Summary
Date Posted: Thursday, February 02, 2023 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Hardship Level
C
Family Type
Family
Family Type
Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade
PR3

Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional

Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment


Remote work accepted
No

Target Start Date
2023-01-27-08:00

Job Posting End Date
February 16, 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 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. – 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
1. Should possess solid leadership and coordination skills bringing together multiple stakeholders including GRZ counterparts, traditional leaders, district authorities, refugee leaders, private sectors and academia.
2. The incumbent must have strong and proven negotiating, diplomatic and communication skills as well as a strong know-how on program, admin and supply management to ensure that UNHCR resources are disbursed efficiently and effectively in the best interest of persons we serve;
3. Because of the high-risk environment, the candidate should be ready to exercise due diligence in strengthen internal controls and ensure the best value for money.
4. People management, empathy and duty of care are key attributes to lead a productive team.
5. The incumbent shall also possess proven awareness and professional experience in managing human and financial resources and be ready to be held accountable on integrity manner.

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:
The incumbent reports to the Representative and leads a diverse and motivated team of 8 international and 15 national employees (regular and affiliate workforce). That entails protecting and assisting over 35,628 persons, majority of whom are refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, as well as “former” Angolan and Rwandan refugees.

The area of responsibility includes Zambia’s North-Western Province, Solwezi serves as the administrative capital. The Government of Zambia requires that persons that we serve and care shall live, along with their hosts, in Maheba Settlement, located in Kalumbila district, part of the above mentioned province. Through development, national, and local government partnerships, the Solwezi Field Office oversees the implementation of humanitarian initiatives (i.e., Since Zambia continue receiving sporadic new arrivals from the Democratic Republic of Congo) and development engagement (i.e., under the umbrella of the Comprehensive refugee Response Framework and the Humanitarian Nexus Frameworks) in Maheba settlement to advance refugee inclusion in national system delivery and support host communities. The incumbent will work with the UNCT, the UNHCR Branch Office in Lusaka and other field locations to operationalize the refugee inclusion and find long-term solutions for refugees through voluntary repatriation, resettlement, and local solutions.

The incumbent will be responsible for assisting in the development of the Multi-Year Multi Partner Protection and Solution Strategy (MYMPPSS) and ensuring that a multi-functional team (MFT) monitors and reports on key impact indicators. As well as overseeing the quality, timely, and effective implementation of the operation’s protection and solutions strategy based on UNCT- Program Management Team (PMT), where Inter-Agency priorities are implemented collaboratively through a common system initiative Delivering as One (DaO) involving UNHCR and UN development sister agencies. S/he is expected to lead discussions at the local level to encourage greater responsibility on the part of relevant government counterparts, to cascade down advocacy on international norms and standards in terms of refugee protection and solutions, and to ensure that community engagement and empowerment are strengthened as part of transition efforts.

Relations with counterparts in local governments, UN agencies, NGOs (including development actors), civil society and private sector actors must be maintained for activities and support to those that we help.

Living and Working Conditions:
Solwezi is the capital of the North-Western Province of Zambia with a population of 65,000 persons. 590 Km separate the capital of the country to Solwezi. Transportation is possible via land (some 12 hours) and by air (i.e., two airlines fly from/to Solwezi to Lusaka, almost on daily basis. Flight prices, compared with similar services in the Southern Africa region could be considered high). UNHCR works in a refugee settlement, which is located 88 KM northwestwards from Solwezi in the Kalumbila District. UNHCR staff commutes from Solwezi to Meheba almost on daily basis to conduct field/monitoring activities. The Provincial capital has few amenities and services in place. The duty station may be challenging in view of the lack of: i) adequate health facilities to accommodate UN staff’s needs; ii) and/or minimum adequate housing and infrastructure opportunities; iii) international schools and iv) leisure spaces/opportunities. Solwezi hosts three retail-branded shopping sites, where basic commodities would be found. Most local shops are concentrated along the central tarred road. Mining is the major industry present in the province; some services and amenities are available for mining companies’ staff and/or contractors (e.g., clinic, accommodation, leisure and schools); UN staff would be able to get access to some on a case-by-case basis. Overall, the security situation in the province has been considered by the UNCT as Level 2; Solwezi and Kalumbila has rarely faced security incidents, except of isolated non-violent incidents.


Additional Qualifications

Skills
Education
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 – UNHCR

Work Experience
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
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales 
Compendium
Add.2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 – Part B

Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance



Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

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