Mission and objectives

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safe-guard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to re-turn home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).te

Context

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org). The Associate Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) Officer is an active member of the field operation and is normally supervised by a professional member who manages and oversees the UNHCR cash assistance programmes. The incumbent supports to ensure that operations are compliant with the technical guidance and administrative instructions on CBI, use CBI coherently and strategically and are adequately monitored. S/he normally receives guidance and direction from the Senior Programme CBI Officer – or Programme CBI Officer – or Programme Officer or other more senior staff. S/he may maintain close links with CBI staff in UNHCR HQ. Internally the Associate CBI Officer will also liaise with other UNCHR field offices and country offices. Externally s/he will assist in liaising with Implementing and Operational Partners, National Governments, line ministries and UN agencies. 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.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate CBI Officer will: • Support the strategic and coherent use of CBI’s in the operations, assisting to ensure that CBI is maximised in assistance and service provision, strongly linking it to Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), Multi-Year Multi-Partner Protection and Solution Strategy (MYMP) and development, including linkages with Social Protection and Financial Inclusion. • Support the review of and assist in coordinating the final clearance with Division of Financial and Administrative Management (DFAM) of the CBI Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the operations, with support from more senior staff. • Support the development of cash assistance programmes and support the senior management to ensure that CBI is fully, effectively integrated into the country operations plan for protection and solutions and Annual Program Planning and COP. • Assist in ensuring compliance to High Alert List for Emergency Preparedness (HALEP) and that CBI is included in the preparedness and response planning and be a first responder to new emergencies/ and returns situations to ensure operations are using CBI as a modality, in collaboration with more senior staff. • Support the effective and coordinated procurement and contracting of Financial Service Providers by procurement/supply and finance. • Provide technical support on planning and assist in policy making on activities within the area of CBIs as an integral part of UNHCR programmes including assessments, planning and budgeting, technical choices, legal and regulatory aspects, implementation modalities and coordination. • Support and collaborate with sectors to increase the use of CBI in education, shelter, livelihoods and where applicable in health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes. • Support the adequate inter-agency coordination mechanisms on CBIs and assist in building and maintaining strong relations with partners, regional entities and represent UNHCR in CBI coordination, with support from more senior staff. • Support the establishment of a sound monitoring process for cash assistance, with proper collection, use and monitoring of baselines, standards and indicators needed to measure and analyse CBI’s performance. Analyse trends and target interventions including CBI expenditure, upstream and downstream activities. • Assist in assessing the technical soundness of the operations and generate data for evidence-based decisions. • Assist in fulfilling CBI related reporting requirements. • Support the use of UNHCR corporate tools and systems. • Perform other related duties as required.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication: proven interpersonal skills • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

Living conditions and remarks

Melkadida is a non-family duty station with limited services. Accommodation of staff is provided by UNHCR in its compound with a monthly rental charge of about $582 for international staff. All staff living in the UNHCR provided accommodation must pay their accommodation in accordance with the UNHCR Policy of UNHCR Provided Accommodation in the Field issued under the IOM/FOM 020/021/2012 dated 28 Feb 2012 as well as the Administrative Instruction on the Measures in Support of Personnel in High-Risk Duty Station (Non-Family Duty Stations Where Danger Pay Applies), UNHCR/AI/2018/11 dated 15 August 2018. Most accommodations are fully furnished, with a single room and living room with an open kitchen. They include their own duvet bed and bed sheet, private bathrooms, desk, AC, lamp, and closet. WIFI is available across the compound and in most of the apartments a private residential WIFI. There are no local or international banking facilities and limited medical facilities. A UN clinic is available in the compound for limited basic services. There are 03 flights in a week between Addis Ababa and Melkadida operated by UNHAS. Due to road insecurity, road travel to Addis is not advised except under unavoidable circumstances as it takes two days. Road network within the region is very poor. Given the remote nature of the duty station, there are very few items that can be purchased in Melkadida, particularly food items and other personal items that staff may need. It is therefore advised that you bring such items with you. Cleaning services take place from Monday to Friday. A laundry room in the compound is available from 7:30 am until 6pm with a laundry attendant who cleans only UNHCR beddings. All staff are advised to do their own laundry or pay a cleaner for the service. There are 2 canteens available within the compound, Canteen A and Canteen B and all personnel are required to pay for their meals in advance. There are a variety of recreational facilities within the compound, these include a fitness center (gym) games ground (volleyball and basketball) and a relaxation center. The climate is classified as dry/semi-desert. The hottest season of the region is in March/April and temperature may rise to 45 °C. The weather condition is hot throughout the year. According to the UN Security Level System, which ranks security levels from 1 (minimum risk) to 6 (very high risk), Melkadida is classified as Moderate Level 3. UN Somali Region Minimum Operating Security Standards require a curfew for UN staff from 5pm (for vehicles) and 7pm (on foot), except in the case of emergency. Security Briefing is mandatory upon arrival. However, is classified as security level -phase 3. The security situation in Melkadida area has deteriorated in the recent past due to the alleged incursion of Al-Shabaab however, the security situation remains calm but unpredictable. Security, remoteness, isolation, and lack of entertainment in social life are therefore some of the factors to be also considered prior to applying. Ethiopia is a unique country and Melkadida is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements