Careers opportunities - UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - Bamenda, Cameroun : Head of Field Office P3

Bamenda, Cameroon

job requisition id
JR2332267
Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position
Hardship Level

D
Family Type

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay
Residential location (if applicable)

Yaounde, Cameroon
Grade

PR3
Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional
* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.
In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.
Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment
Remote work accepted

Non
Target Start Date

2024-01-01
Job Posting End Date

December 21, 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 Head of Sub-Office) of the country, who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position, on the other hand, provides all 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 UNHCR 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 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, he/she is required to liaise with all 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, he/she 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 all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) 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; 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

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Management;
Personnel Administration;
Law;
Political Science;
International Relation;
Economics;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
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 all aspects of UNHCR¿s Field level operation.  Applied experience 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
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
UN-UNHCR's Mandate/Policy and Global Strategic Priorities
MG-Office Management
HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
PR-Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistance
(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

To work effectively in the Northwest, the incumbent should have in-depth knowledge in all aspects of UNHCR’s Field level operation. Applied experience of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration. Should be conversant with situational changes in the region affecting the organization. Demonstrate the ability to coordinate and work effectively with partners from different backgrounds. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of management of forcibly displaced persons in a mixed situation where IDPs, refugees and returnees are living in the same areas. Knowledge in inter-agency cluster coordination mechanism and have a well-developed political acumen to interact with local authorities and government interlocutors. Demonstrated ability to make sound and timely decisions and be accountable for them. Previous working experience in remote management and emergencies is an added advantage as the position requires agility due to the fast-moving context. The incumbent will need to have excellent communication, negotiation, and analysis skills to undertake his/her responsibilities as well as strong management skills to lead a big diverse team amid challenging operational circumstances and deteriorating local security and socio-economic conditions.
This position also requires the capacity of the incumbent to deal with military officials/, including participation in the civil-military coordination meetings, and at times, engaging and negotiating access with non-state armed groups (NSAGs).
As Bamenda is in the English-speaking region, good speaking and writing skills in English is required. At times, this position requires the incumbent to engage with the government and other stakeholders in the West region and Littoral, therefore capacity to communicate in French would be a plus.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

French
,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations

To view occupational health and safety considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position

The incumbent of this position reports to the Head of Sub Office based in Douala.

The Bamenda office housed until June 30, 2023, the Bamenda sub-Office which included two offices namely the Bamenda sud-Office and the Buea Field office. With the closure of the Buea office at the end of June 2023 and the restructuring of the Cameroon operation, the Bamenda office became a Field Office dependent on the newly created Douala sub-office. So the operational area of the head of office in Bamenda will be the extent of the north-west and western regions of Cameroon while the Littoral and South-West regions are directly covered by the Douala office, although Douala provides the general coordination of the 4 regions as a Sub Office.

The North West and South West regions (NWSW) crisis started in 2016 as a protest by teachers and lawyers has now turned into a full-fledged armed conflict. Seven years of continuous armed confrontations between Government Defense and Security Forces (GDSF) and Non-State Armed Groups (NSAG), in the NWSW regions has rendered the region extremely volatile and precarious. Armed confrontations, terrorism and criminality are major causes of insecurity which are marred by sporadic civil unrest incidents. In 2020 many NSAG camps were destroyed and senior leaders were neutralized by GDSF. In the beginning of 2021, the operations continued and some positive results through the Military Operation “Clean Bamenda” were observed. 2021 is also witnessing an important shift in the conflict through extensive use of IEDs. The NSAGs have increased the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) which are more and more sophisticated and the most used against the GDSF.

As the political dialogue between the parties is facing an impasse, the armed conflict will likely continue to affect the two concerned regions in the future. While the GDSF have had partial success in urban areas, rural areas will continue to remain a challenge.

Despite many humanitarian NGO staffs and operation being targeted by NSAGs on several occasions, UNHCR have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy relatively good acceptance amongst all key stakeholders.  Although UNHCR is not directly targeted by the armed groups, its personnel and operations can be exposed to collateral damage (wrong place wrong time), roadside IEDs, kidnapping and hostage taking, carjacking, armed robbery, destruction or looting of property, humanitarian access denials, etc.

Kidnapping of civilians and key high-level stakeholders for ransom is also picking up momentum and will continue to be one of the key activities throughout 2022-2026. Military operations by GDSF to neutralize the threats posed by NSAGs and to dismantle their bases will also continue in the coming years. The ghost towns and lockdowns are likely to continue in the next coming 5 years.

The conflict in rural areas resulted in population movements. Most of the people fled violence in the affected areas to find shelter at relatively peaceful areas within NWSW region, while others fled to neighboring regions such as Adamawa, Littoral and West region. As no respite is seen to the ongoing armed confrontation, the area will continue to witness IDPs.

The crisis has continued to disrupt the people’s daily life and caused great loss of property and constant population movement. As of February 2021, more than 700,000 IDPs are present in NWSW mainly in the deep forest where they lack adequate shelter are exposed to harsh weather and live in deplorable conditions. Despite the efforts, the armed conflict continues to limit the access of humanitarian actors to provide support.

Living and Working Conditions

In terms of security, the city of Bamenda is one of the two regions of the country where the so-called "Anglophone" crisis is raging. The situation is sometimes calm, sometimes on alert because of the exaggerations committed on both sides by separatist groups than by the conventional army.

Bamenda is located in the North-West of Cameroon, on the national road n°6, 370 km from the capital Yaoundé.

The staff member does a 6-week R&R cycle due to the high risk of the area.

In terms of health, the technical platform of the Bamenda regional hospital is provided. There are also a few clinics in the city. The staff will be able to travel to Yaoundé for some exams.

In terms of accommodation, catering and leisure, adequate and modern housing exists in the city but it is often a bit difficult and expensive.

The residential area that meets UN standards is UP-STATION. There are several hotels of which the most famous are (HOTEL ADMIRALTY, HOTEL AYABA and HILLTOP HOTEL). Several motels and a visitor center (Pastoral Center of Bamenda – Mile 1 less than a Km from the Office).

Access to clean water is not as easy as in other cities in the country. The city of Bamenda is powered by thermal energy (Generator) provided by the public service provider (ENEO). There are fewer and fewer power cuts in the city, but it is nevertheless experiencing huge "voltage drop" problems that generally vary between 90V-180V. There are 04 mobile phone companies exist in the city: MTN, Orange, CAMTEL and NEXTTEL.

there are several banks (SGBC, BICEC, ECOBANK, Afriland First Bank, UBA, SCB, FNC, etc...) to name but a few, with the possibility of transfer with Western Union, Money Gramm.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Bachelor 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
Certifications

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

Competencies

Accountability, 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
Add. 2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 - Part B
Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

All applications must be submitted ONLINE at : https://unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/fr-FR/External?locationCountry=b579d21545a140c49418f0a3451a3160