Head of Sub-Office – Mogadishu 20 views

Hardship Level: E (most hardship)

Family Type: Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type: Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

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

Grade: PR4

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 Sub-Office

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, 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. 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 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

Management Administration, 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

Not specified.

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

In-depth knowledge in all 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. UNHCR Specific learning/training activities ( i.e. Learning Programme in Management & Operations).

Functional Skills

IT-Computer Literacy

UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities

MG-Office Management

HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits

PR-International protection concepts and principles

(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: The position requires experience in humanitarian activities, development and inter-agency coordination mechanisms as the incumbent will be responsible for representing UNHCR SO at several fora for which excellent communication skills are essential. The ideal candidate should have In-depth knowledge of all aspects of a UNHCR’s Field level operation, which includes application of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration. S/he should have diplomatic skills and the ability to courageously take quick decisions. In that sense, understanding of programme and administration management principles is essential. S/he must also have interpersonal skills such as empathy and experience leading and coordinating with diverse partners and external interlocutors, as well as supporting and coaching staff deal with tough working conditions.

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:: Sub- Office Mogadishu handles the protracted Internal Displacement case of more than 2 million Somalis in situations of displacement, which have lasted for more than two decades approximately and refugees and asylum seekers from the neighboring countries of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Yemen and as far also from Syria. Sub- office also handles Somali Refugees returnees mainly from Kenya and also from other countries ensuring their safe, dignified, voluntary return and sustainable reintegration. UNHCR operations on both sides (Kenya and Somalia) are therefore, working towards a Joint Plan of Action that will cater for an enhanced facilitated voluntary repatriation process within the Tripartite Agreement. Mogadishu Sub- office manages four Field Units located in Kismayo, Baidoa, Dollow and Dhobley each one led by P3 Field Officers.

The incumbent oversees and manages the operation in South Central region of Somalia. Further, she/he will provide leadership in the development of strategic and operational plans, foster co-ordination across all the elements of the operation, oversee the implementation, monitoring and assuring of results, and ensure that appropriate security measures and procedures are in place for all stakeholders. In all of these respects, the Head of Sub- Office will ensure regular and inclusive co-ordination and consultations/meetings with all partners, refugees and local authorities. He/she will be accountable for the implementation of a comprehensive information and communications strategy, which is inclusive and embracing of all stakeholders. The holder of the post is an integral part of the senior management team in Somalia operation and reports to the Representative. The HOSO supervises over nine International staff members including the Heads of Field Units.

Living and Working Conditions:: The security situation in Somalia is well-known for being volatile and unpredictable. The incumbent should therefore have experience in working in stressful conditions, have sound security awareness, and be sensitive to social, cultural and religious norms.

UNHCR Mogadishu has its own accommodation and Office compound within the AMISOM protected area. There are several restaurants and shops within the protected area that staff can find different food and non-food items. There is no banking service but there are several ATM machines within the protected area where staff can withdraw up to 500USD at a time with Visa cards. USD is also commonly used locally in cash during shopping. There is a PX shop within AAIA AMISOM protected area, where basic food, beverage and clothes stuff can be bought. UNSOS has level II hospital in the compound accessible to UN staff on a cost recovery basis through the Office. For recreational activities, the accommodations as well as UNSOS compound have gym & sport facility that are accessible to UN staff and residents. Also, international staff can walk around certain unrestricted perimeter of the UN compound such the seaside etc. Mogadishu airport called Adan Abdullahi International Airport located within the AMISOM protected area within few minutes’ drive away from the accommodation. There is reliable telephone and internet service in the compound.

Staff members are provided radio equipment, mobile sim card, laptop and PPE on arrival. Mogadishu is a high-risk non-family E-duty station with 4 weeks R&R cycle. Field missions by international staff requires security escort within a very limited radius of the Town and must be planned in advance in close cooperation with Security Officer.

Staff are required to complete all mandatory trainings including BSAFE before travel, as well as SSAFE is feasible. There is daily UN Flight from Mogadishu to Nairobi. Additionally, there are few airlines with a daily flight from Mogadishu to Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Istanbul.

Additional Qualifications: Skills

MG-Field Operations ManagementEducation

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

Work 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: 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