staff security rules, guidelines and procedures.
- Serve as OIC of the Country Office when the Representative is on mission or leave.
- Any other duties as may be required or assigned by the Representative.

Authority
- Represent UNHCR in the meetings and fora related to the functions.
- Enforce local compliance with UNHCR's global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards.
- Authorize payments as per the organization's Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP) and in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Modify operational projects and reallocate funds, within the approved budgets and in respect of donor earmarking.


ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Political Science, Social Science, International Relations, Law, Business Administration, Human Resources Management, and/or other relevant fields plus minimum 16 years of previous work experience relevant to the function at professional level, with more than 10 years in international capacity. Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 17 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 15 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- A high level of skill in management of broad programmes, political decision making and negotiating.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Completion of UNHCR training programmes, such us Protection Learning Programme, Operations Management Learning Programme.
- Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Deputy Representative (D1) 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. C001L4 - Accountability Level 4
C002L4 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 4
C003L4 - Communication Level 4
C004L4 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 4
C005L4 - Client & Result Orientation Level 4
C006L4 - Organizational Awareness Level 4
M001L4 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 4
M002L4 - Managing Performance Level 4
M006L4 - Managing Resources Level 4
M005L4 - Leadership Level 4
M003L4 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 4
M004L4 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 4
X005L4 - Planning and Organizing Level 4
X001L4 - Analytical Thinking Level 4
X008L4 - Stakeholder Management Level 4 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="color:#515151"><span style="font-family:times new roman,serif">For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage</span></span><span style="font-family:times new roman,serif"> them &ndash; before deciding to apply- <span style="color:#515151">to read the <strong>country specific security and welfare</strong> </span><strong>country profiles</strong> <span style="color:#515151">which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (<a href="https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html">https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html</a>). Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care. </span></span></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="font-family:times new roman,serif">Staff <strong>after having applied</strong> to High Risk Duty Stations will have access to <strong>country specific information webinars with Field Safety Section (FSS) and Staff Welfare Section (SWS) colleagues</strong> 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&rsquo;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&nbsp;Risk&nbsp;Duty&nbsp;Stations.</span></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p>
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
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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.

Under the direct supervision of the Representative, the Deputy Representative (Operations) is responsible to direct and supervise UNHCR progamme and operational activities to ensure achievement of UNHCR operational objectives in Afghanistan with maximum efficiency, with respect to returnee, refugee and IDP operations.  The Deputy Representative (Operations) should ensure timely and efficient implementation of the country operation plan in view of the prevailing guidelines and procedures.  S/he is responsible to directly supervise the protection, progamme, reintegration, supply and project control units in Country Office Kabul and, liaising closely with heads of sub-offices and field offices through the Senior Field Coordinator to provide functional guidance and supervision of operational activities.  In addition, the incumbent will have a key role in managing and planning financial resources within the operation. The Deputy Representative (Operations) together with the Representative should promote UNHCR¿s operational objectives and priorities through formal and informal contacts with Government counterparts, donors and partners to raise support for the work of UNHCR within the country.  The incumbent also acts as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Representative.
The Deputy Representative (Operations) should have a broad range of skills including solid analytical, drafting, diplomacy, stakeholder management skills as well as management skills as the incumbent will be supervising a number of units. The incumbent is also responsible to support initiatives towards Duty of Care in high risk duty stations. Experience in complex operations, emergency management including having an understanding of the humanitarian coordination architecture related to IDPs is essential. (NB: Given the extremely fluid situation in Afghanistan, this section may require adjustments as it evolves.)
