Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Inter-Agency Coordination Officer is usually located in Country Operations, Multi-Country Offices, Regional Bureaux, and Regional Refugee Coordinator¿s Office or in the Partnership and Coordination Service (PCS) in Headquarters. S/he plays a crucial support role in ensuring UNHCR¿s approach to partnership and inter-agency processes are coherent. The main aim is to assist senior management, as well as partner agencies, to ensure that UNHCR can fulfil its role to support the Government to lead the refugee response, coordinate other actors – including development actors at the early stages of a refugee response – and support the adherence to UNHCR inter agency commitments in IDP situations. This should be done in line with UNHCRs Mandate, the Global Compact for Refugees, the 2019 IDP policy, and agreed inter-agency commitments. The Associate Inter-Agency Coordination Officer ensures that support is provided for strategic planning, assessment, monitoring and analysis, of any joint assessments or interagency plans at the field level. The incumbent will have direct contact with other staff members in the inter-agency structure from UN agencies, international and non-governmental organizations, and the government. The post requires the ability to prioritize tasks and to organise work independently based on direction from the supervisor. The incumbent will put particular emphasis on multi-sectorial information, coverage of information sources (UN and non-UN) and contributions to programs and projects, and interagency processes and products. The incumbent will be tasked with setting up and supporting different inter agency meetings, ensuring UNHCR¿s coordination role where applicable and UNHCR input where necessary. S/he will also be tasked with ensuring note taking and information sharing across a number of actors. The incumbent may also be tasked with the collection, presentation and dissemination of agreed inter agency data and information, including that coming from various stakeholders outside of UNHCR. S/he will also support the Inter-Agency Coordinator in maintaining a constant dialogue with donors on the overall funding/resource status of the humanitarian programs in close collaboration with all partner agencies (UN and NGOs). A key tool in this regard will be the facilitation and support of periodic Inter-Agency meetings, sector or cluster specific meetings, as well as to support the broadening of relevant inter-agency information through meeting reports, situation updates and newsletters.
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
– Provide support to inter agency processes, including for coordination in refugee settings and cluster coordination in IDP settings
– Include partners in any UNHCR led interagency response, respecting their respective mandates and programme priorities. – Provide appropriate support for operational planning and forward looking coordination of the inter-agency humanitarian and development response.
– Support the planning of adequate contingency and preparedness for new emergencies / scenarios is in place. – Close follow up on the strategic, operational, and day to day basic assistance sector/ cluster issues.
– Coordinate the basic assistance Sector by chairing regular working groups meetings, ensuring all agencies in the sector are adequately represented, liaise closely with a wide range of donors and governmental institutions, etc.
– Provide close guidance and support to basic assistance working groups at field level. – Provide analysis on key humanitarian / development issues and trends in close collaboration with the information management team. – Conduct regular programmatic and funding gaps analysis.
– Support the development of harmonized assessment, monitoring and evaluation activities in line with the agreed inter agency response
– Draft correspondence, documents and reports, guidance notes, background information for meetings and workshops. – Conduct regular field visits to support and build the capacity of field working groups as well as ensuring field perspectives underpin the sector strategy.
– Develop a harmonized referral system for the sector in conjunction with the information management team.
– Liaise with external partners and local organizations on behalf of different sectors, the Interagency Coordination Unit, and UNHCR.
– Lead, facilitate, and organize dedicated Sector Working Group meetings and technical task forces. – Prioritize tasks and organize work independently.
– Engage with all sectors and identify IA Coordination activities.
– Make recommendations on IA Coordination issues.
– Work closely with government counterparts on issues related to the basic assistance.
– 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 Social Sciences; Development Studies; Economics; International Relations; Political Affairs; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses not specified;
Relevant Job Experience
Essential: Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development programme implementation, including experience in facilitating inter-agency coordination at sector or macro-level. Good knowledge of the UN system, NGOs and related planning and coordination practises. Knowledge of MS Office applications. Knowledge of refugee protection principles and framework. Presentation delivery and/or public speaking experience. Desirable: Demonstrated expertise in emergency response and preparedness planning and monitoring, including a good understanding of related standards and indicators. Demonstrated expertise in either assessments, monitoring and evaluation, research for programmes, and policy / context analysis. Experience in coordinating and implementing cash based interventions, including harmonization of practices and operating procedures. Experience in leading and facilitating meetings, delivering presentations, and conducting trainings for technical and non-technical audience. Work experience in the interagency response.
Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
CO-Drafting and Documentation
PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
ER-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination
ER-Inter-Agency Resource Mobilisation
ER-Inter-Agency External Relations
CO-Public Speaking
DM-Data Collection and Analysis
CB-Cash-based Programming/Managing/Planning (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 incumbent must have sound drafting skills both in English and French, coupled with a proven sense of judgement and negotiation capability needed for the establishment of transactional and non-transactional partnerships required for the acceleration of inclusion of refugees and other persons of concern into national development strategic plans and key projects funded by financial institutions and other key partners of the Government of Cameroon. S/He should be able to work with other UN agencies for the materialization of the recommendations of the UN Common Pledges and to ensure that persons of concern to UNHCR are included in policies, strategic plans, and projects of key players in the United Nations system.
Taking into the multi-country character of the operation, the incumbent should also the ability to approach key ministries in countries covered by the UNHCR MCO Cameroon. This entails the demonstration of a proven experience of working with Government and to maintain impactful relationship with local, regional, and national authorities knowing the importance of the involvement of the Government in the protection of forcibly displaced persons.
As most of key crises have become protracted situations, the protection response must shift from short-term approach to durable solutions through multi-actors’ collaboration and the implementation of NEXUS Approach. In this regard, the incumbent should display a better understanding of threefold principles known as Humanitarian-Development and Peace. Consequently, s/he should be able to represent UNHCR in fora such as Leave No One Behind, Nexus working group, Inter-sector working group and the UNSDCF’s result group led by UNHCR.
In addition, the position requires good knowledge of UNHCR operational arrangements, its relief programmes, the funding needs, and priorities. Good understanding of programming in UNHCR (the Programme cycle and other Programme elements) is therefore required, backed up by understanding of the difficulties faced in the field when implementing tightly earmarked funding.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
Desired languages
French
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
The services available at the clinic are general medical consultation, medical treatment including medication for acute conditions, first aid and initial stabilization of any acute case, laboratory investigations and possibly a referral to other specialists or specialized centers, if necessary. Vaccines are not currently available at the UN Clinic, only Covid 19 vaccine is available.
For conditions requiring long-term treatment such as family planning, long-term allergy treatment, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, once the patient is stabilized, he/she will need to stock up medicines in private pharmacies.
Several laboratory tests can be done in the clinic. If this is not possible, the patient will be referred to a private laboratory where these investigations are available.
Due to the pandemic linked to COVID 19, a special COVID section has been opened to support activities related to this pathology. This is how the COVID team takes care of the following activities: prevention advice, rapid test for antigen, facilitation of the PCR test through on-site sampling and transport of specimens to a partner laboratory. The results of the said test are returned to us afterwards for delivery to the rights holders.
The team responsible for activities related to COVID 10 includes an emergency doctor at its head, 2 other doctors, 2 nurses, a hygiene manager.
The COVID section also includes hospital beds for asymptomatic to mild cases. Moderate to severe cases will be referred to structures on the upper technical platform and possibly evacuated outside for more specialized care.
Subjects who test positive are placed on treatment on site and follow-up initiated. Contact tracing is done, as are all the recommendations for use in such a situation.
COVID UN centers are also available in some regions: Buea, Bertoua, Bamenda, Maroua
Nature of Position:
The incumbent must have sound drafting skills both in English and French, coupled with a proven sense of judgement and negotiation capability needed for the establishment of transactional and non-transactional partnerships required for the acceleration of inclusion of refugees and other persons of concern into national development strategic plans and key projects funded by financial institutions and other key partners of the Government of Cameroon. S/He should be able to work with other UN agencies for the materialization of the recommendations of the UN Common Pledges and to ensure that persons of concern to UNHCR are included in policies, strategic plans, and projects of key players in the United Nations system.
Taking into the multi-country character of the operation, the incumbent should also the ability to approach key ministries in countries covered by the UNHCR MCO Cameroon. This entails the demonstration of a proven experience of working with Government and to maintain impactful relationship with local, regional, and national authorities knowing the importance of the involvement of the Government in the protection of forcibly displaced persons.
As most of key crises have become protracted situations, the protection response must shift from short-term approach to durable solutions through multi-actors’ collaboration and the implementation of NEXUS Approach. In this regard, the incumbent should display a better understanding of threefold principles known as Humanitarian-Development and Peace. Consequently, s/he should be able to represent UNHCR in fora such as Leave No One Behind, Nexus working group, Inter-sector working group and the UNSDCF’s result group led by UNHCR.
In addition, the position requires good knowledge of UNHCR operational arrangements, its relief programmes, the funding needs, and priorities. Good understanding of programming in UNHCR (the Programme cycle and other Programme elements) is therefore required, backed up by understanding of the difficulties faced in the field when implementing tightly earmarked funding.
The incumbent needs to be well organized in his/her approach to work so that information is accessed quickly when questions are received. In a context where multi-tasking and an ability to juggle different priorities are essential, the person in this post must be able to work under stress with tight deadlines, in a courteous and service-oriented manner.
Living and Working Conditions:
Yaoundé is a duty station classified B. Living conditions are good in Yaoundé and in other major cities such as Douala. Yaoundé is the political capital where most embassies and representations of international organizations are based while Douala is the economic capital hosting the main seaport. Despite the instability in the South-West and North-West Province due to the Anglophone crisis and in the Far North Province due to Boko Haram Activities, the situation in the political capital and other parts of the country is overall good. Yaoundé is under security level 2
All United Nations personnel must comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Cameroon. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents against UN personnel.
The access to health services in Yaoundé is good. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.
The currency used in Cameroon is Franc CFA (XOF). Many hotels, restaurants and large businesses in Yaoundé accept the main international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines in all the major cities.
The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is wide. It is possible to rent unfurnished or furnished accommodations.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Data Presentations, PS-Leadership of fundraising teams, TI-Written Translation
Education
BA: Business Administration/Management, BA: Communication, BA: International Humanitarian Law
Certifications
Work Experience
Cluster Coordination and Inter-Agency, Emergency Preparedness & Response, External Relations, Humanitarian Coordinator, Protection Cluster, Translation and Interpretation, Work Context: Interagency Coordination
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Add.2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 – Part B
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
How to apply
How to apply
For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to visit
bit.ly/3wYIWAk
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 16 February 2023 (midnight Geneva time)