Job Vacancies at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. We had three years to complete our work and then disband. Today, over 65 years later, our organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world.

We are recruiting to fill the positions below:

Job Title: Senior Programme Officer
Job ID: 21334
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Salary Grade: P4
Hardship Level: E
Family Location Type: Non-Family

Procedures and Eligibility
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.

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Programme Officer may be based in HQ, field/regional bureau, typically reporting to and be guided by the Chief of Section/Deputy Director/Operations Manager and may supervise a small team of local and international 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.

The Senior Programme Officer will provide strategic programmatic guidance and advice to senior management with regard to the implementation of country or Bureau level protection and solutions strategies within available resources. S/he will coordinate with the other sections/units within the Bureau and/or office(s) across the country/region to ensure harmonized programmatic approaches at all levels and throughout the UNHCR Operations Management Cycle.

S/he will work in line with the overall UNHCR directions which crucially require working with partners, including with persons of concern, governmental institutions and the private sector, ensuring that programme management is approached as per UNHCR's Strategic Directions, Global Strategic Priorities (GSPs), Global Compact for Refugees (GCR), corporate positions on SDGs.

The incumbent is expected to work in line with the multi-functional team (MFT) approach as defined within the Program Manual, ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders in all phases of the Program Management Cycle.

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

• Oversee a coherent approach 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 guidance to office(s) 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.
• Support the planning process in compliance with planning parameters outlined in the Programme Manual and the planning instructions.
• Ensure effective and results-based resource allocation in the planning processes and cost efficiency in the delivery of outputs.
• Review and analyse plans, mid-year and year-end reports of UNHCR office(s), ensuring quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
• Support the provision overall direction to broaden partnerships with key stakeholders in order to maximize the protection and solutions response for persons of concern.
• Guide and provide directions to office(s) in operationalising new and emerging policies, strategies and partnerships, including in an inter-agency context, identifying opportunities and innovative solutions and ensuring compliance with existing standards.
• Guide office(s) in managing a consultative process 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.
• Actively contribute to UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contributing to improvements of programming tools and processes.
• Identify potential gaps and problems and in cooperation with other relevant sections recommend appropriate solutions to ensure the efficient implementation of programme activities
• Develop comprehensive assistance programmes that compliment activities implemented from other operational partners.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• For P4 / NOD 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

• Business Administration, Social Science, Economics, International Relations or other relevant field.

Certificates and / or Licenses

• Programme Management

Essential:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing humanitarian projects and programmes including the allocation and management of resources
• Sound knowledge of the UNHCR Operations Management Cycle Knowledge and practical experience on Results Based-Management. Demonstrated experience in field operations. Sound knowledge on the centrality of protection in programming
• Enhanced knowledge on Joint Needs Assessments and the principles of targeting.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience in coordination within an inter-agency context and other actors, in a refugee or humanitarian context. Solid experience in training and capacity building activities.

Functional Skills:

• PG-Programme Management (project formulation, programme cycles and reporting standards)
• PG-Results-Based Management
• PG-Needs Assessment and Response Analysis
• PG-Resource Planning; eg. FOCUS, Global Focus Insight
• PG-UNHCR's Programmes
• PG-Experience with coordinating with Implementing Partners (Governmt/INGO/NGO/Corporate) Data and information management understanding;

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.   

Position Competencies:

• C002L3 Teamwork & Collaboration - Level 3
• C001L3 Accountability - Level 3
• C003L3 Communication - Level 3
• C004L3 Commitment to Continuous Learning - Level 3
• C005L3 Client & Result Orientation - Level 3
• C006L3 Organizational Awareness - Level 3
• M002L3 Managing Performance - Level 3
• M001L3 Empowering and Building Trust - Level 3
• M003L3 Judgement and Decision Making - Level 3
• M006L3 Managing Resources - Level 3
• M005L3 Leadership - Level 3
• M004L3 Strategic Planning and Vision - Level 3
• X001L3 Analytical Thinking - Level 3
• X008L3 Stakeholder Management - Level 3
• X007L3 Political Awareness - Level 3
• X004L3 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution - Level 3
• X009L3 Change Capability and Adaptability - Level 3.

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.

Procedures and Eligibility
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.

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR Sub Office (HoSO) 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) 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 the Sub Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoSO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.

While the functional responsibility of a Head of a Sub 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.
• 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, wherever 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. 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 in coordination with local authorities and NGOs.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level:

• 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

• Human Resources Management;
• Personnel Administration;
• Law;
• Political Science;
• International Relations;
• Economics;
• Other relevant fields.

Certificates and / or Licenses:

• HCR Management Lrng Prg;
• HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;

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:

• UN-UNHCR Operations, mandate, principles and policies;
• IT-Computer Literacy;
• IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software;
• MG-Office Management;
• PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators;
• HR-Staff Administration;

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.

Position Competencies:

• 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.

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.