Hardship Level

C

Family Type

Family

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

PR3

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Remote work accepted

No

Target Start Date

2023-01-27-08:00

Job Posting End Date

February 16, 2023

Standard Job Description

Reintegration Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The incumbent works with senior staff members to provide policy advice and technical support relating to the assistance of urban, rural and camp based refugees in a country of asylum or returnees in a country of origin, the host communities and IDPs in their achievement of sustainable solutions. The job requires direct contact with the target population in assessing needs and considering aspects of age, gender and diversity mainstreaming in planning, the needs of host communities and political and socio-economic context. 

The staff member could represent a UNHCR office in developing a (re)integration strategy and an inter-agency programme in collaboration with the Government, UN agencies and other stakeholders.  The staff member also works closely with UNHCR's Programme, Protection and Technical units to ensure that UNHCR Operation in a concerned country reflects the (re)integration strategy of its programme components and that UNHCR's protection principles are reflected in the strategy.

The staff member is directly supervised by Snr. Programme Officer, Snr. Reintegration Officer or Head of Sub-Office and receives guidance and advice on technical matters from the Branch Office/ Bureau and relevant Units at HQ, especially, DPSM/OSTS.

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

- Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the local political, economic and socio-cultural context impacting on reintegration and/or local integration opportunities and advise the country-office senior management ; stay abreast of UNHCR and UN policies on durable solutions, reintegration, local integration, peace-building and UN joint programming.

- Participate in inter-agency programming processes, namely joint needs assessments, CCA/UNDAF, national development plan, or other joint programming, at national and sub-national levels, which lead to broader national or area-based recovery and development plans; ensure the inclusion of reintegration and local integration needs into these plans.

- Manage a consultative process within the office and with external partners to draft UNHCR¿s reintegration and/or local integration strategies and to ensure their harmonization with broader national or area-based development plans.

- Participate in UNHCR¿s operation¿s planning; advise on activities to meet basic needs, improve socio-economic self-reliance of persons of concern,  build peaceful coexistence between persons of concern and host communities and sustainable solutions; and ensure the inclusion of reintegration and/or local integration priorities into the country operation plan.

- Develop and maintain strategic partnership with development agencies, bilateral agencies, civil societies and the private sector to bring area-based development programmes to communities hosting persons of concern.

- Participate in inter-agency coordination meetings on early recovery/transition projects and represent UNHCR when appropriate.

- Promote global/UNHCR¿s policies, guidelines and standards on durable solutions, peace-building and joint programming with Office and partner staff.

- Liaise with the Division of Programme Support and Management/Operational Solutions and Transition Section (DPSM/OSTS) and other relevant offices at HQs and provide inputs into global policies, standards and indicators related to durable solutions and peace-building.

- Conduct training activities aimed at building the capacity of UNHCR and partner staff to achieve durable solutions, peaceful coexistence and effective partnership.

- Monitor durable solutions and peace-building activities, collect and analyze data on the status of persons of concern in order to inform durable solutions programmes and evidence-based advocacy. 

- Organize evaluations and/or reviews of UNHCR¿s reintegration programmes in order to allow for informed revisions of operational priorities including exit strategies.

- Participate in inter-agency joint project proposals and advocate for financial support to reintegration and/or local integration of persons of concern.

- Supervise staff and exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support.

- Represent UNHCR at the appropriate level in negotiations with government offices and development agencies on their engagement in transition/development programmes at the country level and in areas hosting persons of concern as well as on the inclusion of reintegration and local integration priorities into recovery and development plans. 

- Clear the reintegration and/or local integration components of the country strategy and operation plan before submission to senior management.

- Initiate inter-agency consultations, partnerships and joint project proposals to further UNHCR re(integration) priorities. 

- Enforce compliance of country operation with global policies, guidelines and standards on durable solutions, transition and peace-building.

- Enforce global and UNHCR¿s standard and indicators in reviewing the country operation reintegration/local integration/transitional solutions¿ programmes.

- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience

Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education 

Economics,  Development Studies,  Political Sciences, 

Policy Studies  or other relevant field.

(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) 

Certificates and/or Licenses 

Not specified

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Field experience in reintegration/local integration situations.

Desirable

Familiar with Peace-building (Fund), UNDAF, UN joint programming process and inter-agency collaboration is desirable.

Experience with development agencies is an added value.

Functional Skills 

PR-Durable Solutions - Peace-building (Fund)

PR-Refugee Reintegration

(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.

Desired Candidate Profile 

In light of the above responsibilities, the incumbent should have in-depth knowledge and understanding of UN and UNHCR policies, principles, and responses relating to return & reintegration and particularly durable solutions and livelihood experience more broadly. S/he should also have good knowledge of policies, principles, and responses relating to early recovery and resilience, as well as peace-building and social cohesion. The incumbent should have a thorough knowledge of UNHCR’s mandate and protection and assistance responses relating to returnees, convoys planning, and related policies and principles. Operational experience in returnee response and coordination skills is mandatory, and experience working with a UN agency or an (I)NGO, particularly in Burundi is an asset. The incumbent should possess a sound understanding of the political context in Burundi in which the UN operates well as the interagency coordination structure. The incumbent should have political acumen and diplomatic skills and be able to liaise and coordinate with various internal and external partners in Burundi. Strong research and analytical skills and a proven track record of clear and concise drafting of internal/external documents are essential. S/he should have strong organizational skills and attention to detail and be able to work under pressure and prioritize multiple tasks. S/he should demonstrate a great deal of self-initiative and be able to work independently, with minimal supervision, as well as to work effectively and respectfully within and across teams. S/he should have a strong interpersonal, written, and communication skills. Proficiency with MS Office applications (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is essential, and knowledge of/experience with databases, particularly proGres 4  is an asset. A proven track record of professionalism and integrity is essential.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): 

French

,

Desired languages

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

https://www.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Reintegration Officer is a position supervised by the Deputy Representative and is in charge of Reintegration in the whole Country. The incumbent reports directly to him/her and has technical supervisory responsibility for staff working in the reintegration sub-unit, including functional supervisory role towards other colleagues in Field Offices. Therefore S/he will establish and maintain efficient management of her/his role as the focal point of the reintegration activities within the country.

To fulfil this role, the incumbent must have proven knowledge and experience in his/her role within the country in Reintegration. S/He should have the ability/experience to lead the Interagency-coordination, experience in Humanitarian Development Nexus, and Coordination skills/experience of activities related to returnees and Host Communities. His/Her experience in  Livelihood projects, CBI, and  protection Monitoring skills for returnees will be highly appreciable

Accordingly, apart from excellent functional competencies related to the function, the Reintegration Officer will require well-developed expertise in voluntary repatriation s, refugees in the country of asylum, IDPs, and host communities concerning durables solutions matters. A proven mastery of procedures in this area, coupled with a demonstrated experience of initiating reintegration strategy plans, management skills, and stress resistance, will be necessary.

The incumbent would also be expected to possess proven managerial and leadership skills, planning, implementing, and monitoring of the operational activities related to his/her role in the Reintegration as well as deep experience in working effectively internally with all Field/Sub Offices and externally with different partners, the government in the matters requiring good negotiation and interpersonal skills in the area of this function.  

Previous work experience in the field in the area of Reintegration will be a crucial asset for this position.

Living and Working Conditions:

In general, the socio-economic situation in the country remains very weak because Burundi has been in recession since 2015. Rising unemployment and the collapse of basic social services have led to a sharp deterioration in living conditions, and the population is sinking deeper into poverty. With a newly elected government and earlier than scheduled inauguration of the President, the country, donors, and humanitarian community are adjusting to these changes and observing the outcomes.

Since 2017 UNHCR Burundi operation has been engaged in the facilitation of the voluntary repatriation of Burundian refugees from Tanzania. In 2020 the operation was faced with a dramatic increase in the return of Burundian refugees also from Rwanda, DRC, and other countries in the region and further afield.

Working and living conditions in Bujumbura are, in general, at an acceptable level of standard. The medical facilities are low, and there is, in general lack of medications; however, UN staff have access to UN Clinic established under UN Country Team governance. This clinic has expanded in order to provide appropriate Covid-19 response.

Housing is of a good standard and available at a reasonable rate. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in abundance. However, imported goods may not be easily available, and if available, they are quite expensive.

There are international commercial and humanitarian flights operating from Bujumbura international airport. In order to enter the country, there is a need to obtain a special entry authorization at least 2-3 weeks ahead of time.  

Bujumbura is a family duty station, while in the field, it still remains a non-family duty station. UN Travel by road within Burundi is restricted to the hours from 08:00 to 17:00 and must follow MOSS compliance and any other security limitations. An escort is mandatory to proceed to the airport from 21:00 to 06:00. When traveling within Burundi, staff on official duty are required to do mandatory radio checks while on the road and to make contact with the local/regional UN Security Officer on arrival at UN hub/regional locations.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

BA: Development Management (Required), BA: Economics (Required), BA: Policy (Required), BA: Political Science (Required)

Certifications

Work Experience

Durable Solutions

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium 

Add.2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 - Part B

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance