Assc Programme Officer

This vacancy is opened in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the USA and is addressed exclusively to candidates WITH THE US NATIONALITY ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT.

The Associate Programme Officer is based in Peshawar, Pakistan and reporting to and guided by the Program officer and may supervise a small team of national staff. He/she may refer to UNHCR¿s Programme Manual (Chapter IV), UNHCR's corporate and regional strategic priorities, operation plans and other relevant institutional rules and regulations for further guidance. 

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT.

Accountability (key results that will be achieved)

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.

Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results)

-Support in assessing and analysing the needs of persons of concern in a participatory manner, using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective as basis for planning.
-Provide support on programmatic aspects of developing multi-year protection and solutions strategies and annual plans with corresponding priorities taking into account corporate priorities.
-Support Results Based Management and programme capacity in light of evolving requirements, programming approaches and gaps.
-Assist the planning process in compliance with planning parameters outlined in the Programme Manual and the planning instructions.
-Support the revision and analysis of plans, mid-year and year-end reports of UNHCR office(s) in the Area of Responsibility AoR), ensure quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
-Assist in the provision of overall direction to broaden partnerships with key stakeholders in order to maximize the protection and solutions response for  persons of concern.
-Provide support to ensure a consistent application of the framework for implementing with partners, including the effective implementation of the policy on selection and retention of partners, management of partnership agreements, risk-based project performance monitoring, and risk-based project audits, among others.
-Provide support to external reporting as required
-Provide support to ensure enhanced internal coordination among various units
-Contribute to ensure consistent and coherent monitoring approaches, tools and systems across the region, in line with global standards and polices.
-Actively contribute to UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contribute to improvements of programming tools and processes.
-Oversee a timely and effective follow-up of internal and external audits observations and recommendations that relate to programmatic issues.
-Perform other related duties as required.

Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)

As guided by the supervisor.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. 

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATION: Undergraduate degree in Economics; Business Administration; Social Sciences; or other relevant field.

WORK EXPERIENCE: 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

SKILLS: Demonstrated experience in programme management including familiarization with the Operations Management Cycle and sound knowledge of Results Based-Management. Demonstrated experience in field operations, sound knowledge on the centrality of protection in programming, Joint Needs Assessments and the principles of targeting. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES. 

Demonstrated experience in coordination within an inter-agency context and other actors, in a refugee or humanitarian context. Sound experience in program management training and capacity building activities. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Code Managerial Competencies                (

M001: Empowering and Building Trust
M002: Managing Performance
M003: Judgement and Decision Making

Code Cross-Functional Competencies      
X001:  Analytical Thinking
X004: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
X007: Political Awareness LANGUAGE KNOWLEDGE

- Essential: English,     
- Desirable: SUPERVISION: The JPO will be under the direct supervision of the manager indicated under `Supervisor title and position number¿.  The supervisor will be responsible for the performance evaluation of the JPO. The manager will also ensure that the JPO is provided a thorough induction and orientation briefing, followed by on-the-job training as well as continuous guidance for training/learning opportunities throughout the assignment. In support to the manager, the JPO Unit provides the Supervisory Guidelines upon recruitment/reassignment of the JPO. TRAINING COMPONENTS AND LEARNING ELEMENTS

TRAINING COMPONENTS:
- Mandatory training courses:
1. Basic Security in the Field (NB: needs to be retaken every 3 years)
2. Advanced Security in the Field  (NB: needs to be retaken every 3 years)
3. Protection Induction Programme (PIP)
4. UN Course on Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority
5.    Orientation to IPSAS

- Recommended training courses
Programme Management
Certification Programme in Programme Management (CP-PM)

LEARNING ELEMENTS

The assignment will be an opportunity for JPO to learn how are project management skills applied in practice to mitigate risks and resolve implementation challenges in complex operational context. JPO will also learn about centrality of programme management function, importance of coordination and complementarity of external relations and programme work. In view of UNHCR's transition to new Result-Based Management (RBM) in 2021, the JPO will have the opportunity to participate in the implementation of new RBM elements, including trainings and practical tasks. LIVING CONDITIONS AT THE DUTY STATION

Housing/accommodation: In Peshawar, UNHCR will provide staff with accompodation which meet the UNHCR standards.

Health care: The healthcare in Pehswar is not up to standard, but referral to Islamabad and other areas with better facilities. Few local hospitals have been identified in Peshawar for emergency cases and occupational health services.

Educational facilities: As Peshswar is a Non-Family duty station, family members are not expected to be settled.

Security: The Security Level for Peshawar remains Substantial with a high risk of terrorism. Following the general election in July 2018, the security situation has improved in KP. Reduction in frequency of terrorist incidents was observed in comparison to the previous years. KP remain volatile and prone to rapid deterioration, as all the element of instability persists. The targeted operations conducted by the security forces, remain indicative on the persistent intent and capability of the extremist elements who over time have managed to merge within the community retaining their capacities to carry out attacks. Threats by militant groups continue, with intents to target government, security forces, educational institutions, media, secular political parties, minorities as well as organizations involved in "anti-Islamic ideology". The weapon of choice for terrorist groups remain the usage of IEDs in several forms (VBIED, RCIED, BBIED...). Armed conflict is currently limited to the border areas. The border fencing activity by Pakistan security forces that started in 2017 and expected to be finalized in 2020 continues to attract substantial threats. The usage of private security guards for almost all the shops, restaurant and other business is indicative on the level of crime and the fear among citizens. Sectarian tensions continue to be fueled by the attack against specific sects. UN staff are not the main target of armed groups.

Other: Peshawar is a category E non-family duty station. Movement of the International staff within KPK is allowed in armoured vehicles only, with the requirement for the Non-Objection Certification from the Government for field trips to some sensitive areas of the province. Emirates, Qatar, Air Arabia and Etihad fly in-out of Peshawar. Pashto is the main language spoken in the district, Urdu is the national language, and English is common among urban educated population. Please note that the closing date for this JPO advertisement is Wednesday 31 March 2021 (midnight Geneva time).