Senior Operations Coordinator -Mekele, Ethiopia

Job Description

D

Non Family with Residential Location

Non Family with Residential Location Danger Pay

Addis Ababa, Eth Fed Dem Rep

PR5

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2022-11-21-08:00

December 15, 2022

Senior Operations Coordinator Organizational Setting and Work Relationships TThe Senior Operations Coordinator normally works under the direct supervision of the (Deputy) Representative or Head of Operations Service and may have alternative reporting relationships depending on the structure and size of the Operation.

S/he and will be the focal person responsible for liaising with Partners through sector meetings and other coordination mechanisms in the area of responsibility (AoR).

S/he will consult with relevant sections at HQ/Region/Field on a wide range of issues concerning the operations such as protection, resource mobilization and allocations, human resources, budget, compliance, staff welfare and security matters.

The incumbent provides functional guidance to and helps coordinate the work of Operations Officers in the AoR.

The incumbent normally supervises other professional and some support staff.

S/he will actively participate in the regional operational planning process, reporting and monitoring as well as mapping of areas where persons of concern are currently located in the AoR.

The incumbent will review progress and make necessary adjustments on issues such as negotiations on Partnership Project agreements, contractual service agreements, and management of Administrative Budgets related to the AoR. Within UNHCR, the incumbent has regular contact with other sections/units at Headquarters and with field offices on issues related UNHCR’s programme in the operations/countries within the AoR. External contacts are with, UN agencies and NGOs/Implementing Partners on UNHCR’s programmes in the operations/countries covered under area of responsibility (AoR). 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.

Duties

– Plan, organise, and manage key activities to ensure protection delivery and assistance is undertaken in a systematic manner in close coordination with UNHCR country operations and partners in the AoR.

– Provide functional guidance to Operations Officers and ensure close follow up on situational realities, challenges and sub-regional developments which may have an impact on the refugees, IDP situations, and other persons of concern.

– Work together with the field operations to ensure that results-oriented protection and solution strategies including objectives, work plans, project descriptions etc. reflect the institutional priorities and an optimum use of resources.

– Promote coordination, communication, and sharing of best practices amongst countries/operations in the AoR as well as with other entities in the field and at Headquarters.

– Establish and maintain contacts with relevant offices, Permanent Missions, NGOs and UN agencies in order to undertake briefings and to exchange views on refugee matters in the AoR.

– Prepare action plans to address any operational/legal gaps that have been identified; and ensure advice/guidance is provided to field offices to improve the delivery of assistance of refugees and other persons of concern.

– Ensure that field offices provide timely, coherent, consistent, quality information about their operations.

– In the bureaux, coordinate the preparation of the official submissions to the meetings of the Budget Committee and Contracts’ Committee, and advocate for resources required for the operations to meet its objectives, especially during Annual Planning Reviews, Mid-Year Reviews and ad hoc resource allocation consultations.

– Examine requests with budgetary implications from relevant field offices and expedite these requests through UNHCR’s resource management mechanisms.

– Coach staff under supervision, promote their training and career development and monitor their general well-being.

– Undertake targeted field missions to help conduct assessments or reviews of UNHCR operations for refugees, IDPs, and other persons of concern.

– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications, Education & Professional Work Experience

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 Political Science; Economics; Social Science; Business Administration; Law; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses

Programme Management; Relevant Job Experience Essential Experience in field operations. Strong operational background and political awareness. At least 8 years of relevant experience in an international capacity. Understanding of UNHCR mandate and operations.

Desirable

Experience working with UNHCR; or other UN entities or partners preferably in the area of refugee or humanitarian operations. Proven track record in emergency preparedness, response and management.

Functional Skills

MG-Field Operations Management

ER-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination

MG-Coordination (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.

English

,

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Snr Ops Coordinator works under the leadership of the Principal Emergency Situation Coordinator in Mekelle, the operational centre of the Tigray operation from where will oversees the overall operations. The Office in Mekelle, plays a crucial coordination role for supporting IDPs and PoCs across the region, namely refugees and IDPs. There are over 2 million IDPs in Tigray that will require assistance. The number of Eritrean refugees in Tigray are concentrated in Mai Aini and Adi Harush camps currently numbering close to 25,000 refugees. There are plans to relocate the refugees further south in Debart. Eritrean refugees in Shire camps are mostly young, single men, with women and girls only making up 44% of the population. There is also a significant number of unaccompanied and separated children.

The average family size stands at 1.6 individual. As a result of the conflict in Tigray, the number of IDPs has increased to over 2 million. This has also seen a number of IDPs in neighbouring regions (Amhara and Afar), which UNHCR has scaled up its presence and response. UNHCR and regional authorities have embarked on registering IDPs in collaboration with other protection cluster members and IDPs themselves. Given the protection challenge and the needs of the population groups, that are unique to this operational context, the Snr Ops Coord. has a significant responsibility in the coordination of the operational response to IDP and refugees in Tigray, including in the assessment of needs in collaboration with stakeholders, engagement in resource planning, mobilisation and management, the coordination of ops activities both under DI and through partnerships, as well as ensuring regular reporting on situation development, achievements, challenges.

The incumbent will be expected to have enough skills to manage field operation, interaction with operational partners and UN agencies and go on frequent visits to the field units in Shiraro, Axum, Abia Adi, Adigrat, and Maichiew to, provide support to teams, and ensure harmonised approach, this will also include overseeing, overall programme coordination, CCCM cluster activities and UNHCR involvement in Rapid Response Mechanism. (S)he maintains close collaboration with other sections within UNHCR including Protection, Supply/Shelter NFIs, Administration as well as coordinates the day-to-day operational delivery with partners (including operational partners) to ensure an effective and timely service delivery to PoCs.

Living and Working Conditions:

Mekelle, is the capital city of Tigray Region in Ethiopia. It is located around 780 kilometres (480 mi) north of the capital Addis Ababa, with an elevation of 2,254 metres above sea level. Administratively, Mekelle is considered a Special Zone, which is divided into seven sub-cities. Mekelle is the economic, cultural, and political hub of northern Ethiopia. Mekelle has grown rapidly since 1991. In 1984 it had 61,583 inhabitants, in 1994, 96,938 (96.5% being Tigrinya), and in 2006 169,200 (i. e. 4% of the population of Tigray). Mekelle is 2.6 times larger than Adigrat, the second largest regional centre. It is the fifth largest city in Ethiopia, after Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Adama, and Gondar.

Most of the population of Mekelle depends on government employment, commerce, and small-scale enterprises. Mekelle has new engineering, cement, and textile factories, producing for the local and foreign market. There are limited medical facilities in Mekelle that are equipped to deal with moderate medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are also limited. However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life-threatening emergencies during daytime. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. The climate of Ethiopia and the regions varies greatly. It is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. Generally, the high elevation of the land affects one’s adjustment to the environment. The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. Foreign currency may only be changed at authorized banks and hotels. Exchange of foreign currency outside the regulated banks (Black Market) is a criminal offence, and international UN personnel caught by police sting operations have been known to be arrested and detained for several days. Any entry or exit of cash more than US$3,000 (or the equivalent in other foreign currencies) must be declared to the customs authority upon arrival. ATM cash withdrawals are currently unavailable in Mekelle. While humanitarian partners’ access to Tigray is improving, access to large areas continues to be impeded by insecurity, limiting the humanitarian response, particularly in rural hard-to-reach areas. Internet access only viable during office hours when the generator is switched on, possibly not available at hotels. Medical facilities almost non-existent but with the creation of a Snr Medical Officer P4 in Mekelle staff will have medical assistance when needed.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

BA: Business Administration (Required), BA: Economics (Required), BA: Law (Required), BA: Political Science (Required), BA: Social Science (Required)

Certifications

Programme Management – Other

Annual 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: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Bi-annual Compendium 2022 Part B – November 2022

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance