General Background
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. UNHCR recognizes the global need for a broader “cultural shift” from long-term care and maintenance to self-reliance and solutions-oriented planning and programming in its refugee operations. UNHCR’s operation in Dollo Ado and Bokolmayo Woredas - with the support from the IKEA Foundation since 2012 – serves as one of the key locations for UNHCR to implement a new type of programming which gives priority to activities that increase refugees’ self-reliance in order to decrease dependency on aid. The program is aimed at building refugees’ resilience in preparation for their eventual return to Somalia. The national, legal and policy environment in refugee hosting countries places varying degrees of restrictions on refugees' right to work and freedom of movement. In spite of these, refugees use different strategies to generate income, mostly through daily labouring jobs in the informal sector.
The conditions necessary for refugees to earn an income that will make them self- reliant through circulation of capital in the area, do not yet exist. However, UNHCR is actively and creatively seeking opportunities for refugees to improve their income and to provide them with opportunities to gain and improve skills, which will help with their integration when they return to Somalia. Refugees will be supported to improve their livelihoods through skills training, paid employment, energy and business development.
The refugee camps are in a transition phase from emergency to the recovery stage with a wide variety of income levels and energy needs in the camps. Successful businesses have developed through the sale and distribution of electricity and energy technologies. Smallscale independent energy providers have emerged providing electricity through independent diesel mini grids. The generation and distribution of electricity through these grids is inefficient and often safety is not of the required standard. There is scope for improvement of current systems and development of new electrical generating and distribution to support business and income generating activities. Energy for productive use has been also extended to cooking purposes supporting cooperatives for the production of local cookstoves and fuel solutions.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
Tasks and responsibilities:
Grade
Type of Contract
Duration of Contract
Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Education
(Level and area of required and/or preferred education)
Work Experience
(List number of years and area of required work experience. Clearly distinguish between required experience and experience which could be an asset)
Key Competencies
(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment. Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies)
Proven coordination, planning and organizing skills;
Managerial skills in supervising a team, meet the targets and enhance individual capabilities;
Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English (knowledge of the Somali language is an asset);
Excellent computer skills and strong experience in data analysis;
Ability to apply technical knowledge in day to day work with good practical “hands on” capability for addressing engineering issues arising in renewable energy systems;
Learning and researching;
Ability to work in a multi-cultural and gender-balanced team;
Political awareness and a good understanding of international best practices with regards to craftsmanship and renewable energy applications
Willingness to work in Somali region;
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, good report drafting ability;
Highly motivated and efficient with excellent organizational skills, and ability to be innovative and 'think outside the box'.