Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Programme Officer may be based in HQ, field/regional bureau, typically reporting to and be guided by the Program officer and may supervise a small team of local staff. He/she may refer to UNHCR¿s Programme Manual (Chapter IV), UNHCR’s corporate and regional strategic priorities, operation plans and other relevant institutional rules and regulations for further guidance.
The Associate Programme Officer will provide programmatic guidance and support with regard to the implementation of protection and solutions strategies within available resources. S/he will coordinate with the other sections/units to ensure harmonized programmatic approaches at all levels and throughout the UNHCR Operations Management Cycle. The incumbent will work in line with the overall UNHCR directions which crucially require working with partners, including with persons of concern, governmental institutions and the private sector, ensuring that programme management is approached as per UNHCR¿s Strategic Directions, Global Strategic Priorities (GSPs), Global Compact for Refugees (GCR), and corporate positions on SDGs.
The incumbent is expected to work in line with the multi-functional team (MFT) approach as defined within the Program Manual, ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders in all phases of the Program Management Cycle.
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
– Support in assessing and analysing the needs of persons of concern in a participatory manner, using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective as basis for planning.
– Provide support on programmatic aspects of developing multi-year protection and solutions strategies and annual plans with corresponding priorities taking into account corporate priorities.
– Support Results Based Management and programme capacity in light of evolving requirements, programming approaches and gaps.
– Assist the planning process in compliance with planning parameters outlined in the Programme Manual and the planning instructions.
– Support the revision and analysis of plans, mid-year and year-end reports of UNHCR office(s) in the Area of Responsibility AoR), ensure quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
– Assist in the provision of overall direction to broaden partnerships with key stakeholders in order to maximize the protection and solutions response for persons of concern.
– Provide support to ensure a consistent application of the framework for implementing with partners, including the effective implementation of the policy on selection and retention of partners, management of partnership agreements, risk-based project performance monitoring, and risk-based project audits, among others.
– Contribute to ensure consistent and coherent monitoring approaches, tools and systems across the region, in line with global standards and polices.
– Actively contribute to UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contribute to improvements of programming tools and processes.
– Oversee a timely and effective follow-up of internal and external audits observations and recommendations that relate to programmatic issues.
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB – 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Economics; Business Administration; Social Sciences; or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Programme Management
Certification Programme in Programme Management (CP-PM)
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential:
Demonstrated experience in programme management including familiarization with the OMC and sound knowledge of Results Based-Management. Demonstrated experience in field operations, sound knowledge on the centrality of protection in programming, Joint Needs Assessments and the principles of targeting.
Desirable:
Demonstrated experience in coordination within an inter-agency context and other actors, in a refugee or humanitarian context. Sound experience in program management training and capacity building activities.
Functional Skills
MG-Project Management
PG-Results-Based Management
PG-UNHCR’s Programmes
PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate)
(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.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
Desired languages
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
The security situation in South Sudan though generally stable, remains fragile and fluid in complex and unpredictable environment and is characterized by low intensity and localized armed conflict in some areas, high levels of crime across the country, inter/intra communal conflict over a diverse range of issues including cattle raids, competition for resources and revenge attacks and regular civil unrest in refugee and IDP operations and host community. These challenges continue, directly and indirectly, to impact on UNHCR operations. The signing of the Revitalized Agreement of the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan in September 2018 represented an important milestone for the country. The ceasefire is holding in many areas of the country except in some few locations where localized and low intensity armed conflict continues to impact on security situation. Many areas in the country are also affected by season flooding which has also displaced significant number of people.
The security level in South Sudan is assessed as substantial (security level 4) in all areas.
SRM measures in place:
UN curfew is in force across the country, timing differs from one SRM Area to another. UN curfew is from 19:00 to 05:00 in Juba and from 18:00 to 05:00 in Bunj.
International personnel must request and receive security clearance for official and non-official travel.
International personnel on mission must stay in either a UN facility or UN approved commercial lodging for staff members.
Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environment (SSAFE) to be conducted in areas with HIGH Risk level and above.
All international and national personnel must be issued with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and VHF radios.
Nature of Position:
The South Sudan Operation is very complex, fluid, and high-risk covering all four pillars of UNHCR.
The operation is comprised of the Representation office in Juba with 2 Sub-offices and 7 Field Offices. At Sub Office Bunj, the office has more than sixty staff, led by a P5 Head of Sub Office, the newly upgraded P4 Senior Protection Officer, P3 Field Security Officer, and 5 P2 Officers in Programme, Admin/Finance, ICT, Supply and GBV. The incumbent of the position should have strong technical capacity and experience in his/her field of expertise. S/he should be a strong team player, have strong service orientation, flexibility, and proactivity to manage arising situations and challenges. In addition, incumbent of the position should co-ordinate closely with other units in the Sub, Representation, and Regional Offices, promote collaboration and diversity in a multicultural environment and contribute to a positive work environment. The incumbent must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing in English. The incumbent is required to manage operation budget and negotiate with partners, together with technical colleagues, the budget and activities under partner’s partnership agreement. As a result, traceable leadership skills and experience is crucial for this position. Knowledge and familiarity with operations in Africa including its range of challenges and issues from the political and the humanitarian perspectives would be beneficial.
The need to have both visionary and hands-on experience in operation management, and familiar with cash based activities would be important. Demonstrated experience in effective partnership management and multi-stakeholder coordination in humanitarian, emergency, or development contexts is also desirable. Good knowledge and understanding of UNHCR/UN rules, policies, and regulations regarding partnership and financial management, oversight, and compliance is required. Ideal candidate should also have proven analytical skills, abilities for identification of gaps and finding solutions, good level of computer literacy, in particular, experience in computerized systems and software. Experience in communicating, building capacities, coordinating consultative processes, building consensus and ability to contribute in policy and process reviews are equally as important attributes for this position.
Living and Working Conditions:
South Sudan is classified as an E non-family High Risk duty station with a 6-week R&R cycle and is prone to malaria. Movement to and from locations in Juba require official vehicle transport; use of taxi is not allowed. Movement to and from locations in Bunj require official vehicle transport and no alternate local transportation means. There are very limited medical facilities in South Sudan, with facilities concentrated in Juba.
All international personnel reside in UNHCR provided accommodation equipped with furniture, cafeteria, housekeeping services and a gym or some sports equipment. In Juba, all basic foods are available in the market ranging from meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables. There are also a few hotels with pools and restaurants where staff can visit in Juba while in the field, food supply varies depending on the season. Bunj and surrounding area has been affected by flooding during rainy season for the last few years and the situation may not improve due to global warming. Taking photos is strongly discouraged in all locations, as may result in arrest by local security forces. In Juba, extreme caution is required while driving a UN vehicle due to bad local driving culture, lots of motorbikes and three-wheelers (boda-boda) and periodic attempts by local police to extort money from the driver for whatever violation claimed.
There are several airlines flying from most destinations to Juba via Dubai, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Khartoum, Cairo or Entebbe. Travel to field offices in South Sudan are handled by UN humanitarian flights. Currently there are three UNHAS flights per week between Bunj and Juba.
Staff can open USD bank accounts in South Sudan and only high US Dollar bills i.e. US$50 and US$100 are accepted for foreign currency exchange transactions. South Sudan bank notes exist in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 South Sudanese Pounds. Foreign exchange transactions can be done at any commercial bank in a safe and secure location. There are very few ATMs and credit card facilities in Juba, South Sudan to draw USD (max $500 per 24hours). Currently, there is no banking facilities nor ATM in Bunj town.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
BA: Business Administration (Required), BA: Economics (Required), BA: Law (Required), BA: Social Science (Required)
Certifications
CP-PM Certification Programme for Programme Management – UNHCR, Programme Management – Other
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
Compendium
Add.2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 – Part B
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to visit https://bit.ly/3WZteja
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 16 February 2023 (midnight Geneva time)
