Duration of the Contract 1 September 2017 till 31 December 2017
No. of vacant post One
General Background
On 19 September 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants, calling for greater burden sharing by the international community to support the world’s largest refugee hosting states. The New York Declaration called on UNHCR to develop and initiate the application of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) in close coordination with relevant states and in collaboration with relevant UN agencies, applying a multi-stakeholder approach. The objectives of implementing the CRRF are to: (i) ease pressure on host countries, (ii) enhance refugee self-reliance, (iii) expand access to third-country solutions and (iv) support conditions in countries of origin for return in safety and dignity.
The New York Declaration and the CRRF stress the need to engage development actors in a sustainable response for refugees and host communities. The CRRF promotes inclusion of refugees in the delivery of national services, such as education and health, as well as national development plans and programmes, supporting these priorities where possible. The CRRF aims to bring on board partners into the refugee response, including those who have been less involved in refugee response, by mobilising their respective areas of expertise and interest to contribute to a broad-based response.
UNHCR, together with partners and with the lead of host country governments, is rolling-out the CRRF in a number of pilot countries in 2017. The aim is to measure initial progress and extract lessons learnt to inform preparations for the Global Compact for Refugees in the first half of 2018. The government of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia has confirmed its willingness to pilot the CRRF. Preparations for detailed planning started jointly by the UNHCR and partners in January 2017.
The CRRF in Ethiopia aims to address the protracted refugee situation and provide support to local integration of refugees in the country. Special attention will be paid to the implementation of the pledges made by the Government of Ethiopia during the Leaders’ Summit that took place in September 2016. The CRRF will build on and complement existing strategies, coordination and funding mechanisms, incorporating both humanitarian and development actors. In particular, concerted efforts shall be made to consolidate the partnership with development actors with a view to bridging the gap between humanitarian and development interventions. The ongoing collaborations with the World Bank and the IKEA Foundation speak to UNHCR’s commitment to innovate in order to enhance the self-reliance of both refugees and host community members. The CRRF coordination mechanisms for Ethiopia are being developed in close coordination with the Government of Ethiopia and partners.
The roll-out of the CRRF in Ethiopia requires intensive efforts throughout pilot countries, including consultations with a broad range of internal and external interlocutors at national, regional and district levels – in particular, the various government offices which need to be involved as part of the CRRF roll-out. Against this background, UNHCR is hiring an Associate CRR Officer (CRRF) as part of the temporary support staff with the dedicated role to support the roll-out of the CRRF in the Ethiopia Operation (Assosa).
Organizational Context
The incumbent will be critical in guiding and supporting the development and implementation of a comprehensive response within the region, in coordination with Addis Ababa colleagues. The incumbent will have extensive contacts with both internal and external counterparts and partners in Ethiopia. Within UNHCR, the incumbent will establish close working relations with the relevant staff working in the community based protection, programme and field sectors. Key external partners will include government authorities, private and official organisation, UNHCR implementing and operational partners, International and National NGOs, development agencies and other actors engaged in humanitarian and development initiatives in the relevant region. The incumbent will be the key interlocutor with the local government authorities and will have to identify and actively partner with other actors and structures potentially able to contribute to the strategies and solutions for refugees.
The Associate CRR Officer reports to the Protection Officer, Senior Protection Officer, or Head of Office, depending on the structure of the office. He/she may provide functional protection guidance to information management and programme staff; and supervises protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards. The position is part of the national CRRF Unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and will have technical reporting to this unit.
The Associate CRR Officer is expected to coordinate quality, timely and effective responses to the needs of populations of concern, ensuring that operational responses in all sectors mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards. He/she contributes in designing a comprehensive protection strategy and in representing the organization externally on protection doctrine and policy as guided by the supervisor. He/she also ensures that persons of concern are involved with the Office in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems. To achieve this, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communities of concern, authorities, protection and assistance partners as well as a broader network of stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection.
Accountability
The protection of populations of concern is met through the application of International and National Law, relevant UN/UNHCR protection standards and IASC principles.
The protection strategy incorporates a thorough age, gender and diversity (AGD) analysis and reflects the Organization’s global, regional and country level priorities.
The Participation of persons of concern is assured through continuous assessment and evaluation using participatory, rights and community based approaches.
Protection incidents are immediately identified and addressed.
Responsibility
Together with Addis Ababa CRRF Unit, institutionalize solutions-oriented approaches within UNHCR and partners through training sessions and participation in all planning processes.
Reporting on implementation of CRRF connected projects
Act as key liaison with local authorities as part of developing relationships and effectively engaging regional level development. Key activities include participation in regional level planning, developing gap and needs assessments, advocacy for inclusion of refugees in planning document and budgets.
Develop and manage partnerships with development actors and private sector, in coordination with UNHCR Programme team.
Develop linkages with existing programme/projects throughout the Region to provide enhanced support between refugees and refugee hosting communities.
Job Requirement
Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Education: University degree in social sciences, social-economic development, development planning, rural development or other related fields;
Job Experience: Minimum 4 years (2 years with advanced University degree) relevant professional experience, both in the humanitarian and development context is essential.
Previous experience in planning, implementing, and monitoring programmes and managing multiple projects
Excellent computer skills, including Excel, Word and Power Point
Strong facilitation skills
Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of language of the region.