United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. We had three years to complete our work and then disband. Today, over 65 years later, our organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Head of Field Office P2
ID: JR2435895 Location: Lagos
Description
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 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 (program 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), the 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.
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 recommendations 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 the 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 well-being of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
Ensure that security measures of UNHCR office (and residential, wherever applicable) compounds are always up to date; any security breaches and/or potential security threat should be reported immediately to a 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 the 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 a 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 an Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with a Graduate Degree; or 1-year relevant experience with a Doctorate Degree
Field(s) of Education:
Economics; International Relations; Law; Management; Political Science; Personnel Administration; or another relevant field.
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.