Head of Field Office

This Job Opening is available to eligible UNHCR staff members and external applicants. Interested applicants should consult the Administrative Instruction on Recruitment and Assignment of Locally Recruited Staff (RALS).
Applicants must be nationals of, and be locally recruited within, the country of their employment. Head of Field Office

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The position is under direct supervision and guidance of the Representative/Head of Sub-Office on issues concerning programme, protection, external relations etc. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units at the Branch Office and from the Bureau at Headquarters.
The incumbent represents UNHCR at the field level. S/he will persuade and obtain assistance of others on matters of non-routine significance. Contacts predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization¿s programmes (e.g. counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments). The Field Office managed by the incumbent has no other professional position and less than 6 General Service positions.


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
- Monitor and report on the implementation of refugee conventional responsibilities and international obligations of the local authorities vis-à-vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the AOR.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of persons of concern.
- Ensure that the basic needs of the concerned population are properly assessed with the participation of the beneficiaries themselves, the host governments and/or the competent Implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself.
- Subject to the needs, ensure that the planning, formulation and budgeting of identified assistance projects are done as per UNHCR programme cycle; upon approval of assistance project, ensure the timely implementation and monitoring of identified assistance activities.
- Ensure through the subordinate staff that deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities are met on a regular basis.
- Manage UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
- Manage all UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
- Ensure that all security measures of UNHCR office (and residential, where ever applicable) compounds are always up to date; any security breaches and/or potential security threat should be reported immediately to competent UN security coordinator in the country.
- Ensure that staff welfare, both in terms of working and living conditions, are maintained at a satisfactory level within the constraints in the operational area.
- Guide, coach and advocate the subordinate staff to maintain highest standards of conduct and behaviour thorough one¿s own practice and deeds.
- Prepare and submit regular reports, both verbally and written, to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO. In the event of substantial telephone conversation that leads to specific action or non-action, it should be recorded and share with the other party.
- Any other responsibilities/functions deemed necessary or as delegated by the UNHCR Representative of the country in order to meet the level of the services in the organization.
- Represent UNHCR in inter-agency fora and with local authorities in the AOR.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR¿s global protection, programme, finance, human resources and security policies and standards.
- Submit project proposals for assistance to refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR Representation or Sub-Office in coordination with local authorities and NGOs.
- Perform other related duties as required.


Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree


Field(s) of Education
Business Administration; Economics; International Relations;
Law; Political Science; or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)


Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)


Relevant Job Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of UNHCR mandate and its Field level application.
- Applied knowledge of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration.
Desirable
- Working experience both in HQ.


Functional Skills
*PR-International protection concepts and principles
*MG-Office Management
*HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
(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.




All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

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. Core Competencies:
- Accountability
- Communication
- Organizational Awareness
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies:
- Empowering and Building Trust
- Judgement and Decision Making
- Managing Performance
- Managing Resources

Cross-Functional Competencies:
- Analytical Thinking
- Planning and Organizing
- Political Awareness Please note that English and Italian are essential for this Job Opening. This is a regular position (PN 10035881). Initial appointment will be on Fixed-Term contract for one year.
Expected Entry on Duty: tentative February 2022.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Assessment of short-listed candidates will comprise of both an interview and a written test.
UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees). All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
In case of any queries, please contact the HR Team at itarovacancies@unhcr.org.
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
======================================================================================================== The Head of Office NOA is a newly created position aimed at implementing MCO Italy new multi-year strategy. The latter foresees UNHCR expanding its outreach in the north of Italy allowing for more regular interaction with key actor, both governmental and private sector, who are key to both integration solutions and private sector fundraising. The strategy also foresees a field-oriented approach placing the Organization closer to persons of concern coming through Italy¿s land borders.
The National Professional Officer will manage the Field Unit, and will supervise 7 staff members covering Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Emilia Romagna. The incumbent¿s role in strategically interacting with local government counterparts and other key actors will be paramount. As such, the incumbent will need to have strong coordination & communication skills and experience in managing government relations in order to increase support for refugee issues and funding opportunities. He/she will have a proven track record of political analysis, experience with Italian national and local stakeholders and partners, including financial institutions, private sector, CSOs and academia. Team management skills, legal, operational and protection knowledge and background are essential. Finally, the incumbent needs to possess excellent drafting and writing abilities both in Italian and English. The closing date for submission of applications is Monday 6 September 2021 (23:59 Geneva time).