Within the context of UNHCR as a humanitarian agency with a protection and durable solution mandate, and as part of the UN family, the UNHCR Afghanistan operation is focusing on return and reintegration, and advocacy to support opportunities and address protection constraints for UNHCR¿s persons of concern to the operation.
Since 2002, UNHCR has facilitated the repatriation of over 5.2 million Afghan refugees. In 2018, 15,699 refugees returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan, Iran and other countries, which reflects a significant reduction from the 58,817 who returned in 2017 and 372,577 who returned in 2016. This downward trend is mainly due to an improved protection environment for Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Iran, and the deteriorating security and economic situation in Afghanistan. In 2019 and 2020, the outlook remains heavily dependent on regional political and security dynamics and the continued interest among key stakeholders in promoting a negotiated peace settlement in Afghanistan. Despite strong political will, prevailing regional uncertainties and security challenges define complex geopolitical dynamics as well as bilateral relations between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. The already overstretched absorption capacity of basic services and infrastructure, slow progress on land allocation and limited economic opportunities remain key factors affecting return. Within the overall framework of the regional Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees, both Iran and Pakistan recognize the need to ensure gradual and voluntary repatriation of the over 2.3 million Afghan refugees in the region and to continue supporting refugees not yet willing to return. Afghanistan continues to host some 75,500 Pakistani refugees who sought protection in Khost and Paktika provinces in 2014. Around 12,000 refugees reside in the Gulan camp in Khost, where UNHCR coordinates with partners to provide essential services, while the majority live alongside Afghan communities in various locations in the two provinces. Refugees who are found to be vulnerable are provided assistance by UNHCR and its partners to address their basic needs. Community-based protection projects are implemented to promote access to services, peaceful coexistence and facilitate self-reliance. Refugee returns from Khost and Paktika remain challenging. Although a small number of refugees have returned spontaneously, it is reported that they were unable to re-establish themselves in their places of origin and have remained internally displaced in Pakistan.
In 2018 UNHCR initiated a process of handing over responsibility for coordinating the response to the refugee situation in Khost and Paktika to the Government, including capacity building of the local authorities, which will continue in 2019 in anticipation of a formal handover at the beginning of 2020. The strategy will focus on scaling down UNHCR¿s interventions and engaging the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation and the Office of the Provincial Governor, along with partners, to assume more direct responsibility. Key emphasis in 2019 and 2020 will be on promoting self-reliance through community-based protection initiatives. UNHCR also provides protection and assistance to urban refugees and asylum-seekers from nine different countries of origin, with some 450 individuals remaining actively registered at the end of the year. In the absence of a national asylum framework, UNHCR will continue to register asylum-seekers as a protection tool and conduct refugee status determination under its mandate when required to facilitate durable solutions or protection interventions. Meaningful local integration is currently not available, and most remain marginalized with limited access to jobs in the informal economy requiring UNHCR to continue to provide financial support to those most in need. Voluntary repatriation is generally not possible, while resettlement opportunities remained extremely limited. However, in 2018 much progress was made toward the development of a National Asylum Law, which if enacted would provide refugees with opportunities for legal employment and better access to national services. Response to internal displacement is one of the main protection roles UNHCR is undergoing in Afghanistan. The long standing conflict situation and various natural disasters continue to affect the Afghan population in the majority of areas of the country, with an estimated 1.8 m IDPs in Afghanistan during 2018 (UNHCR estimate). Internal displacement tends to be quite fluid and to exist throughout the continuum ¿ with diverse IDP populations in either protracted or emergency situations, often undergoing multiple forced movements in a single year, mainly due to the ever evolving conflict. Populations displaced by conflict in Afghanistan are often traumatized by events occurring prior to flight, such as exposure to ground engagements, airstrikes and multiple explosive hazards, to name a few. Due in part to adverse cultural practices and also to lack of access to comprehensive livelihoods programmes, displaced populations in Afghanistan tend to engage in severe negative coping mechanisms, which have to be taken into account when designing response approaches to this particular population of concern. While the system response implemented through the humanitarian coordination architecture does tackle displacement-related needs in a multi-sectoral manner, it heavily relies on UNHCR for leadership of the Protection and Emergency Shelter and NFIs Clusters. Living conditions

(NB: Given the extremely fluid situation in Afghanistan, this section may require adjustments as it evolves.)

Afghanistan is a high risk country with a very complex operational environment, characterized by uncertainty and frequent security incidents. 
Movement by all personnel is restricted and closely coordinated and monitored by the security officers. 
UNHCR Representation Office in Kabul is located within the ICON Compound on the Supreme road of the Police district 9. It currently occupies 40 rooms within the ICON compound for staff accommodation with each room having its own wash room and other facilities.  It also has its offices within the ICON compound. The Operation has a senior management structure comprising of a Representative (D2), Deputy Representative (D1), Snr. Operations Manager (P5), Assist. Representative-Administration (P5), and Assistant Representation-Program (P5).
After the closure of Field Office Khost in July 2019, the new office structure will be reading as follows, Country Office Kabul, two Sub-offices (Jalalabad, Mazar-i-Sharif), two Field Offices (Kandahar, Herat), and three Field Units (Kunduz, Kabul, Bamyan). Staff travelling to Afghanistan need to obtain an Afghanistan entry visa prior to entry. The Afghan visa can be obtained at one of the Afghan embassies around the world. To obtain the visa, staff will have to submit to UNHCR Afghanistan Travel Unit a copy of National Passport and or UNLP, and will have to  mention clearly the nearest Afghan embassy for easy travel access from where he/she can travel to process the entry visa. The UNHCR Afghan travel unit upon receipt of requested information will submit a request to the MoFA on the staff behalf. The process at the MoFA takes at most one working week to approve the visa and assign a MoFA reference number.  The number will immediately be shared with staff member to start the visa process.
Staff will have to visit the Afghan embassy and submit an application for the visa referencing the MoFA reference number. A single entry visa will be issued for travel, upon arrival at duty, passport or UNLP should be surrender to the Travel Unit for processing of Residency.
There is restricted movements within Afghanistan. All movements/missions should be planned 16 days ahead of schedule. All movements within the AoR is strictly by means of Armoured Vehicle while movement to other UNHCR offices within Afghanistan is by air. There is absolutely no road movement due to the high security uncertainties.
UNHCR office in Kabul operates a 24/7 motor pool service with a driver available at all times..
Banking and Financial Transactions:
The legal tender in Afghanistan is the AFGHANIS (AFN), however the United States dollars is also used within the Humanitarian community.  There is not much direct cash transaction to be undertaken, however staff are encouraged to travel with some cash for start-up. Staff members are encouraged to open local bank account for financial transactions within the duty station but may opt for payment to be remitted to off-shore account. Some banks have ATM machines dispensing U.S Dollars but it is recommended to use the ATM machine using international debit/credit cards within the ICON compound or UNOCA where most of the other UN agency staff work and live. The Representation has a 24/7 Radio Room to respond to operational needs at all times. Staff members are issued ICOM hand held radios along with local sim cards for communication purposes.
Because of the security phase of the country, it is mandatory upon all staff to make a daily radio check anytime between 19:00 ¿ 22:00.  Radio check is initiated by the staff member. All offices and guest rooms in Kabul have PAMA extensions. All international staff are accommodated in MOSS compliant shared compounds and/or UNHCR rented guest houses. 
Visits to restaurants, other social venues or in friend¿s houses are prohibited except in UN compounds and Embassies. The situation is frustrating and increase stress making it difficult for some colleagues to cope with this type of life. 
Considering the serious restrictions on staff movement, it is crucial that the incumbent demonstrates a record of maintaining a positive attitude whenever confronted with adversity and restraints in his/her social life.
Staff interested in the position should be mentally, psychologically and physically fit and ready to face situations when required to be locked down in the compounds and the bunkers for an extended period of time due to incidents. ICON has a cafeteria which serves three meals to staff members and visitors daily. The cost of meal is negotiated to a reasonable amount and is payable at the end of month for long stayers while for short stayers, the Admin Assistant responsible to oversee the guesthouse will collect payment form visitors.
The compound has a gymnasium equipped with various gym equipment, and a social room for staff entertainment. The compound has a coffee shop and a small shop. Staff wanting to get provisions which are not available in the shop can visit the UNOCA compound where there are two shops.
UNHCR Afghanistan has 6 weeks RnR cycle and staff are highly encouraged not to delay or skip their RnR entitlement. Recognized Regional Medical Evacuation Centres ¿ in Asia
Bangkok, Beijing, Colombo, Darwin, Istanbul, Karachi- Pakistan, New Delhi-India, however Pakistan and India are mostly used for the Medivac/ Other Medical Travel in Afghanistan UNHCR along with other sister UN agencies signed an MOU for Joint Medical Services (JMS). The JMS offers Level 1 medical care only and has   a doctor to attend to patients. The facility has an equipped laboratory and an Armoured Ambulance and also has a pharmacy. Staff member on special prescription drugs are however advised to travel with some quantity to avoid a situation where the medication may not be available and staff will have a break in his/her medication
¿ CO/ FU Kabul- German Clinic, French Medical Institute for Mothers & Children (FMIC), Blossom hospital, Cure International and UNOCA (NB: Given the extremely fluid situation in Afghanistan, this section may require adjustments as it evolves.)

The security situation continues to be unstable, volatile and indeed unpredictable in the whole country.  The situation is expected to continue during 2020-2022. 
The parliamentary elections were held in October and the last results proclaimed in March 2019 which was bitterly disputed with allegations of mass vote-rigging.  The presidential elections have been postponed twice and are now expected to take place in September 2019 and violence across the country can be anticipated. 
The ongoing peace talks between the United States and the Taliban even though showing some level of progress do not raise the utmost optimism with the GoIRoA being side-lined causing tension between the Afghan and American administrations.
The uncertainties and problems caused by NATO scale down in 2014 and electoral tensions pushed Afghanistan on the verge of an economic recession as well as contributed to the rise in insecurity around the country. Afghanistan continues to have a number of security incidents including armed, IED and suicide attacks across the country remains comparatively high.
There is little visibility on the scale and calendar of a withdrawal of NATO troops (currently at a level of around 14000) which is part of the US / Taliban negotiations
Recent security incidents highlighted that the International Community has been among the targets on AGEs¿ lists.  AGE groups including Taliban, ISK and Haqqani Network continue to display increased intent and capacity to plan and conduct spectacular attacks across the country especially in Kabul Capital City and other major city centres.
Although UN is not the prime target, individuals can be affected as part of the international community. For this reason, UNDSS continue to impose movement restrictions resulting in further shrinking of access for the operation. The Deputy Representative will act as OIC in the absence of the Representative.  Good interpersonal and communication skills are mandatory for this key position as well as the ability to manage working in a high pressured environment with competing demands
Insecurity and political instability in certain areas continue to hinder UNHCR's protection and relief operations, resulting in unreliable and insecure access to persons of concern to the Office. The candidate for this position should be psychologically ready to work in a challenging and at times frustrating environment in view of the prevailing situation in the country.

Please note that the closing date for vacancies in the March 2019 Compendium is Tuesday 16 April 2019 (midnight Geneva time)