By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Chief of DIRS

Copenhagen

  • Organization: UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  • Location: Copenhagen
  • Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

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.

Chief of Digital Identity and Registration Section

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The UNHCR Data Transformation Strategy 2020-2025 envisions that by 2025 UNHCR becomes a trusted leader on data and information related to refugees and other persons of concern (POC), thereby enabling actions to protect and to empower them. The strategy stipulates investing in four complementary priority areas: data management and governance; information systems; capacities and skill development; and culture for evidence-informed decision-making. The strategy additionally envisages that data and information management functions in UNHCR are carried out in a complementary and inter-linked manner between Headquarters Divisions and Services, Regional Bureaux, country operations and key external partners, including persons of concern.

The area where UNHCR has arguably the biggest operational data footprint is registration. With the roll-out of the global registration system (PRIMES) that establish the identities of refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons and (in exceptional cases) IDPs, UNHCR is entrusted with the processing and handling of millions of identities worldwide. In most cases, those records include biometric identities. In the current context of increasing reliance on digital versions of that identity, fast-evolving technology and ¿ importantly ¿ states investing in digital identities, UNHCR is presented with both a unique opportunity and an obligation to reconceptualize existing systems. As articulated in the Data Transformation Strategy, this must be done with the individual (the user) at the core.

The Chief of Digital Identity Section will report to the Head of the Global Data Service and will lead three Units to manage and support identity management (registration), digital identity and population data management systems in all displacement settings. 

The incumbent will coordinate with Headquarters entities, the Regional Bureaux, specific Country Operations and with external actors on relevant issues and will coordinate support across HQ, multi-country and country offices to promote global consistency and integrity in registration and identity management processes and exercise overall responsibility and accountability to ensure consistently high-quality registration and identity management standards are adhered to in all Field Operations including in emergencies.

The Chief of Digital Identity Section is also expected to represent UNHCR at the HQ level in all matters of identity management and registration in intergovernmental consultations, UN operational and policy related working groups and other external initiatives requiring registration and identity management expertise. Within the Global Data Service, the incumbent acts as an advisor to senior management and governance mechanisms/bodies registration and biometrics matters, including fundraising, resource allocation and partnerships.
  

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Lead the strategic reconceptualization of UNHCR registration systems towards a digital identity system with a critical focus on safe, secure, effective mechanisms for unattended identity management and authentication, i.e. user-driven processes replacing where possible UNHCR-driven processes.
- Coordinate the development and lead the implementation of UNHCR¿s strategy on digital identity, to ensure that PRIMES tools are fit for purpose, functional and available for UNHCR, its partners and ¿ critically ¿ refugees and other forcibly displaced persons themselves. Build on the foundation of UNHCR¿s existing systems to mainstream digital identification practices to promote refugee protection and inclusion in national systems in the spirit of the Global Compact on Refugees.
- Promote fit-for-purpose identity management tools for the provision of assistance in camps, access to services (such as health) and financial inclusion.
- Provide strategic direction, business guidance and standards for implementation of registration processes and applications, including strengthening UNHCR and Government capacity to design, implement and support robust registration processes and quality data.
- Advocate for the implementation of approaches to include refugees and asylum-seekers into host States¿ population registers and digital identity systems and the registration of birth, marriages, deaths and other vital events of forcibly displaced persons working towards the key goals under the 2018 Global Compact on Refugee relating to self-reliance, financial inclusion and facilitating digital inclusion as well as the delivery of humanitarian assistance, protection and solutions.
- Act as the overall business owner of PRIMES tools including the oversight of product delivery, presentation and communication of development and deployment initiatives to governance entities in the PRIMES Executive and Steering Committees and UNHCR¿s ICT Governance Board.   
- Oversee UNHCR¿s interoperability efforts of the PRIMES systems with governments, sister agencies and other partners ensuring a secure and strategic sharing and transfer of personal identity data with external partner systems to facilitate data sharing for strengthened protection, efficiency and programmatic integrity. 
- Provide guidance on standards for design, security and issuance of identity documentation or credentials in accordance with international standards of documentation and evidence of identity, as well as work in partnership with Governments and other partners to include POC in national identity and civil registration systems, where appropriate.
- Engage in strategic, external partnerships to advocate for and provide digital mechanisms to ensure trusted identities for POC for inclusion to provide access to services such as SIM registration, mobile money and access to other financial, public and private sector services, including through digital self-service applications.
- Build and lead a team ensuring integration, coherence and synergy between UNCHR¿s agency role and interagency responsibilities.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Social sciences;
Demography;
Statistics;
Information technology;
Political Science;
Geography;
Law;
Business Administration;
Humanities
or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Protection Learning Programme;
Certification Programme - International Protection (CP-IP);
Training on Emergency Registration;
HCR Operational Data Management Learning Programme;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Demonstrated strategic leadership experience in registration/digital identity processes and systems. Proven ability to deliver complex innovative and scalable solutions. Expertise in individual identity management systems, including both technological as well as legal and procedural dimensions of such systems. Demonstrated experience in managing diverse and global teams, particularly as related to data management for operational use. Familiarity with UNHCR and interagency policies, standards, programmes and humanitarian operations in a variety of geographical locations and operational contexts. Strong team building, managerial, planning, coordination, and representation skills. Strong communication skills, able to communicate effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders. Proficiency with basic computer applications including substantive proficiency in the use of the different versions of PRIMES applications.
Desirable
Knowledge of UNHCR's mandate for protection and solutions and relevant policies. Proficiency with individual data management software.

Functional Skills
DM-Data Management;
PR-Civil Registry System;
IT-IT Refugee Systems & Applications;
MG-Project Analysis/Development/Implementation/Management/Coordination;
MG-Coordination;
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.


This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. 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
X003L4 - Technological Awareness Level 4
X002L4 - Innovation and Creativity Level 4
X008L4 - Stakeholder Management Level 4

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.

Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).

Please note that the closing date for vacancies in this September 2020 Compendium is Tuesday 20 October 2020  (midnight Geneva time).

This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: