ABOUT THE COMPANY:

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, is mandated to protect and assist men, women and children forced to flee their homes due to violence, conflict or persecution. UNHCR is dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced and stateless people. The Agency provides protection, shelter, food, water, medical care and other life-saving assistance to refugees and asylum-seekers around the world. The dream of most refugees is to return home. If and where possible, UNHCR helps refugees make this dream a reality. When refugees cannot go back home, we work to find solutions for them, to rebuild their lives in another country. Since its formation by the United Nations General Assembly in 1950, UNHCR has helped millions of refugees restart their lives and has received the Nobel Peace Prize twice.

JOB SUMMARY

H (no hardship)

Family

Family

GS7

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2024-08-01

August 2, 2024

Senior Programme Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Programme Associate would normally receive guidance from more senior programme staff in the operation/bureau/division. The incumbent normally supervises some support staff. S/he may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country/region programme(s). UNHCR Manual/Programme Chapter, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Senior Programme Associate. S/he is expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed to the region by the operational context, the UN and humanitarian reform and institutional developments.

The incumbent is expected to have contacts within the organization and outside the duty station, as well as with partners and other stakeholders to collect information, monitor programme activities and implement administrative requirements. The incumbent is expected to work in line with the multi-functional team (MFT) approach as defined within the Program Chapter, 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 the assessment and analysis of the needs of persons of concern in the country in a participatory manner and using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective as basis for planning.
– Support Results Based management and programme capacity in light of evolving requirements, programming approaches and gaps.
– Participate in managing the development of a broad network of partners, good coordination practices and the development of partner capacities related to programme management.
– Assist in organizing and documenting the selection of partners in accordance with the policy on selection and retention of partners, ensuring due diligence to meet the requirements of projects.
– Support partnership agreements are established in a timely manner, regularly monitored and reported on in compliance with established guidelines and procedures included in the framework for implementing with partners.
– Review the implementation and performance of partnership agreements through field visits and appropriate physical monitoring if applicable, reviewing work plans, performance and financial reports.
– Support the planning process in compliance with planning parameters outlined in the Programme Manual and annual planning instructions.
– Contribute to the review and analysis of operations plans, mid-year and year-end reports, ensuring quality assurance and compliance with established policies, guidelines, procedures and standards. Generate and maintain records of implementation rate (performance progress and expenditures) on a regular basis.
– Follow up on any change in regards to alignment of results chain, verifying indicators, budget, prioritization, apportioning needed to measure programme performance, trends and target interventions, contributing to soundness of Operations Plan and enhancement of data quality.
– Assist in negotiating and drafting partnership agreements, ensuring that all components are developed in conformity with UNHCR’s financial rules and HQ instructions and guidance.
– Contribute to the development and implementation of MFT monitoring plans for activities implemented through partnerships and those under direct implementation in line with Programme Manual and programming instructions.
– Ensure compliance with issuance of audit certificates for partners in line with the Policy on Risk-Based Project Audits and follow up of internal and external audit recommendations related to programmatic issues.
– Use UNHCR’s corporate tools (e.g. Focus Client, Global Focus Insight and FOCUS Reader, MSRP) for core activities related to planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting, generating data for evidence-based programmatic decisions and analysis.
– Actively contribute to UNHCRs programming of community of practice and continuously contributing to improvements of programming tools and processes.

– 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

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G7 – 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not specified

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Demonstrated experience in programme management, Operation Management Cycle and related processes. Knowledge and practical experience of Results Based-Management. Experience in programme management training and capacity building activities. Knowledge of MS office applications including advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, data management, etc.).

Desirable
Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to function of the position including Programme Management Level 1, E-tutoring of PM1, Framework for Implementing with Partners Learning Programme.

Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
PG-Results-Based Management
DM-Database Management
PG-Programme Analysis
PG-Development and monitoring of programme assessments and surveys
(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.

Operational Context:

The war in Ukraine triggered the displacement of more than 535,000 refugees to the Czech Republic (population 10.2 million), who received temporary protection, with over 350,000 currently still recorded in country. While the Czech Republic is not a frontline state, it is one of the key destination countries given the large Ukrainian diaspora as well as job market and opportunities. Amongst the current Ukrainian refugee population, almost half are children, and four-fifths of adults are women. Given the profile of refugees, integration, legal assistance, prevention and response to GBV, anti-trafficking measures and MHPSS remain central elements within the protection response. AAP and PSEA constitute cross-cutting priorities, informing activities in all sectors. Strategic interventions also focus on supporting the government’s inclusion efforts.

The immediate wave of solidarity from the Czech society, including the Government, humanitarian organizations, NGOs as well as citizens, towards refugees from Ukraine has been extensive. In the medium term, however, the ability of the current social and economic structures to absorb and integrate the sizeable Ukrainian refugee population will be strained. As the situation protracts, the priority needs of refugees are also evolving. The focus is shifting towards integration/”adaptation” of refugees from Ukraine, which entails strong community engagement, effective linkages to regular government safety nets, private sector opportunities, and adaptability of both individuals and existing national systems to a prolonged stay.

The position will be based in Prague, with nationwide missions when needed. He/she will work with a team of national and international staff members. UNHCR’s workplace is international and multicultural, and therefore inclusive and diverse. It offers opportunities that contribute to professional growth and development, and it requires cultural awareness and sensitivity and adaptation to different communication styles and behaviors.

Language Requirements:

Knowledge of English as the UN working language of the duty station and Czech language is required.

Desirable Candidate Profile:

Demonstrated experience in programme management including indicator, budget and expenditure analysis, Computer skills (in MS office) including Excel skills (pivot tables, data management, etc.). Strong communication in English required – both written and verbal. Experience in programme monitoring. The candidate should be a self-starter who is proactive in meeting deadlines (timely development of partnership agreements, internal reporting requirements and other core programmatic work as outlined in administrative instructions and yearly implementation calendar). Candidate should be able to propose solutions to programmatic obstacles faced in implementation, using analysis from programmatic data, to ensure objectives can be met.

The incumbent is expected to be highly flexible and able to cope with multiple requests. S/he must have proven cultural flexibility, professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and respect for diversity.

Assessment:

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written test and/or a competency-based interview.

Additional information:

Candidates must be legally present in the Czech Republic at the time of application, recruitment and hire.

Remuneration:

In case of appointment, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.

G-7 monthly salary range: NET CZK 55,946 – CZK 68,886

Benefits:

Annual leave: UNHCR staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will accrue annual leave at the rate of 2.5 working days for each full calendar months of service (i.e. 30 working days per year).

Pension system: Staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will become participants in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).

Health insurance plan: locally recruited staff members in the Czech Republic will be enrolled in the National Health System of Czech Republic.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. No late applications will be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

English

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Czech

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

DM-Database Management, IT-Computer Literacy, PG-Development and monitoring of programme assessments and surveys, PG-Programme Analysis, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PG-Results-Based Management

Certifications

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

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

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance

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