Job Title: Associate Programme Officer
Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
Host entity: UNHCR
Assignment country: Malawi
Expected start date: 01/12/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 11. Sustainable cities and
communities
Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Lilongwe
Details
Mission and objectives
The High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated by
the United Nations to lead and coordinate international action for the
worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems.
UNHCR’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees.
In its efforts to achieve this objective, the Office strives to ensure that
everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another
State, and to return home voluntarily. By assisting refugees to return to their
own country or to settle permanently in another country, UNHCR also seeks
lasting solutions to their plight. UNHCR’s Executive Committee and the UN
General Assembly have authorized involvement with other groups. These include
former refugees who have returned to their homeland; internally displaced
people; and people who are stateless or whose nationality is disputed. The
Office seeks to reduce situations of forced displacement by encouraging states
and other institutions to create conditions which are conducive to the
protection of human rights and the peaceful resolution of disputes. In all of
its activities, it pays particular attention to the needs of children and seeks
to promote the equal rights of women and girls. The Office works in partnership
with governments, regional organizations, international and non-governmental
organizations. It is committed to the principle of participation, believing
that refugees and others who benefit from the organization’s activities should
be consulted over decisions which affect their lives.
Context
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950
by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate
international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems
worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of
refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek
asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home
voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).
Malawi acceded to the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees and
its 1967 Protocol (herein after jointly referred to as the 1951 Convention).
Malawi is also party to the 1969 OAU Convention governing the specific aspects
of refugee problems in Africa. Malawi maintains a reservation with regards to
Article 26 of the 1951 Convention (freedom of movement). According that,
refugees cannot leave their area of residence (camp) without permission from
the Commissioner of Refugees or the the delegate thereof. According to the
criminal act, refugees who leave the the place of residence assigned to them
without a travel permit will be subjected to a fine determined by a court.
During the 2019 Global Refugee Forum (GRF), Malawi pledged/committed itself to
introduce the settlement approach in order to enhance integrated development of
refugees and local community and serve as a conceptual operational bridge for
closing the dysfunctional gap between humanitarian response and development
activities. A CRRF roadmap is in place covering the period 2019 to 2022 and it
aims to, among others, an expansion and de-concentration of Dzaleka Refugee
Camp, while increasingly including the refugees in the local programming.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the
UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Through a consultative process
within the country and field visits, stay involved in the development of the
strategies, methodologies, contingency plans that respond to new and emerging
operational challenges for the country; Assist in ensuring that global
strategic priorities (GSP) and regional priorities as well as information on
projected resource availability guide the planning parameters; Provide inputs
for developing the country operations plan in compliance with global strategic
priorities and regional priorities as well as with annual programming/planning
instructions; Assist in organizing a consultative process to ensure a
consistent application of the organization’s criteria and policies for the
selection of implementing and operational partners; Assist in managing the
development of a broad network of partners, good coordination practices and the
development of partner capacities; Assist in training UNHCR as well as implementing
partners (IP) staff in UNHCR standard procedures related to the Results Based
Programme (RBM) management; Undertake proper collection, monitoring and use of
baselines, standards and indicators needed to measure and analyze UNHCR’s
performance, trends and target interventions; Undertake field visits to
evaluate and improve the planning, programming, implementation and monitoring
of assistance projects; Assist in implementing the establishment of sound
monitoring processes, in reviewing final reports and on progress in order to
advise on any corrective actions required or the need for additional resources
to reach planned target levels; Apply UNHCR’s corporate tools (e.g. Global
Focus, Focus Client) to record data and assess the technical soundness of the
operation and generate data for evidence-based decisions at the country-level;
Assist in keeping donor representatives briefed on developments and assist in
the development of funding submissions, appeals and reports; Assist in
monitoring compliance to the organization’s resource allocation framework,
providing support and assisting in corrective action where required; Assist in
establishing and handling Implementing Partners Reports.
Eligibility criteria
Age
27 - 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the
country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in in programme management, Desirable
Qualifications and Skills: Previous field experience is an advantage Familiar
with results-based management approach and use of project/software is an asset
Completion of learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of
the position is an asset Good knowledge of financial rules, procedures and
processes is an asset Knowledge of programming tools such as MSRP, Focus, etc.
is an asset. Computer skills: Office Package (excellent knowledge of Word, good
knowledge of Excel and Power Point) and Internet browsing.
Area(s) of expertise
Community development, Communication, Business management
Driving license
-
Languages
English, Level: Working knowledge, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Business Administration,
Law, Economics, Development, Social Science or related fields.
Competencies and values
Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations
relevant to UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or
transferrable to UNHCR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity,
diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability
to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior
positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and
ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide
responsibilities and ability to work independently under established
procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and
confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; Integrity: demonstrate the
values and ethical standards of the UN and UNHCR in daily activities and
behaviors while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue
political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the
organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases
of unprofessional or unethical behavior; does not abuse power or authority;
Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across
organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish
and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a
multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and
respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender,
religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender
equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and
men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and
provide guidance or training to colleagues; Commitment to continuous learning:
initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new
developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work
environment. Planning and organizing: effective organizational and
problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an
efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan,
coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with
conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written
communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports;
ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely;
ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and
empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel,
volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse
backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of
different target groups; Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work
in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and
little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted
periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to
other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; Genuine
commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes
solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards
UNHCR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Lilongwe is a medium sized, peaceful and green city. It has
limited opportunities in terms of shopping and entertainment, but the
surrounding countryside and especially Lake Malawi provides good opportunities
for holiday and weekend trips. Lilongwe has a small but lively expatriate
community, which makes it easy to settle in. Housing options are limited but
most of UN staff is able to find suitable accommodation within a few months
after arrival. In general terms there is very basic infrastructure as well as
leisure and recreational facilities. Basic supplies are available in major
cities. Good schools are available in Lilongwe. Lilongwe is a family duty
station categorized as a B. There have been reports of some incidents of
criminality and assaults in Lilongwe, UNDSS has designated certain areas of
Lilongwe where UN staff can live in. In general, with some minor precautions,
it is possible to have a normal lifestyle.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme
that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to
achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part
of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to
combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights
and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender
identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability,
pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination
against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service
approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds
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