Head of Field Unit

IMPORTANT NOTE: This position is advertised to internal and external applicants.

Group 1 Candidates: Current NPO staff members holding an indefinite or fixed-term appointment are eligible to apply to advertised positions in the NPO category at their personal grade and one grade below or above.

External Candidates: All other candidates are eligible to apply to positions in the NPO category as external candidates, including GS staff members holding a university degree and fulfilling eligibility requirements, regardless of grade or length of service, who may apply to any vacant NPO position in their country of assignment for which they qualify. National Professional Officers should be nationals of only the primary nationality of the candidate will be considered for this purpose (nationality recognized by UNHCR as per Staff Rule 4.3) and be locally recruited within the country of their employment. Head of Field Unit

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The position is under direct supervision and guidance of the Representative/Head of Sub/Field-Office on issues concerning programme, protection, external relations, etc. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units at the Branch Office and from the Bureau at Headquarters.
The incumbent represents UNHCR at the field level. S/he will persuade and obtain assistance of others on matters of non-routine significance. Contacts predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization's programmes (e.g. counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments).

While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Unit will 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. The Field Unit managed by the incumbent has no other professional position and less than 6 General Service positions. The supervisor exercises substantive oversight and provides regular guidance, direction and support to the incumbent.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- The Convention concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, IDPs, refugees, returnees and the stateless, where applicable, is disseminated to the local authorities.
- UNHCR policies and standards are applied consistently in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) to ensure quality protection of populations of concern.
- A healthy, safe and respectful working environment is provided to the workforce in the AOR.

Responsibility
- Monitor and report on the implementation of refugee conventional responsibilities and international obligations of the local authorities vis-à-vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the AOR.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of persons of concern.
- 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 monitoring of identified assistance activities.
- Ensure through the subordinate staff that all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities 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 through the subordinate staff that all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities 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 through the subordinate staff that all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities are met on a regular basis.
- Ensure through the subordinate staff that all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities 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.
- 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.

Authority
- 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.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in  Business Administration, Management, Law, Political Science, International Relations, Economics or a related field plus minimum 1 year of previous work experience relevant to the function. Knowledge 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.
- Basic computer skills and working knowledge in MS office software.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

***For National Officer positions, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Working experience in UNHCR.
- UNHCR Specific learning/training activities (i.e. Learning Programme in Management & Operations).
- Proficiency of the language(s) that are used within the AOR.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Head of Field Unit positions. 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. Core Competencies:
- Accountability
- Communication
- Organizational Awareness
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Client & Result Orientation


Managerial Competencies:
- Empowering and Building Trust
- Managing Performance
- Judgement and Decision Making
- Managing Resources


Cross-Functional Competencies:
- Analytical Thinking
- Planning and Organizing
- Political Awareness Proficiency in English and Spanish is essential. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No late applications will be accepted.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to sit for a written test and oral interview.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing or any other fees).
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
======================================================================================================== Operational Context:

The current drivers of forced displacement in North of Central America (NCA) remain in place. Mexico registered some 70,000 asylum seekers in 2019 and, despite the sharp decrease in new applications as a result of COVID 19, we expect similar numbers in 2020 and an increase in 2021.  In Mexico, UNHCR is working with and supporting the Government and other actors to build a stronger asylum system that allows refugees to fully exercise their human rights, from the moment of entry into Mexico, to when a durable solution is found. There are promising options for local integration and tangible results have been achieved in this respect. 

Mexico offers a favourable legal framework for the inclusion of refugees in public services and their local integration, both in socioeconomic and legal terms. Refugees are issued a permanent residence card and a social security number and a population registration number (CURP), which conditions access to public services. Refugees have access to the national education and health system and enjoy the right to work. Access to nationality is a possibility after two years of permanent residence. The procedure takes around six months, is affordable and efficient; simplified criteria apply to refugee applicants.

In addition, the ideal candidate should have:
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships and communication with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and utmost respect for diversity;
- Discreet personality to handle confidential matters with tact, diplomacy and respect for confidentiality;
- Demonstrated planning and organizational skills and ability to work well under pressure on multiple tasks simultaneously, establish priorities, and deliver quality output in a most time-efficient manner;
- Proven management, communication and teamwork skills to work collaboratively with the functional units in Mexico City and the reporting Unit in Tapachula, Chiapas;
- Languages: Spanish and excellent knowledge of English (both written and oral) is essential.


Living and Working Conditions:

The security situation in Veracruz State and particularly in the town of Acayucan has presented a negative trend since 2017. According to the UNDSS-conducted Security Risk Management process (SRM), the threat of Crime in Veracruz State remains at HIGH Level. The situation in the town of Acayucan is criminalized due to active presence of the organized criminal groups (drug cartels), which are currently in process of fragmentation and rivalry conflicts for territorial control.

The incidents of armed robbery, extortion, assault, theft, house intrusion, etc. are quite frequent and may pose an indirect threat to the UNHCR staff and premises. The situation is aggravated by the insufficient capacity of the police forces: in Acayucan there is no municipal police, and security functions were temporarily given to the Armed Forces (Marine Corps and National Guards).

There is no known direct threat against UNHCR staff/premises; however, the office compound or UN personal residence be subject to criminal attack (theft, intrusion) due to misperceived ¿wealthy status¿ and presumed presence of valuable assets. Therefore, security considerations and further strict compliance with the current SRM and Residential Security Measures should be factored in from the outset. Selection of residences for the UN personnel must be done in consultation with the UNDSS and UNHCR security officers.

Every UNHCR staff member must remain vigilant and keep personal security measures high while moving around in Veracruz State. Special precautions to be taken with withdrawal of cash from the ATM machine. Only official taxi companies (taxi del sitio) are recommended for use. Movement on foot should be minimized in the non-familiar areas. The closing date for submission of aplications is 23 August 2020 (midnight Geneva time).