Senior Operations 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.

Senior Operations Coordinator

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

TThe Senior Operations Coordinator normally works under the direct supervision of the (Deputy) Representative or Head of Operations Service and may have alternative reporting relationships depending on the structure and size of the Operation. S/he and will be the focal person responsible for liaising with Partners through sector meetings and other coordination mechanisms in the area of responsibility (AoR). S/he will consult with relevant sections at HQ/Region/Field on a wide range of issues concerning the operations such as protection, resource mobilization and allocations, human resources, budget, compliance, staff welfare and security matters. The incumbent provides functional guidance to and helps coordinate the work of Operations Officers in the AoR. The incumbent normally supervises other professional and some support staff. S/he will actively participate in the regional operational planning process, reporting and monitoring as well as mapping of areas where persons of concern are currently located in the AoR.  The incumbent will review progress and make necessary adjustments on issues such as negotiations on Partnership Project agreements, contractual service agreements, and management of Administrative Budgets related to the AoR.
Within UNHCR, the incumbent has regular contact with other sections/units at Headquarters and with field offices on issues related UNHCR's programme in the operations/countries within the AoR. External contacts are with, UN agencies and NGOs/Implementing Partners on UNHCR's programmes in the operations/countries covered under area of responsibility (AoR).

In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring, in an effective and efficient manner which supports the Organization's Mandate, overall quality assurance and managerial support of operations, in line with the Bureau¿s 2nd line function, within the three lines of defence conceptual framework for effective control and risk management adopted by the UN system.

S/he will, further, cover the full spectrum of managerial oversight, manage performance and monitor the adherence of Country Operations to UNHCR¿s rules and regulations, monitoring, identifying and addressing any emerging issues and risks as appropriate.  The incumbent also promotes a culture that is results-oriented, efficient and based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion, gender balance and diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing, resource allocation and representation at all levels throughout the AoR.
                                                                                                                                                                                
As a key custodian of the organization¿s standards of conduct, s/he will proactively establish a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.

Duties

- Plan, organise, and manage key activities to ensure protection delivery and assistance is undertaken in a systematic manner in close coordination with UNHCR country operations and partners in the AoR.
- Provide functional guidance to Operations Officers and ensure close follow up on situational realities, challenges and sub-regional developments which may have an impact on the refugees, IDP situations, and other persons of concern.
- Work together with the field operations to ensure that results-oriented protection and solution strategies including objectives, work plans, project descriptions etc. reflect the institutional priorities and an optimum use of resources.
- Promote coordination, communication, and sharing of best practices amongst countries/operations in the AoR as well as with other entities in the field and at Headquarters.
- Establish and maintain contacts with relevant offices, Permanent Missions, NGOs and UN agencies in order to undertake briefings and to exchange views on refugee matters in the AoR.
- Prepare action plans to address any operational/legal gaps that have been identified; and ensure advice/guidance is provided to field offices to improve the delivery of assistance of refugees and other persons of concern.
- Ensure that field offices provide timely, coherent, consistent, quality information about their operations.
- In the bureaux, coordinate the preparation of the official submissions to the meetings of the Budget Committee and Contracts' Committee, and advocate for resources required for the operations to meet its objectives, especially during Annual Planning Reviews, Mid-Year Reviews and ad hoc resource allocation consultations.
- Examine requests with budgetary implications from relevant field offices and expedite these requests through UNHCR¿s resource management mechanisms.
- Coach staff under supervision, promote their training and career development and monitor their general well-being.
- Undertake targeted field missions to help conduct assessments or reviews of UNHCR operations for refugees, IDPs, and other persons of concern.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience
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
Political Science; Economics; Social Science;
Business Administration; Law; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Programme Management;

Essential:
Experience in field operations. Strong operational background and political awareness. At least 8 years of relevant experience in an international capacity. Understanding of UNHCR mandate and operations.

Desirable:
Experience working with UNHCR; or other UN entities or partners preferably in the area of refugee or humanitarian operations. Proven track record in emergency preparedness, response and management.

Functional Skills
MG-Field Operations Management;
ER-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination;
MG-Coordination;
MG-Managerial experience;

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
X005L4 - Planning and Organizing Level 4
X001L4 - Analytical Thinking Level 4
X007L4 - Political Awareness 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 addendum is Monday 7 December 2020 (midnight Geneva time).