Head of Field Office – Boosaaso 41 views

Hardship Level: E (most hardship)

Family Type: Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type: Non Family with Residential Location Danger Pay

Residential location (if applicable): Nairobi (CO), Kenya

Grade: PR3

Staff Member / Affiliate Type: Professional

Reason: Regular > Regular Assignment

Remote work accepted: No

Target Start Date: 2023-03-24

Job Posting End Date: April 20, 2023

Standard Job Description: 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 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 UNHCR 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 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. – 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 P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Management; Personnel Administration; Law; Political Science; International Relation; 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-Computer Literacy IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software UN-UNHCR’s Mandate/Policy and Global Strategic Priorities MG-Office Management HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits PR-Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistance (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.

Desired Candidate Profile: Strong management skills considering the context and the working environment, a female candidate is highly recommended.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):: ,

Desired languages: ,

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:: Bosaso district is located within Bari region of Puntland State, approximately 500km North East of Garowe the capital of Puntland State. While UNHCR Field Office (FO) is situated in Bosaso, under it there is a Liaison Office in Garowe, Nugaal Region of Puntland, where most of the UN regional offices are based. Head of a UNHCR Field Office has both administrative and operational responsibilities including representing the organization to authorities, sister agencies, partners and other stakeholders on protection issues, programmes and humanitarian interventions.

HoFO must have excellent diplomatic, negotiation and interpersonal skills in order to interact well with IPs, Authorities and other stakeholders. With Al Shabab and ISIS operating in the State, the HoFO must experience working in politically charged areas with high security challenges.

The Office has 20 staff members of which 5 staff are directly supervised by the HoFO. The HoFO reports to SO Galkayo.

Populations of Concern: Returnees: UNHCR has a well-established, documented voluntary repatriation process tools under the tripartite. UNHCR manages a transit/reception centre in Bosaso for the returnees, who are provided with cash grants and other services including legal counselling, education for children, emergency medical assistance etc.

IDPs: Conflicts induced displacement is a regular occurrence in Puntland. The widespread instability and the resulting obstacles to IDP returns, contributed to increase in numbers of protracted displacement situations, extending for more than a decade. Natural disasters as well as extreme weather conditions is another cause.

UNHCR is a key player in the IDP response and often participates in joint assessment, protection monitoring and humanitarian assistance.

Refugees: Approximately 8,000 refugees residing in Bosaso, Garowe and Gardo towns as there are no refugees camps. We have a receiption center in Bosaso managed by the Government where new arrivals mainly from Yemen are processed. Ethiopia Asylum seekers entry point is normally through Garowe.

Mixed migration Movements

Bossaso is the transit point for people heading to Middle East or Europe and beyond. Through the Mixed Migration Task Force under the leadership of Ministry of Interior, UNHCR and IOM jointly coordinates assistance and protection response and have recently introduced an information campaign program across Puntland aimed to educate the public about dangers of movements.

Living and Working Conditions:: Somalia is high risk with a very complex operational environment, characterized by uncertainty and frequent security incidents. Movement by all UN personnel is restricted and closely coordinated and monitored by the security officers.

Generally the living conditions are characterized by physical and social isolation, Bosaso is category E, non-family DS where there is little entertainment available. International staff live in the guest house conjoining the office compound with minimum standards of UNHCR-provided accommodation.

Visits to restaurants, other social venues or in friend ‘s houses are prohibited. Considering the serious restrictions on movements, it is crucial the incumbent demonstrates a record of maintaining a positive attitude whenever confronted with adversity and restraints in his/her social life. Should be mentally, psychologically and physically fit. All international staff benefits from R & R that is currently on a 4-week cycle.

Access to healthcare facilities in Somalia is constrained by shortage of doctors, medical equipment, and poor standards of care. For basic medical support, apart from the UN Dispensary based at WFP compound which does not have proper medical facilities, there is very little medical back up.

No Banking facilities and ATM machines available, debit/credit cards can not be used.

The security situation continues to be unstable, volatile. An incident in Garowe in 2015 highlighted that International Community has been among the targets of Al Shabab and ISIS who continue to display increased intent and capability to plan and conduct attacks across the coutry

Selected candidate must be able to train, coach and build capacity to staff. Good negotiations and diplomatic skills are keys to getting access to our POCs and managing relations with communities, community leaders and local authorities.

Additional Factors

Insecurity and political instability continue to hinder UNHCR’s operations, resulting in unreliable and insecure access to persons of concern. The candidates for this position should be psychologically ready to work in a challenging and at times, frustrating environment.

Widespread poverty and the rapid depletion of existing resources generally necessitates a humanitarian response to address acute needs (food, basic relief and hygiene items) to address relatively high levels of vulnerability in the initial phases of displacement, particularly among those with weak support from family and community networks.

Additional Qualifications:

Skills

MG-Field Operations Management, MG-Office Management, MG-People Management, MG-Resource ManagementEducation

BA: Economics (Required), BA: International Relations (Required), BA: Law (Required), BA: Management (Required), BA: Personnel Administration (Required), BA: Political Science (Required)Certifications

HCR Management Learning Program – UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 – UNHCRWork Experience

Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned RefugeesCompetencies: 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

UNHCR Salary Calculator: https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium: March 2023 Compendium – Part B

Additional Information: Functional clearance: This position doesn’t require a functional clearance