Head of Field Office

Hardship LevelE (most hardship)

Family TypeFamily

Family TypeFamily

Residential location (if applicable)

GradeNOB

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer

ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment

Remote work acceptedNo

Target Start Date2024-01-01

Job Posting End DateDecember 20, 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 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, s/he is required to liaise with 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, s/he 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 deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) are met on a regular basis.
- Manage UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
- Ensure that 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.

- 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

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; International Relations; Law;
Management; Political Science; Personnel Administration;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Learning Prog; 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 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

Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
*UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
*PR-International protection concepts and principles
*MG-Field Operations Management
*MG-Office Management
(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 a good knowledge of the operational context of refugees in the areas covered by the Meiganga office.
The person should be familiar with durable solutions, repatriation, social economic inclusion of refugees and monitoring of development plans.
Have a diversified experience in the management of people forced into displacement and knowledge of the principles of their protection.
Knowledge of the current priorities of the operation and the existing mechanisms for their implementation

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:

Following the recurrent socio-political unrest in the CAR between 2006-2013, and especially from 2014 onwards, Cameroon has received on its territory Central African refugees settled in the North, Adamaoua and East regions. Their protection and assistance are implemented through the Bertoua Sub-Delegation based in the East, which has two field offices: Batouri and Meiganga in Adamaoua, covering the Djohong and Touboro field units respectively, which coordinate the humanitarian response and support local authorities in the management and supervision of refugees in these areas.

The humanitarian program for Central African refugees covered by the Meiganga field office stretches from Gado in the east to Touboro in the north, covering some 85,000 km². According to figures for September 2023, 145,679 refugees have settled there, 30% of them in the developed sites of Borgop, Ngam and Gado, and 70% living in villages with Cameroonian host communities, peacefully sharing the same natural resources.

From an operational point of view, the program is facing a progressive reduction in funding each year, which is having a significant impact on the quality of the operational response implemented in favor of refugees. It is in this context that the emphasis is placed on Livelihood and economic inclusion activities aimed at empowering refugees. Efforts are being made to integrate refugees into national programs for education, health, and the protection of children, women and people living with disabilities. This inclusive approach obliges the operation to support the government in tackling structural problems.

To this end, the MYMP strategy has also been designed to enlist the support of humanitarian, development, and private-sector partners, with a view to achieving protection and assistance objectives by pooling resources and ensuring sustainability. With the signing of the tripartite agreement between the Republic of Cameroon, the Central African Republic and the UNHCR, the operation began to organize the facilitated voluntary repatriation of Central African refugees to certain localities defined by the UNHCR in CAR in conjunction with the government. Despite persistent insecurity along the border with the Central African Republic, the Government of Cameroon has kept its borders open and continues to provide unrestricted access to its territory.

In this context, the Head of the Meiganga Field Office at NOB grade will facilitate the implementation of planned activities in favor of people of concern to UNHCR, within the limits of available resources. S/he will be responsible for ensuring that the search for durable solutions continues, and for facilitating the voluntary return of refugees to their country of origin.

In the area covered by the field office, s/he will continue to monitor the multi-year, multi-partner approach in collaboration with the Cameroon government and other stakeholders, with a view to finding durable solutions and working towards the socio-economic inclusion of refugees.

Also, to monitor the implementation in the fields of health, education, social security and rural development of the four projects in support of Central African refugees and their host communities (IDA 18).

Living and Working Conditions:

The town of Meiganga is the capital of the Mbere department, 150 km from N'Gaoundéré, the capital of the Adamaoua region (paved road).

There are two seasons in the Meiganga zone, a dry season from October to March and a rainy season from April to September. There is a water supply company, but service is irregular. Wells and boreholes are often used to supply drinking water. The town's electricity supply is subject to regular power cuts, forcing the population to rely on solar lamps and generators for lighting. There are two main cell phone networks in the town: MTN and Orange. No cyber cafés. There are TV companies with subscriptions on site. Adequate, modern housing is in short supply in Meiganga. No cab service except for available motorcycle cabs whose staff are content to move around town. Travel agencies provide transport to all destinations in the country. Travel conditions are difficult because of the state of the buses, even though the roads are asphalted. There are a few hostels in town for short stays. There are no standard restaurants, but there are small restaurants and cafeterias, as well as small refreshment stands.

There is no leisure center. However, there is a soccer pitch belonging to the town council. The technical facilities at the Meiganga district hospital are passable, and there are also two clinics. For better medical care, you need to go to N'Gaoundéré, 150 km away. The town of Meiganga is relatively calm, but a few assaults and robberies are still recorded.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

EducationBachelor 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

CertificationsHCR Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCR

Work Experience

CompetenciesAccountability, 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

Additional Information

Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance