Current Opportunities at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

• The Senior Communication Adviser is usually located in a Regional Bureau or in a Country Officer. She/he works under the direct supervision of either the Bureau Director, Bureau Deputy Director, Head of External Engagement Service or the Representative.
• She/he leads and implements UNHCR's communication strategy/ies in the Area of Responsibility (AoR) aimed at building awareness of, empathy with, and concrete support for refugees and other persons of concern while positioning UNHCR as an effective, impactful Organization.
• In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent will lead the PI teams and their work in the region and will have a leading role to coordinate and ensure alignment in the communications work by different teams in the Country Offices as well as communications teams at HQ. The Senior Communications Officer may also act as a spokesperson for the Bureau Director and the Regional Bureau, in close alignment with GCS News and Media Team, communicating with the international, regional and local media and other communications channels and mediums.
• She/he works closely with staff of the Division of External Relations (DER) Global Communications Service as well as with field communications staff.
• Depending on the Bureau/country context, she/he oversees communication staff and staff working in related informational disciplines including information management and analysis, and report development and writing.
• In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring in an effective and efficient manner which supports the Organization's Mandate, overall quality assurance and managerial support of operations, in line with the Bureau's 2nd line function, within the three lines of defence conceptual framework for effective control and risk management adopted by the UN system.
• S/he will, further, cover the full spectrum of managerial oversight, manage performance and monitor the adherence of Country Operations to UNHCR's rules and regulations, monitoring, identifying and addressing any emerging issues and risks as appropriate. The incumbent also promotes a culture that is results-oriented, efficient and based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion, gender balance and diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing, resource allocation and representation at all levels throughout the AoR.
• As a key custodian of the organization's standards of conduct, s/he will proactively establish a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.
• 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

• Ensures the gathering and packaging of expert knowledge, data, analysis and information on developments within the AoR which can be disseminated to key external audiences in order to position UNHCR as leading the narrative, building compassion and driving action for the people we serve.
• Serve as advisor to the Director, Representative and other senior managers on external communications opportunities at the regional and country levels and also on managing crises that carry reputational risks both regionally and globally, as well as locally in the region in coordination with Representatives.
• Act as the primary interface with DER Global Communications Service (GCS) in identifying and agreeing positioning and advocacy priorities for UNHCR's global audiences.
• Lead the development of communications strategies and work-plans for the region/country, working in association with communications staff within the region and with the Strategic Communications Unit in the Global Communications Service.
• Ensure systems/working arrangements within the Bureau/country for efficient and timely clearance of materials for external release, including reports, media briefing notes and press releases, and related communications materials.
• Elevate UNHCR's media and public profile in the AoR in order to meet UNHCR's own funding and positioning needs, and to underpin UNHCR's global authority and leadership on displacement and statelessness matters.
• Draft messages, texts and other materials for use in external communications, and oversees the writing of thematic reports.
• Maintain alertness to risk factors that may require crisis communications responses, and ensure that coordinated preparations are in place for handling of these, working with the GCS.
• Working with the designated regional focal points in the GCS News & Media team strive to maintain UNHCR's leading share of voice on asylum, displacement, and statelessness matters in the international media , including by identifying opportunities for media communications for global audiences through high-frequency, high-impact media briefing notes and press releases.
• Where relevant, in close alignment with GCS News and Media Team, serve as Spokesperson for the region, Director or Representative, handling media outreach and response as well as social media communications.
• 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 P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

• International Relations; Journalism; Public Administration; Refugee Studies or other relevant field.
• Certificates and/or Licenses

Not specified.
Relevant Job Experience
Essential

• Experience of working in media, journalism, or communications at international level; Professional expertise in writing, editing and sub-editing; Fluent drafting in English; Experience of creating and implementing communications strategies.

Desirable

• Political communications experience; Language skills relevant to the region; Experience of having worked in a human rights context; Experience of having worked in UN field operations.

Functional Skills

• CO-Editing
• CO-Strategic Communication
• CO-Drafting and Documentation
• CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics)
• CO-Media relations
• CO-Preparation of key messages/talking points/speeches
• (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.

Desired Candidate Profile

• The incumbent should have experience with and sound judgement related to the use of various audiences and communications channels and proven experience in using strategic communications including strategic use of media to support resource mobilization and advocacy, including at country, regional and global level. The incumbent should have a track record in producing communication strategies that can be adapted to be effective with various audiences, including media for advocacy, donors, development partners and the private sector. They should be a team player with experience in supervisory roles and have strong networking skills to be able to support and engage internal and external partners. Excellent English language skills are essential; French is desirable.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
Desired languages

• French

Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations

Skills
Additional Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Journalism, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Public Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Refugee Studies

Competencies

• Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Innovation & creativity, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

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• The Senior Programme Officer may be based in HQ, field/regional bureau, typically reporting to and be guided by the Chief of Section/Deputy Director/Operations Manager and may supervise a small team of local and international 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 Senior Programme Officer will provide strategic programmatic guidance and advice to senior management with regard to the implementation of country or Bureau level protection and solutions strategies within available resources. S/he will coordinate with the other sections/units within the Bureau and/or office(s) across the country/region to ensure harmonized programmatic approaches at all levels and throughout the UNHCR Operations Management Cycle. S/he 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), 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

• Oversee a coherent approach 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 guidance to office(s) 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.
• Support the planning process in compliance with planning parameters outlined in the Programme Manual and the planning instructions.
• Ensure effective and results-based resource allocation in the planning processes and cost efficiency in the delivery of outputs.
• Review and analyse plans, mid-year and year-end reports of UNHCR office(s), ensuring quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
• Support the provision overall direction to broaden partnerships with key stakeholders in order to maximize the protection and solutions response for persons of concern.
• Guide and provide directions to office(s) in operationalising new and emerging policies, strategies and partnerships, including in an inter-agency context, identifying opportunities and innovative solutions and ensuring compliance with existing standards.
• Guide office(s) in managing a consultative process 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.
• Actively contribute to UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contributing to improvements of programming tools and processes.
• Identify potential gaps and problems and in cooperation with other relevant sections recommend appropriate solutions to ensure the efficient implementation of programme activities
• Develop comprehensive assistance programmes that compliment activities implemented from other operational partners.
• Oversee a timely and effective follow-up of internal and external audits observations and recommendations that relate to programmatic issues.
• 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

• For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

• Business Administration, Social Science, Economics,
• International Relations or other relevant field.
• Certificates and/or Licenses
• Programme Management

Essential

• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing humanitarian projects and programmes including the allocation and management of resources. Sound knowledge of the UNHCR Operations Management Cycle Knowledge and practical experience on Results Based-Management. Demonstrated experience in field operations. Sound knowledge on the centrality of protection in programming. Enhanced knowledge on 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. Solid experience in training and capacity building activities.

Functional Skills

• PG-Resource planning
• PG-Needs Assessment and Response Analysis
• PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate)
• PG-UNHCR's Programmes
• PG-Results-Based 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.

Desired Candidate Profile

• The successful candidate will have considerable experience as programme officer and will be fully conversant with the UNHCR programming systems and software. S/he will be familiar with cash based interventions and also conversant with tracking and programming earmarked contributions. S/he will have managed a programme team before and will be confident in representing UNHCR in various joint UN programming approaches, i.e. joint programmes, MPTF. S/he should fully conversant with the CRRF/GCR agenda of the agency and be able to represent the approach in multi-stakeholder setting.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
Desired languages
Operational context
Nature of Position:

• BO Nairobi has an overall supervisory role for programme activities at Sub-Offices Kakuma and Dadaab, in addition to direct programme management of the Urban programme.
• The incumbent reports to the Deputy Representative.
• The incumbent may supervise some professional staff and several support staff. UNHCR Manual, programme objectives, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Snr. Programme Officer. S/he is also expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed to the region by the political context, the changes being made by the Government, the UN and humanitarian reform and institutional developments.
• S/he will establish close working relations with the relevant staff working in the protection, programme, supply, project control and technical sectors as required. The post holder will be expected to support partners in a range of areas including monitoring and evaluation, financial accountability and technical support where required.
• The incumbent will backstop the operations in Dadaab and Kakuma and is expected to keep abreast of key issues in both PPGs, to be able to provide support to both programme teams in the field. Also, the incumbent will support the Snr. Ops Coordinator in the ongoing Global Compact for Refugees application in the Kenya refugee operation, the implementation of the Marshal Plan and support to drought related activities.
• The current Kenya operational budget stands at close to US $146 million, implemented by 21 partners and increasingly through CBI as an assistance modality, and with anticipated shift towards nationally provided services, starting with health and education. The incumbent will be in addition in charge of the PPG for the Urban Refugees and Statelessness.

go to method of application »

• The Bureau Deputy Director reports directly to the Bureau Director and assists him/her in the full performance of his/her regional management responsibilities. These include providing strategic direction, as well as analysis and policy review, provision of guidance and support to Country Offices and keeping abreast of factors affecting delivery of assistance and implementation of the core mandate.
• In addition to these functions, the Bureau Deputy Director may also manage one or more core functional pillars of the Regional Bureau, such as Protection, Operations, Strategic Planning and Management, and/or External Engagement. The incumbent supervises a number of senior professional staff in the Bureau and may also supervise Country Representatives in the geographical area as appropriate.
• The incumbent is responsible for overall quality assurance and managerial support to operations, in line with the Bureau's 2nd line function within the Three Lines of Defence conceptual framework, adopted by the UN system.
• S/he will cover the full spectrum of managerial oversight, manage performance and compliance with UNHCR's rules and regulations and provide regular advice, guidance and technical support to Country Offices. The incumbent will seek to build and manage a coordinated and effective team of staff through results-oriented work planning, providing guidance, direction, supervision and performance assessment in line with strategic directions, results framework, Global Strategic Priorities (GSP's), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as organizational-wide initiatives and regional burden-sharing initiatives including the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and UN Reform.
• In close coordination with the Bureau Director, the incumbent will oversee the evolvement of functional strategies and priorities that are aligned with UNHCR corporate objectives, and thereby will contribute to UNHCR's global engagement. In this endeavour, the incumbent will seek the cooperation and coordination with a broad array of internal and external stakeholders.
• The incumbent also promotes a Bureaux culture that is based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion, gender balance, and geographical diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing and representation at all levels throughout the region.
• S/he will, further, cover the full spectrum of managerial oversight, manage performance and monitor the adherence of Country Operations to UNHCR's rules and regulations, monitoring, identifying and addressing any emerging issues and risks as appropriate. The incumbent also promotes a culture that is results-oriented, efficient and based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion, gender balance and diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing, resource allocation and representation at all levels throughout the region.
• As a key custodian of the organization's standards of conduct, s/he will proactively establish a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.
• 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 the Bureau Director in the discharge of his/her daily functions.
• Maintain up to date knowledge and analysis of all significant developments affecting the implementation of UNHCR activities in the region of responsibility in close coordination with relevant stakeholders and by keeping abreast on challenges posed to the region by political context, UN and humanitarian reform and institutional developments in the area of forced displacement and humanitarian operations.
• Guide policies and strategies for adequate preparedness and response, including for likely refugee and IDP emergencies within the Region.
• Support the Director in ensuring coordination and consistency in the application of policies, operations and core activities across the Region, in one or more of the functional areas of Protection, Operations, Strategic Planning and Partnerships, and/or External Engagement.
• Guide Country Operations delivering clear and consistent, contextualized strategies, which are in line with the corporate and Bureau vision, strategy and results framework, Global Strategic Priorities (GSPs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and organizational-wide initiatives, as appropriate, and which are informed by ground realities.
• Maintain relationships with regional bodies within the region aligned to UNHCR¿s strategic priorities and ensure timely and relevant two-way flow of information with HQ and across the Organization.
• In close consultation with Operation Managers/Heads of Services/Representatives (including from Risk Management and Controller), review major operational challenges or considerations and decide on an appropriate course of action or make recommendations to the Bureau Director.
• On behalf of the Bureau Director, guide the work of the Heads of Services and Functional Managers in their discharge of responsibilities and ensure cohesion in their activities.
• Engage with a wide range of stakeholders such as Government representatives, intergovernmental organizations, diplomatic missions, NGOs, and implementing partners to strengthen relationships, improve service delivery, and advance the UNHCR mandate.
• Act as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Bureau Director.
• 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 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

• Political Science; Social Science; International Relations;
• Law; Business Administration; Human Resources Management; or other relevant field.
• Certificates and/or Licenses
• Not specified.
• (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential

• Minimum 8 years of experience in international capacity. Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency. 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. Demonstrated leadership qualities, integrity, tact, diplomacy, and good management and communication skills. Ability to manage for results: translate strategic aims into achievable plans.

Desirable

• Solid UNHCR experience from both the Field (including Hardship Duty stations) and Headquarters. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes, such us Protection Learning Programme, Operations Management Learning Programme, Senior Management Learning Programme. Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications.

Functional Skills

• MG-Change Management
• PG-Results-Based Management
• MG-UN/UNHCR Management Practices/Standards and Processes
• (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.

Desired Candidate Profile

• The Deputy Director reports to the Regional Director and ensures direct leadership of the Strategic Planning and Management Team in the Bureau, covering operations management, emergency preparedness/response, programme support, supply, HR management, control and oversight. As the EHAGL Bureau manages some of the largest and most complex and dynamic operations globally, in-depth knowledge and proven experience of strategic planning, programming and resource management processes is essential for the position. The incumbent supports the Regional Director in guiding the planning processes in the region and the Bureau, and in ensuring effective liaison with protection, solutions, development, policy, fundraising and other functions within the Bureau and in country operations.
• S/He will equally lead the oversight and control function in the RB and management of audit exercises
• The incumbent will also oversee the development of regional guidance and incorporate in planning and programming the strategic partnerships with regional institutions, development agencies, civil society organizations and the private sector.
• The incumbent will equally cover coordination with regional entities within the scope of the allocated portfolio, furthering the agenda of inclusion and self-reliance in the region. S/He is equally the direct counterpart of the relevant divisions in HQ (DSPR, DFAM, DHR, DESS) and manages the regional coordination set-up for operation management and emergency response.
• The incumbent will need to have a combination of field/RB and HQ experience, with preferably previous experience in the region, a solid knowledge of UNHCR’s resource allocation processes, financial rules and regulations and demonstrated leadership skills.
• The successful candidate needs to be a team player; should have a demonstrated ability to bring various entities together, for higher goals; and be a critical thinker.