Hardship LevelC
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeDI1
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-06-05
Job Posting End DateJune 15, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionRepresentative Organizational Setting and Work Relationships As the High Commissioner¿s senior representative in the country, the Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCR's effective performance in the country of her/his assignment. The incumbent usually manages a budget of USD 6 million and above. Reporting to the Director of the Bureau, the Representative is responsible and accountable for translating organizational and Bureau-wide objectives and policies into effective programmes. Through a continuous process of situational analysis, the Representative works with his/her team to identify strategic objectives and develop coherent, consistent and effective responses to the challenges faced. He/she is responsible for ensuring the adequate provision of technical support and guidance to the office to enable them to fulfil their accountabilities, including those outlined in the Terms of Reference of UNHCR offices as well as the Age, Gender and Diversity Accountability Framework. The Representative works to ensure that UNHCR is widely perceived as an effective and trusted partner. S/he is responsible for creating effective networks, relationships, partnerships, and synergies with governments, NGOs, relevant regional political and other fora, civil society, persons of concern and other key strategic partners and actors. He/she lends visibility to important strategic issues, promotes concerted action and the commitment of sufficient resources and expertise to address important matters of concern to UNHCR. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System. In a complex and demanding political and operational environment, the Representative strives to build a dynamic and sufficiently capacitated team. S/he devolves appropriate authorities, facilitates the sharing of expertise and best practice and creates a climate of collaboration, which aims to empower and motivate colleagues to approach challenges with insight and innovation and to work toward achieving measurable and effective results. The Representative is responsible to ensure a vibrant Multi-Functional Team approach is established and employed at different stages of the operations management cycle, including in programme monitoring, and engaging the participation of relevant functions within the operation. S/he has a responsibility to inform the Bureau and other relevant parties at Headquarters of key political and operational developments in a timely manner. The comports and actions of the Representative must always reflect the core values and principles embodied in UNHCR's mandate. A failure on the part of the Representative to adhere to these standards would have negative implications for UNHCR¿s credibility, operations and, ultimately, the protection and well-being of persons of concern to the Office. 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 Strategic Direction - Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the local political context. - Manage a consultative process within the country operations and with external partners. - Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that generates political and financial support for UNHCR¿s operations. Mobilize financial support for UNHCR corporate priorities as well for country specific projects. Operations - Implement a results-oriented approach, engaging a robust Multi-Functional Team, for assessing, designing, delivering and monitoring the country operation. - Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the country operations plan and that necessary resources are allocated to it. - Ensure the country operation¿s adherence to UNHCR¿s policy on Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM). - Ensure the country operation plans are consistent with the regional and global strategic priorities; manage a participatory process, with stakeholders, to apply UNHCR¿s standards and indicators in assessing and measuring the performance of the country operations. - Promote accession to the Convention and Protocol and ensure the application of protection standards in the treatment of persons of concern especially women and children. - Ensure persons of concern, especially women and children, have access to relevant information; ensure that cases of sexual violence and abuse against girls and boys are reported and dealt with expeditiously. - Ensure the engagement of UNHCR in the UNCT, UN common programming, planning and funding activities and to actively contribute in the establishment of the CCA/UNDAF and the consequent joint implementation activities. - Participate in the Cluster approach, ensure UNHCR¿s Cluster Lead role and implement other IASC and inter-agency/UN policies. - Ensure that risks to the operation¿s objectives are regularly assessed, priority risks are identified and risk treatments for the priority risks form an integral part of the operations plans. Resource Management - Ensure that staff and financial resources are commensurate with operational objectives. - Ensure effective and efficient management of resources within the rules and procedures of UNHCR. - Establish and manage local administrative mechanisms such as a Local Contracts (or Purchasing) Committee, Local Asset Management Board and APPC. - Ensure local compliance with UNHCR¿s human resources (HR) policies including on gender, disabilities, diversity, ethics and HIV/AIDS. - Manage a process of recruitment, assignment and reassignment of local staff for the country operation, in accordance UN/UNHCR rules and procedures. - Where necessary, identify the most appropriate affiliate workforce and optimize its use. - In coordination with the Global Learning Centre, ensure that the learning needs of UNHCR¿s workforce in the country are identified, assessed and addressed. - Exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support and conduct regular performance appraisals and coaching. Security - In close collaboration with the Designated Official (DO), UNDSS and UN country team/Security Management Team (SMT), gather and analyse information on the local security situation and play an active role in the inter-agency security and contingency planning processes. - Ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect staff, and that the country operation complies with UN MOSS/MORSS staff security rules, guidelines and procedures. - Represent UNHCR in the UNCT/Humanitarian Country Team and other inter-agency fora. - Decide on the country strategy and priorities, country operations plans, and approve the country operation¿s protection strategy. - Enforce local compliance with UNHCR¿s global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards. - Negotiate and sign local agreements with implementing and operational partners. - Authorize payments as per the organization¿s Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP) and in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and procedures. - Modify operational projects and reallocate funds, within the approved budgets and in respect of donor earmarking. