VAF/RAIS Coordinator

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.

VAF/RAIS Coordinator

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

UNCHR Jordan has developed ground-breaking work in terms of vulnerability analysis of refugee populations. In view of the current growth in membership and development of the Vulnerability Assessment Framework, and its importance to maintaining leadership in a unified platform for assessing vulnerability and eligibility, the VAF/RAIS Coordinator will lead the processes of the VAF Advisory Board, the Basic Needs Working Group (inter-agency sector forum), lead the upcoming Baseline Survey, improve VAF modelling, and continue to support to the use of the VAF amongst partner organizations.

The Vulnerability Assessment Framework (VAF) Baseline Survey published in 2015, will be repeated this year. The baseline is being used to enable refugee response organizations (through the sector working groups) to improve the delivery of assistance in terms reaching the population most in need. 

The Vulnerability Assessment Framework/Refugee Assistance Information System Coordinator will provide policy and guidance on assessment and eligibility tools, provide information on specific technical guidelines, briefings, trainings, provide input on evaluation documents, carry out assessments, facilitate contact other partners, review reports, consult on technical protocols and standard operating procedures, and advise on specific development of modules for the RAIS.

The incumbent will coordinate vulnerability modelling and strengthen the use of RAIS through the development of strategic partnerships with other country/regional UN agencies including WFP, and INGOs, to share information, experiences, carry out joint assessments and feasibility studies, produce joint guidelines, implement joint projects where appropriate, seek new opportunities for collaboration, seek technical support, conduct joint trainings and operational research.

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 CBI/Assessment and Targeting as an integral part of UNHCR programmes.

The VAF/RAIS Coordinator will receive overall guidance and report to the Senior CBI Coordinator.  S/he will maintain close links with the CBI Section in UNHCR HQ.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- Core CBI platforms (VAF and RAIS) are consistently utilized by UNHCR units and humanitarian assistance partners across Jordan. The VAF and RAIS platforms are feasible, appropriate, technically-sound, innovative, and sustainable. Development is done in close partnership with other partners.
- Platforms are designed and implemented according to UNHCR guidelines and good practice established, with the overall objective of contributing to the well-being of beneficiaries. Strong technical expertise and support on all aspects is provided to the countries.
- A development and action plan is in place which identifies opportunities and goals for better identification of beneficiaries through enhanced assessment and targeting.

Responsibility
- Manage continued development of VAF governance structures:  coordination and governance of the VAF Advisory Board, and the Basic Needs sector (inter agency working group); presenting to ISWG, Sector WGs, and UNHCR¿s Partner Coordination Unit. 
- Support the development and dissemination of policies, operational guidance, instructions, tools and analytical frameworks aimed at ensuring the technical integrity of vulnerability modelling, including the Monitoring and Evaluation of VAF/RAIS. 
- Develop tools for capturing problems, and defining needs for VAF/RAIS. 
- Manage partnerships, with both leadership and technical support requirements: manage VAF/RAIS technical and process development and software/module development.
- Supervise data protection and data sharing agreements.  Data protection element is key within the new scope of this position to ensure the safeguarding of personally identifiable information for UNHCRs persons of concern.
- Coordinate and facilitate Winterization exercise and facilitate the process of ¿Gendering the VAF¿ with key stakeholders and sectors.
- Coordinate the annual Baseline Survey.
- Identify skill and knowledge gaps and help country office address these through training, information, etc. 
- Produce information products to be disseminate proactively through various channels, including the UNHCR portal.
- Provide operational support to further the use of the VAF
- Liaise with technical sectors (shelter, public health, livelihoods, energy, registration, data management, etc.) and protection colleagues in the country office to integrate the use of VAF into existing approaches, tools and strategies.
- Sustain and expand a network of strategic and operational partners (incl. UN agencies, INGOs, research institutions, private entities) to ensure continued use of the VAF and share lessons learned.
- Coordinate internally, including technical sectors at country and regional level.

Authority
- Provide technical support and guidance on overall strategy, design, implementation and reporting on vulnerability assessment framework within Jordan.
- Represent UNHCR in relevant meetings and fora.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Economics, Social Sciences or a related field plus minimum of 6 years  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.
- Proven knowledge and technical skills in vulnerability assessment and targeting, and in the implementation and monitoring of assessments from a multi-sectoral perspective.
- Experience in working effectively with NGOs, UN organisations, or government authorities at national level.
- Excellent networking skills with private and public sector institutions.
- Excellent computer skills.
- Excellent knowledge of English and another relevant UN language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Experience in conducting multi-functional assessments.
- Good knowledge of UNHCR programmes and UNHCR programming.
- Training and capacity building of refugees, government and implementing partners.
- Working knowledge of an additional UN language and/or the local language. 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
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X003L3 - Technological Awareness Level 3

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.

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.

 

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in this addendum is Tuesday 25 June 2019 (midnight Geneva time).