Careers opportunities – UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – Kousseri, Cameroon
Head of Field Office
locations
Kousseri, Cameroon
time type
Full time
job requisition id
JR2319829
Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position
Hardship Level
E (most hardship)
Family Type
Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay
Residential location (if applicable)
Yaounde, Cameroon
Grade
PR3
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.
In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Remote work accepted
No
Job Posting End Date
June 15, 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 (ie 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 Organizations (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 favor 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 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 program 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 (ie 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 behavior 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 Relations;
Economics;
or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Management Lrng Prg;
UNHCR 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 organization and existing mechanisms within the organization 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
The Head of Field Office Kousseri is responsible for leading UNHCR activities in the Logon and Chari District of the Far North Region of Cameroon.
Working under the supervision of the Head of the Office, Maroua, s/he is responsible for managing the office of approximately 10 persons, coordinating with inter-agency and government partners in the District, developing UNHCR’s protection strategy for the District, and implementing the UNHCR program in the District.
It is essential that the candidate needs to have experience in an environment defined by logistical and security challenges, and working with refugees, internally displaced persons (conflict and natural disaster), and returnees, both IDPs and refugees.
Due to poor road conditions, and logistical challenges, the office in Kousseri needs to function relatively independently from the SO Maroua. Therefore, the candidate needs to be able to take decisions and lead a team while knowing when to seek advice and guidance as appropriate.
S/he will need to lead consultative processes with government counterparts, partners, and persons covered by UNHCR’s mandate of concern to prepare, undertake, and monitor the return of Cameroon refugees from Chad, where some 40,000 refugees remain, hoping to join the over 15,000 that have returned spontaneously. This includes the development of the plan for their reintegration and inclusion into national and development partner programmes. For this reason, the candidate should have experience in planning and monitoring refugee returns and undertaking effective advocacy with national and development partners for the inclusion of people UNHCR serves in their programmes.
S/he will be a key focal point for the Peace Building Fund project implemented in the Logon Birni area together with three other UN Agencies, to be completed in June 2024. This involves participating in meetings, project development, implementation, and monitoring of the project activities. The UNHCR component of the project covers law, livelihoods, climate change mitigation and preparedness, social cohesion, and environmental protection activities in 10 localities in Logon Birni. For this, the candidate should have a strong protection background but also have solid experience in leading and working on multiple agency projects, with a variety of sectoral components and implementation modalities.
S/he will lead the UNHCR response for refugees and IDPs in the Logon Chari, where an estimated 25,000 Nigerian refugees and 160,000 IDPS remained largely displaced due to terrorist acts and inter-communal violence. The protection activities focus on registration (prima facie recognition), documentation, resettlement casework, social cohesion, advocacy, and monitoring while the assistance programming with partners and direct implementation focuses on SGVB, child protection, livelihoods, shelter/NFIs, and area– based community support. The push within the limited resources is for CBI-based assistance and inclusion of the displaced persons in development programs underway in the region. While only in small numbers, the office in Kousseri receives asylum seekers from Chad,
The return of both IDPs and refugees is also a priority but is constrained by continued insecurity in both Cameroon and the countries of origin. The Kousseri region is often considered within the regional activities concerning the security and development of the Lac Chad Basin, and this involves the coordination and preparation of documents and position papers for UNHCR’s participation in events and discussions.
Overall context of the Far North Region
The Far North of Cameroon faces nearly every operational scenario confronted by UNHCR; IDP (conflict and natural disasters), refugees (prima facie and individual status determination), returnees (refugee and IDP), solutions (resettlement and voluntary repatriation), nexus (humanitarian-development-peace building), care and maintenance, emergencies, camp , and non-camp populations.
Violence by the Islamic Sect, Boko Haram, led to an influx of about 130,000 Nigerian refugees according to local authorities, into the Far North region of Cameroon. Approximately 75,000 live in the Minawao refugee camp, the largest in West Africa, and fully supported by humanitarian assistance, while remaining in villages scattered along the Nigerian border. Refuges continue to arrive at Minawoa, either from Nigeria or coming from Cameroonian villages due to continued insecurity and lack of access to the means of subsistence. This situation has also led to the internal displacement of the local population living along the border, to other localities. There are some 380,000 IDPs in the Far North, mostly living with host families.
Intercommunal violence in 2021 displaced approximately 35,000 people within Cameroon and another estimated 40,000 to Chad. A good number have returned, and the registration/enrolment of the returnee population is essential to provide cash and other forms of reintegration assistance.
Living Conditions in the Far North
The Far North Region is classified under security level 4 with related security concerns and restrictions. Missions in some areas must be accompanied by military escorts.
The working and living conditions are challenging. The working environment is constrained by the security situation, long distances to cover, inaccessibility of some areas due to seasonal flooding, and poor road conditions in some areas exist as well. The Security situation is precarious and stressful. The Cameroonian security forces guarantee the safety of humanitarian workers, refugees and property assigned to the operation. Staff either live in the UN Guest House or in private accommodation approved by UN Security Staff.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
French
,
,
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 candidate will report to the Head of Sub-Office Maroua. S/he should have:
– Previous experience of working in an IDP context
– Proven experience with managing a team
– Proven experience of engaging with authorities
– Strong knowledge of program, admin and finance
– Excellent interpersonal skills (including engaging with authorities)
Additional Qualifications
skills
Operational activities, Operational activities, Humanitarian assistance, BU-UN/UNHCR Budgetary cycle, CB-Cash-based Programming/Managing/Planning, CL-Sector/Cluster Advocacy, CO-Drafting and Documentation, DE-Development cooperation in post conflict and protracted crisis settings, DE-Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDP), DE-Inclusion of PoCs in national development plans, social safety nets and services, Humanitarian development, EM-Coordination of sectoral emergency response activities, EM-Development and coordination of preparedness action plans, EM-Emergency Coordination (Cluster, RCM), EM-Emergency needs assessment, ER-Inter-Agency External Relations, Priority setting, Professional etiquette, EV-Sustainable Development, FO-Complex field emergency operations, FO-Operational activities in hardship duty stations,FS-High Risk Environment Operations, Team management, Office management, LV-Institutional mapping of development and private sector actors {+ 25 other(s)}
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics (compulsory), Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations (compulsory), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law (compulsory), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Management (compulsory), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Personnel Administration (compulsory), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science (compulsory)
Certifications
HCR Management Learning Program – UNHCR, Program Management (PM) 1 – 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, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless
Competencies
Accountability (Good – 4), Inclusion (Good – 4), Judgment & decision making ( Good – 4), Managing performance (Good – 4)
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Add. 2 to March 2023 Compendium – Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
All applications must be submitted ONLINE at:
WELL READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ABOVE TO APPLY, AND NEVER SEND MONEY DURING A RECRUITMENT.
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