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For D1 - 17 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 15 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Business Administration; International Relations; Law; Political Science; Social Science; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses HCR Learning Prog; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg; HCR Protection Learning Prg; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential - Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services. - A high level of skill in management of broad programmes, political decision making and negotiating, as well as demonstrated tolerance to frequently changing and highly charged situations. - Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting. - Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of operations. - Ability to manage for results: translates strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitors them, making periodic adjustments as required. - Ability to effectively represent UNHCR at the senior level in internal and external meetings and to build strong relationships with clients. Desirable - Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications. Functional Skills MG-Client Relationship Management MG-Change Management PG-Programme Management (project formulation, programme cycles and reporting standards) PG-Results-Based Management UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities MG-Field Operations Management MG-Political Decision Making MG-Country/Regional Office Representation UN-Analysis of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications (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 In view of the complexity of this situation, the ideal candidate for this position should have strong prior experience in managing large IDP operations. S/he should be a well-rounded professional with a broad range of experience in fostering relationships at the inter-agency level, fund-raising and crucially working with different donors and stakeholders to further the interest of the organization and the people we serve. S/he should be politically-savvy in understanding the issues of importance to UNHCR but also those that may be detrimental to our image and humanitarian principles. He/ She should be able to manage constantly changing needs and adapt/respond to its demanding challenges due to the geo-political constraints and exigencies.
He/she requires a solid experience in negotiating with high level national authorities to implement the protection and solutions strategies in a very complex security environment.
The ideal candidate for this position should have proven leadership and strong interpersonal skills. Proven experience in the management of staff and resources related to the activities encompassing strategic initiative for comprehensive and sustainable operational plans are therefore essential.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): French
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Desired languages
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Operational context
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
The profile of the operation has changed from a refugee operation to a largely IDP operation. In this regard, the number of IDPs has risen dramatically from 500,000 IDPs at the end of 2019 to some 2 million IDPs throughout the country (as of April 2023). The security situation has deteriorated significantly in all parts of the country and continues to hinder access to people in need of UNHCR protection and assistance. There are also significant risks to humanitarian actors, including UNHCR. The risk of abduction, kidnapping and banditry is real. Risk mitigation measures are constantly reviewed.
In addition to the internal displacement, Burkina Faso continues to host some 20,000 refugees from Mali who live side by side with IDPs. In addition, nearly 100,000 people have fled Burkina Faso to neighboring countries. As a result of the internal displacement, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), in close collaboration with the Government of Burkina Faso, has set up a coordination mechanism involving seven clusters to respond to the needs of the population affected by the crisis.
Main locations of UNHCR operations in Burkina Faso have basic infrastructure, including in the health sector. In Ouagadougou, there are more than 20 health clinics. Of these, a small number is recommended by the UN System. Ouagadougou is a Category C duty station which currently has family restrictions that is subject to re-assessment by mid-year 2023. In the education sector, teaching is in French, however there is also an English school. Banking services are available and include more than five international banks, of which two are recommended by the UN System (United Bank of Africa and Ecobank). The weather is hot and dry with high day-time temperature fluctuations.
Housing in Ouagadougou is mainly individual houses which are easily available. However, in view of the current security and socio-economic situation, there is significant deterioration of infrastructure, including of buildings. The necessary repair and maintenance have not always followed. The cost of electricity has risen significantly. Power cuts may occur and for this a backup generator is recommended.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsIT-IT Report & Dashboard Design & Creation
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Human Resources Management (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science (Required), Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science (Required)
CertificationsHCR Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCR
Work ExperienceAnnual 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: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
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Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance