Head of Field Office

Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position

E (most hardship)Non FamilyPR4Professional

* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.

In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.

Reason

Fast Track > Fast TrackNo2023-07-20July 27, 2023Head 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 all 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, he/she is required to liaise with all 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, he/she 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 all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) are met on a regular basis. - 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; 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. - 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 P4 - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Human Resources Management; Personnel Administration; Law; Political Science; International Relations; Economics; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses 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 all aspects of UNHCR¿s Field level operation.  Applied experience 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-Microsoft Office Productivity Software PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators MG-Office Management HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits IT-Computer Literacy (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.The very complex and diverse political and operational context in the overall country require proven ability to work collaboratively with government counterparts and other stakeholders in a highly evolving environment. Given the sensitivities on the ground and the diverse team coupled with diverse population, the incumbent should possess strong interpersonal, networking, negotiating, advocacy and diplomatic skills and the ability to manage teams effectively. The incumbent will be responsible to coordinate with the local authorities, counterparts, NGOs and other UN agencies, to advocate, implement and monitor UNHCR and partner operations plans in Wad Madani. The incumbent is required to have a proactive and mature attitude, able to perform well under stress in less- than-ideal living and working conditions. Flexibility, adaptability and ability to live and operate in hardship conditions (including dust, heat, shared quarters, limited water supply) are essential.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

Following the war in Sudan and especially in Khartoum, Wad Madani, the capital city of Al Jazirah state, became both a destination for Sudanese IDPs and refugees on secondary movement  from Khartoum and a transit for onward movements towards other states. Its proximity with Khartoum made it a preferred and easy destination for a large number of forcibly displaced people.

Due to the the continuous influx from Khartoum and onward movement towards other states, the statistics of the IDPs and refugees keep fluctuating. It is estimated that there are currently around 5,000 refugees from different nationalities mainly Ethiopians, Eritreans, South Sudanese, Central African Republicans, Congolese, Chadians, and UNHCR is facilitating the voluntary relocation of some of them in refugee camps in other states where services are available. There are a number of refugees who have shown unwillingness to be relocated in refugee camps in other states and the operation in Wad Madani may evolve towards an urban refugee setting with approximately 5,000 to 6,000 refugees, and significant number of internally displaced persons.

The current IOM DTM estimates that there are 126, 240 IDPs while the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), the government entity in charge of coordinating and managing the IDPs, has higher estimates. Both refugees and IDPs were received mainly in schools, churches , youth centers  referred to as “gathering sites”, while majority of IDPs are staying with the relatives and friends, according to HAC. Their locations spread over more than 100 km in small towns in between Khartoum and Wad Madani that requires frequent field missions and a robust reach-out structure to reach out to refugees and IDPs.

Wad Madani has very low experience in humanitarian activities coupled with the pressure that the refugee and IDP influxes is exerting on resources contributing to the high cost of living, crowdness/congestions, fuel scarcity and creating resentment towards the new arrivals in the state. As a consequence, the authorities are pushing for refugees especially to be relocated in other states. Good leadership, strong negotiation and communication skills, capacity to coordinate and build partnerships with other UN & other humanitarian agencies and including the government relevant entities/ministries, and a good understanding of IDP and refugee policies are some of the main competencies  and skills for this position.

Living and Working Conditions:

Wad Madani features a desert climate (at times very hot and dusty), with only the months of July and August seeing significant precipitation. Its average annual temperature is about 37.1 °C (99 °F). Particularly, staff with allergy may be affected by the dust. The ongoing devasting war has destroyed economic financial system, the limited modest medical and leisure facilities.  Subsequently, Wad Madani is classified as E and non-family duty station. Sensitivity to the Sudanese culture and dress code is very important. Assigned staff needs to have completed the BSAFE module and produce copies of certification to obtain UN identification card in Sudan and update the TRIP profile.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software, MG-Office Management, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicatorsBachelor of Arts (BA): Economics (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Management (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Personnel Administration (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science (Required)

Certifications

HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCR

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

FT for the Sudan Situation

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

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