Head of Field Office (FTA NOB Lago Agrio)

- External candidates must be legally present in Ecuador at the time of application, recruitment and hire.
- As per regulations, the position is offered only to Ecuadorian nationals. Head of Field Office

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR Field Office (HoFO) is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent carries the full delegated authority of the UNHCR Representative (or the country Manager or Head of Sub-Office) of the country, who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position, on the other hand, provides information on developments in relation to the protection (legal protection issues relating to the persons of concern to UNHCR), security (Physical security in relation to the UNCR staff and the persons of concern to UNHCR) and operational matters (programme and office management / administration) within the domain of its geographical area of responsibility to the UNHCR Representative (or the country manager) on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), Representative will direct and guide the Head of Field Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoFO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.

While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Office will always remain the same despite its grade level, the other parameters (therefore the depth and breadth of the competencies) such as the size of the population of concern to UNHCR, their specific legal/security concerns, volume of assistance, Number of operational / Implementing partners and the size of the Office (i.e. number of UNHCR staff and their grade levels) will determine the appropriate grade level. The operational autonomy also depends upon the same parameters/competencies.

As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, s/he is required to liaise with the relevant senior government officials, security organs in the area, the Head of various Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and internationals based in the area), Civilian/tribal leaders/elders, local opinion makers and the local media net-work to ensure his/her assigned responsibilities are effectively and efficiently discharged.

As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissioner¿s operations, s/he remain as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their conventional responsibilities in favour of refugees and others of concern to UNHCR.


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 a Vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on local situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR  standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs, where applicable; Advocate, promote and encourage the concerned authorities and local opinion makers to uphold established UNHCR standards that have become the international norms.
- 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 rigorous monitoring  of identified assistance activities
- Ensure through the subordinate staff that deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) 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.
- Ensure that 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; this requires remaining current in health and medical facilities locally available and evacuation options available in a moment of medical urgency.
- 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 P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree


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


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


Relevant Job Experience
Essential
- In-depth knowledge in  aspects 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.
- Should be conversant in the current priorities in the organisation and existing mechanisms within the organisation to implement those priorities.
Desirable
Working experience both in UNHCR HQ and/or a Regional Office and the Field


Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
*UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
*PR-International protection concepts and principles
*MG-Field Operations Management
*MG-Office Management
(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. COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS:

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
- Leadership
- Managing Performance
- Managing Resources
- Strategic Planning and Vision

Cross-Functional Competencies
- Analytical Thinking
- Planning and Organizing
- Political Awareness English is mandatory. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

A)  As per regulations, the position is offered only to Ecuadorian nationals.
B)  If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your application according the following instructions:

External candidates:
- Candidates who do NOT have access to the system MSRP must submit their application through UNHCR's official site for applications:
www.unhcr.org - Careers ¿ Vacancies ¿ Ecuador ¿ Head of Field Office FTA NOB Lago Agrio.

- (In case you face technical problems, please enter with a different browser).

Candidates with access to the system MSRP
- Your application can be submitted through:
MSRP ¿ Self-Service ¿ Recruiting ¿ Careers ¿ Ecuador ¿ Head of Field Office FTA NOB Lago Agrio. 

1. For any technical issues encountered during the online application, please contact the Global Service Desk (hqussd@unhcr.org) prior to the deadline to allow enough time to resolve issues.

2. For any questions about the selection process, please contact Human Resources (parreno@unhcr.org).

CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY EMAIL. ONLY THOSE APPLICATIONS SENT BY THE SYSTEM WILL BE CONSIDERED

NOTE
Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. No late applications will be accepted.

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 does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

REMUNERATION

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at: http://icsc.un.org
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
======================================================================================================== Since 2000, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, works in Ecuador to protect and assist the largest population of recognized refugees (mainly Colombians) in Latin America and the Caribbean. Since 2016, more than five million Venezuelans have left their country. More than 450.000 are estimated to be staying in the country. At the time of writing, Venezuelans continue to cross the Ecuadorian-Colombian border. 

Venezuela Situation

Refugees and migrants, particularly those with specific at heightened risk, such as women, children, people with disabilities or those affected by chronic illnesses before the pandemic, are among the worst affected by the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19. The vast majority work in the informal sector and lack a social safety net. They continue to struggle or are unable to cover their basic needs, such as rent and food. Many had already managed to emerge from poverty and run their own businesses, or held employment, but lockdown measures and a contracted economy have resulted in loss of income. Because of their inability to pay rent, many have been evicted from their homes and have ended up in the streets, where they are exposed to further risks and subject to xenophobia and discrimination.

Colombia Situation

For several decades, the Colombian internal conflict forced many to leave their homes and search for security and peace in Ecuador. Despite the peace agreement signed between the Colombian Government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2016, the number of people searching international protection in Ecuador has continued to grow, as violence takes other forms and new armed groups emerge. Those most vulnerable include children and adolescents, at risk of forced recruitment, human rights defenders, community leaders, and those who oppose the activities of the new groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a deep impact on their livelihoods and has significantly increased their vulnerabilities.

The incumbent will directly report to the Sub Office of Ibarra and will be responsible for co-ordinating and supervising a Team of more than 10 staff and monitoring the implementation of UNHCR projects for responding to Colombia and Venezuela situations within the area of responsibility. S/he should maintain collaborative relations with local Government Officials at a senior level, as well as with UN agencies, NGOs and other actors operating in the area, in order to promote and get support for UNHCR objectives.

For 2021 UNHCR¿s operation in Ecuador has a total operating budget of more than 12 million USD, including resources to properly respond to health emergency due to COVID-19. Management of Programme and Finance budgets are centralized at Branch Office level; notwithstanding, the Head of Field Office has responsibility for oversighting the implementation of the operations budget within the FO¿s AoR.

FO-Lago Agrio performs directly, and through four (4) national and two (2) local implementing partners, protection and durable solutions programs in accordance with the Global Strategic Priorities.

The incumbent is expected to stay abreast of security developments that may have an impact on the protection & solutions programs for the persons of concern and, in order to strengthen institutional protection mechanisms, should closely work with the regional branches of the Public Defender's Office and the Ombudsman's office.

Looking at the complex scenario, the incumbent must have strong leadership skills, demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage field operations in a changing environment, sound organizational and planning skills and solid inter-agency and inter-personal skills. Demonstrated ability to deliver well in rural/urban environments is highly desirable. Fluency in Spanish is a must. The closing date is: 3 February 2022, 00h00 Geneva Time (2 February 2022, 17h00 Ecuador Time)