Associate Programme Officer
Job Description
Associate Programme Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Programme Officer may be based in HQ, field/regional bureau, typically reporting to and be guided by the Program officer and may supervise a small team of local 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 Associate Programme Officer will provide programmatic guidance and support with regard to the implementation of protection and solutions strategies within available resources. S/he will coordinate with the other sections/units to ensure harmonized programmatic approaches at all levels and throughout the UNHCR Operations Management Cycle. The incumbent 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), and 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
– Support 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 support 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.
– Assist the planning process in compliance with planning parameters outlined in the Programme Manual and the planning instructions.
– Support the revision and analysis of plans, mid-year and year-end reports of UNHCR office(s) in the Area of Responsibility AoR), ensure quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
– Assist in the provision of overall direction to broaden partnerships with key stakeholders in order to maximize the protection and solutions response for persons of concern.
– Provide support 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.
– Contribute to ensure consistent and coherent monitoring approaches, tools and systems across the region, in line with global standards and polices.
– Actively contribute to UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contribute to improvements of programming tools and processes.
– Oversee a timely and effective follow-up of internal and external audits observations and recommendations that relate to programmatic issues.
– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB – 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Economics; Business Administration; Social Sciences;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Programme Management
Certification Programme in Programme Management (CP-PM)
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Demonstrated experience in programme management including familiarization with the OMC and sound knowledge of Results Based-Management. Demonstrated experience in field operations, sound knowledge on the centrality of protection in programming, 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. Sound experience in program management training and capacity building activities.
Functional Skills
MG-Project Management
PG-Results-Based Management
PG-UNHCR’s Programmes
PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate)
(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 The ideal candidate should demonstrate a thorough understanding of UNHCR’s Programme Manual rules and regulations, particularly the latest changes, innovations, and best practices outlined in the newly updated Programme Handbook. They must be aware of UNHCR’s corporate and regional strategic priorities, operational plans, and other relevant institutional guidelines. Knowledge of key thematic priorities, including:
• Proven Expertise in Programme Management and Coordination preferably in UNHCR and/or the United Nations.
• Proven experience coordinating with the other developmental partners, sections/units to ensure harmonized programmatic approaches at all levels and throughout the UNHCR/UN Operations Management Cycle.
• Strong diplomatic skills to maintain and nurture effective relations with partners, donors, and external stakeholders.
• Proven experience in capacity-building efforts aimed at strengthening local institutions, partners, and community leadership to create a sustainable impact.
• Skills in developing and implementing training programmes and technical support for partners to enhance their competencies in programme delivery and management.
• Demonstrate engagement in the day-to-day support and coordination for country office in Mogadishu for all the forcibly displaced populations (Refugee, Internally Displaced people and Returnees)
• Proven expertise working in line with the overall UN/ UNHCR directions which crucially require working with partners, including with persons of concern, governmental institutions, and the private sector, ensuring that program management is approached as per UN/ UNHCR Strategic Directions, Global Strategic Priorities (GSPs), Global Compact for Refugees (GCR), corporate positions on SDGs.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
Somalia remains affected by insecurity and political instability, characterized by ongoing tensions and inter-clan conflicts, along with the activities of non-state actors, leading to significant displacement of populations.
Somalia is among the nation’s most severely affected by climate change, with the recent drought and seasonal flooding intensified by El Niño resulting in over 1.4 million newly displaced individuals in the past year due to drought. the Gu rains have displaced more than 120,000 individuals in 2024.
In 2024, the operation expects an inflow of 3,700 refugee returns from Yemen, Kenya, and other countries. it has been confirmed that 1,500 will return from Yemen in 2024 as part of the Yemen operation.
The operation has upheld the target figure of 1,000,000 IDPS to be assisted by 2024.
The emphasis is on identifying solutions for long-term internally displaced persons by ensuring access to land, providing durable shelters, and facilitating livelihoods and protection. the operation has also enhanced its leadership and coordination of the protection, shelter, and CCCM clusters, while collaborating with other humanitarian actors to address the expected displacement and emergencies.
Through collaborative partnerships, the operation will serve a pivotal function in enhancing the involvement of the federal government of Somalia (FGS), federal member states (FMS), and other essential stakeholders within the context of the humanitarian development peace nexus, employing area-based strategies (state-level operational response, support to costed plan, national transition plan discussions).
While the operation is moving towards sustainable programming with focus on integration in national systems, livelihood programming, community-based protection, environmental sustainability, partnership advocacy and data and evidence-based planning. Enhancing the self-sufficiency of forcibly displaced and stateless individuals will improve their access to inclusive socio-economic development and facilitated returns from Yemen.
Legislative frameworks: The Refugee Act was enacted in February 2024, and the regulations are still pending. The IDP Bill is currently in parliament, being reviewed by the house committees.
The operation seeks to support the Government in improving the legal and policy frameworks that safeguard refugees, returnees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals, while also responding to the urgent needs of those impacted by various crises. It will enable a shift towards sustainable solutions that include protection and displacement data, assistance for cluster and area of responsibility priorities, and climate action, featuring emergency aid, flash alerts, multipurpose cash support, and non-food item assistance.
UNHCR targets three main population groups in Somalia including: Refugees/Asylum Seekers, Returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDP). There are over 40,000 refugees and asylum-seekers registered in Somalia from Ethiopia, Yemen, Syria, Eritrea, Libya, Sudan, and other countries. Up to September 2024, UNHCR had received close to 105,000 Somali returnees from neighboring countries and therefore the reintegration support is major programmatic engagement for this population. It is estimated that Somalia has 2.6 million IDPs most of whom are protracted.
The Associate Programme Officer shall be under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer.
On supervisory responsibilities, the incumbent shall assist in providing day to day technical supervision to two (2) National Officers (NOA) at the Representation Office. He/She shall also assist in providing indirect technical supervision to Programme staff assigned in the two (2) sub-offices of the operation to ensure a coordinated and successful delivery of programmes, particularly, five (5) Local Staff members (Programme Associates)
Living and Working Conditions:
Security situation: Mogadishu, an E category, non-family duty station, is the capital of Somalia. In 2021, UNHCR opened its own residential and office compound within the Aden Abdulle International Airport (AAIA) where UN Agencies, Funds and Programs, as well as Embassies operate from various compounds. The security situation has remained consistently tense and volatile for many years. As a consequence, staff movements may be restricted. Curfew within AAIA is 22:00-05:00 for vehicle movement and 18:00-06:00 for pedestrian movements. The beach area (a 20-minute walk from the compound) is currently open 05:00-08:00 and 14:00-18:00 daily, although swimming in the ocean is prohibited due to strong currents and sharks. National staff can access the compound (AAIA), during the morning from 6:00 and exit in the evening AAIA by 5:00.
Living conditions: International staff reside in UNHCR’s compound (containers) in the AAIA compound. National staff live in the town and commute to the office on working days. UNHCR provides shuttle service to/from office and staff residences. In town, there are social amenities, including cafes, restaurants, football playgrounds, and recreational public parks to which national staff have access.
Working conditions: UNHCR has an office and accommodation in their compound within the ATMIS-protected area AAIA. The office is equipped with furniture, office items, and full access to the internet. Field and Protection staff regularly visit IDP sites and monitor Partners project implementation activities. Other UN agencies, including UNICEF, UNOCHA, WFP, IOM, FAO, WHO, and UNFPA have a presence in Mogadishu (AAIA).
Healthcare services: There are several medical facilities in Mogadishu. In the town, national staff have access to several hospitals – Kalkaal Hospital, Turkish hospital, Shaafi, and Adan Ade hospital which are covered under medical insurance. Within the UNSOS/UNSOM compound, there are Level 1 and Level 2 Clinics run by UNSOS and ATMIS, respectively. National staff and their dependents have full access to these hospitals.
Food: All basic foods are available in the market ranging from meat, dairy, fruit, and vegetables. There are many hotels within the protected area of Aden Ade International Airport (AAIA) where staff can visit. There is a canteen run by a private catering company called Star Empire in the UNHCR compound. Both national and international staff have access to it. There are also two fully equipped kitchens for staff to use in the UNHCR Villa.
Transport: Airport pick-up and drop-off: Mogadishu
UNHCR provides transport to UNHCR staff and Affiliate Workforce Personnel when travelling to/from Mogadishu. All arriving staff are requested to share their ticket details with Admin before their travel date. UNHCR drivers normally do not have access permit to the arrival hall of the airport and will wait for staff arriving in the area around the airport main gate/barriers, a shirt walk away from the arrivals hall. To request transportation within Somalia, UNHCR Somalia uses the UN Booking Hub.
National staff use local rental shuttles for pick-up and drop-offs from/to home.
Communication: In Mogadishu, there are many telecommunication entities, Hormuud is the leading telecommunications provider in Mogadishu, offering reliable mobile network coverage for calls, data, and mobile money services for over 20 years. Their dominance in the market makes them a popular choice for residents and visitors alike.
Banking: UNHCR Somalia has a contract with Standard Chartered Bank in Nairobi on cash payments to Somalia. Standard Chartered Bank has sub-contracted Amal Money Transfer Agency in Somalia to remit funds to Somalia on their behalf. Staff members can opt to receive their entitlement in the form of cash from an Amal outlet in Somalia. Staff members can either receive cash over the counter or open a bank account with Amal Money Transfer Agency to withdraw cash as desired. Other international banks operate in Mogadishu as well such as Premier bank, my bank, Dahabshiil, and Somalia Central Bank.
Education: In Mogadishu, there are several private primary and secondary schools and universities, most of them are privately owned institutions. These institutions are accessible to all by students.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsMG-Project Management, PG-Results-Based Management, PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate), PG-UNHCR’s Programmes
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science
CertificationsCP-PM Certification Programme for Programme Management – UNHCR, Programme Management – Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
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Compendium
Additional InformationShortlisted candidates may be required to undertake a written test.
Functional clearanceThis position doesn’t require a functional clearance
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