ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Field Officer is normally supervised by the Snr Field Coordinator or Head of Sub-Office/Field Office depending on the structure of the Office. S/he may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country/regional programme(s). UNHCR Manual, programme and protection objectives, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the incumbent.

The incumbent normally supervises some support staff and may supervise lower grade professional staff. S/he has daily contacts with staff in the various field offices and with the functional units at the Country/Regional Office. S/he also has close liaison with a range of local civilian and military authorities and counterparts in NGOs and UN agencies to discuss matters of common interest.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability

• UNHCR’s operations in the area of responsibility (AoR) are designed to meet the needs of persons of concern.
• An effective monitoring system of the field operations is in place resulting in better service to the persons of concern.
• The protection needs of populations of concern are met through the application of International and National Law, relevant UN/UNHCR protection standards and IASC principles governing humanitarian coordination.
• Protection incidents and gaps in assistance are immediately identified and addressed.

Responsibility

• Prepare project proposals; draw up plan of operation for implementation, including institutional arrangements for budgets.
• Assess refugee needs in the various fields of assistance and make recommendations for the establishment of projects, adjustment or discontinuation of existing projects and advise the Head of Office accordingly.
• Closely monitor the implementation of projects under the geographical area of responsibility and ensure the provisions under the agreements signed with the implementing partners are being adhered to.
• Regularly prepare written reports on the implementation of projects and the situation in the sites.
• Maintain good working relations with local government officials, implementing partners and other agencies in the area.
• Report immediately on any security problems that may occur affecting programme, beneficiaries and the smooth running of the operation.
• Provide assistance to UNHCR Technical advisers and consultants as well as visitors visiting project sites.
• Undertake other relevant duties as required.

Authority

• Represent UNHCR in the Field.
• Negotiate with local authority counterparts, partners and populations of concern.
• Approve expenditures within the DOAP.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Law, Political Sciences or related fields plus minimum 6 years of previous work experience relevant to the function. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master¿s) plus 5 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 4 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
• Field experience.
• Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

• Computer skills.
• Knowledge of refugee law.
• Good knowledge of UNHCR’s programmes.
• UNHCR Protection Learning Programme.
• UNHCR Operations Management Learning Programme.
• Knowledge of additional UN languages.