About the job

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.

- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.

- 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 candidate should have long service of up to 10 years in a managerial, leadership and people management role. Demonstrated coaching skills, a pro-active mature attitude with ability to address complex and dynamic situations as well as remain calm under stressful environments. Previous experience serving in a deep field and high-risk duty station is desirable. The position also demands a solid understanding of International Protection, with demonstrated ability to lead and advise on key strategic issues pertaining to the cooperation with development actors in support of host communities & refugees is an added advantage. Besides, female candidates are highly desired.

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

,

,

Desired languages

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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:

UUNHCR Sub-Office Galkayo covers two states of Puntland and Galmudug, there is a Field Office in Bossaso and Field Unit/Liaison Office in Garowe reporting to the Sub Office. The populations of concern in the area of responsibility consist of four categories: refugees and asylum seekers from Ethiopia, refugees from Yemen, internally displaced persons and Somali refugee returnees. Main area of focus for UNHCR in Puntland and Galmudug include promotion of self-reliance and economic empowerment of refugees and asylum seekers, support to basic needs and life-saving assistance such as subsistence cash grants provided based on vulnerability criteria, health, education, GBV and legal counselling and resettlement, Empowering the communities by supporting community management structures and engage government institutions to include refugees in the local & national development plans in line with CRRF and the Global Compact on Refugees, Return and reintegration cash grant for Somali refugee returnees arriving in Puntland, Community-based co-existence projects in key return areas, these include rehabilitation of public facilities to promote and enhance access to basic services and reduce the burden in current existing facilities etc.. As far as IDPs are concerned, UNHCR in Puntland leads the protection, CCCM and shelter clusters coordination activities in collaboration with other humanitarian actors. Key priorities include the provision of Non-Food Items and Emergency Shelter Kits, Gender Based Violence Prevention and Response aimed at enhancing the protection situation of vulnerable IDPs. Promotion of local integration. Given the considerable and diverse work load and engagements with multiple stakeholders with differing agenda and interest in a very complex working environment, it is important that the applicant be highly motivated, hard-working, organized, possess a high sense of political awareness, sensitivity to cultural and social fabric of the Somalian society which is still dominated by power dynamics among clans and sub clans. The incumbent should also has a proven interpersonal skills to foster multifunctional approach in programme design and delivery with strong coordination skills. S/he must have experience in managing big Field Offices.

Living and Working Conditions:

The overall risk level for Area 5 (Mudug & Galgadud region) is High and the government 's resources to cover a vast geographical area very limited. Therefore, residual effects of security risks on UN assets and personnel is at Medium level after the implementation of all mitigation measures. The overall security environment in Area 5 has considerably changed after increased number of security threat information. Within threat categories, terrorism related incidents showed a steady increase over the years albeit limited to targeted killings of business people, political leaders and elders in alleged extortion attempts. This political stalemate in Galmudug has resulted in limited access to populations in needs of assistance by Humanitarian actors including UNHCR. Most potential threats to UN personnel and operations in Bossaso and Bari Region are Armed Conflict and Terrorism-related incidents. Al Shabab (AS) and ISIS fighters have demonstrated their intent and capacity to strike UN on 20 April 2015 in Garowe and a PBIED attack near the Juba Hotel in Bossaso on 23 May 2017. AS is also capable of conducting raids, targeted assassinations, IED/RCIED/BBIED/ VBIED and Complex attacks against UN and Puntland Government/ security forces. In terms of transportation, for long, UNHAS has been the only authorized flights for UN staffs to and from Puntland. However, in July 2019, Ethiopian Airlines has commenced flights from Garowe three times a week with a plan to include Bossaso as well. As far as medical facilities are concerned, there is a UN dispensary in the Common Compound managed by a medical doctor and a nurse from UNDP. In addition to the dispensary, there is only one hospital which has relatively good facilities in Galkayo and recognized by UN dispensary. For accommodation, all internationally recruited UN personnel shall accommodate at protected UN guest houses and UN facilities. In Galkayo staffs are required to stay in the UN Common compound managed by UNHCR with a catering system managed by a committee composed of international staff living in the compound. However, accessing to a reasonable food variety in Galkayo is very challenging. It is very difficult to find fresh fruits, vegetable, greens, and other ingredients. Poultry, beef, fish, and other sea or fresh water food are very scare. Also, there are very limited food products in shops.

Skills

Additional Qualifications

MG-Diplomacy, MG-Field Operations Management

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Personnel Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science

Certifications

HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR

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: 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 Refugees

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

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

How to Apply

APPLY HERE