Associate Development Officer Full-Time

The UNHCR is hiring a Associate Development Officer.

Mission and objectives

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. We work to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home. Since 1950, we have faced multiple crises on multiple continents, and provided vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to. We help to save lives and build better futures for millions forced from home.

Context

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization with the mandate to assist persons in need of international protection; asylum seekers; refugees; statelessness; and internally displaced persons. The UNHCR operation in Mozambique has its main office in Maputo, field offices in Nampula and sub-office in Pemba. The working language in the UNHCR offices in Mozambique is English. UNHCR’s mandated responsibility for finding solutions to refugee, IDP, and returnee-situations has long required stronger cooperation with development partners and the inclusion of persons of concern within development planning and programming instruments, including national development programmes. Due to a variety of factors, the proportion of refugees and internally displaced persons in protracted displacement situations remains high. Moreover, the diminishing number of forcibly displaced people who have access to so-called durable solutions constitutes a worrying trend that has persisted in recent years. The increasing scale of irregular migration, large scale refugee movements, internal displacement and the costs of responding to humanitarian situations have placed forced displacement high on the global agenda. Given the complexity and protractedness of many of today’s forced displacement situations, often occurring in fragile contexts, awareness is growing that the humanitarian model of care and maintenance is unsustainable in the longer term and that forced displacement requires a development response to complement humanitarian assistance, address poverty and other development challenges in a sustainable and inclusive manner. Among the most significant humanitarian-development cooperation partnerships strengthened in recent years has been between the World Bank and UNHCR on forced displacement. In the eighteenth replenishment (2017-2020) of the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), which provides financing for low-income countries, an amount of US$ 2.2 billion has been included for those states receiving large numbers of refugees (Sub-Window for Refugees and Host-Communities). The IDA 18 allocation follows the operationalization of a Global Concessional Financing Facility (GCFF) for Middle-Income Countries (MICs) affected by large numbers of refugees. In addition, UNHCR has enhanced cooperation with the private sector wing of the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and bilateral development donors. In Country or Regional Operations, the Associate Development Officer is normally supervised by and receives guidance from more senior development officers or alternatively from Senior Policy, Protection, Programme or External Relations staff depending on the structure of the Office. The incumbent may supervise some support staff and may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units. External contacts are predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to development (e.g. counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments).

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of Field Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Development Officer will: – Support the Development Officer in Maputo in developing a strategic approach towards Development Partnerships in Mozambique, with a focus on the AoR, through identifying, mapping, and providing an overview of relevant development actors and their funding, programmatic, strategic, and policy priorities, and potential leverage as it relates to UNHCR’s PoCs and programme; – Support the Development Officer in Maputo with knowledge and experience sharing between UNHCR and development actors and within UNHCR, by documenting and disseminating good practices. – In close coordination with the Development Officer in Maputo and relevant Sub-Office staff, contribute to the development of concept notes and project proposals, taking into consideration existing development strategies and plans. – In close collaboration with the Development Officer in Maputo, support the development and maintenance of a database of all development actors` projects and initiatives targeting IDPs and returnees in Cabo Delgado and Mozambique at large. – Support the development of information and data for development actors to inform their planning, programming and advocacy around resilience and inclusion of persons of concern to UNHCR. – Lead the Sub-Office’s engagement with development partners in Cabo Delgado, including UN development agencies (UNDP, UNOPS, FAO, UN-Habitat, etc), with a view to mainstreaming protection concerns and ensuring the inclusion of IDP, returnee and host communities into specific development programmes and initiatives implemented by development actors in Cabo Delgado. – Support fundraising activities vís-a-vís Multilateral Development Banks, private sector, and government donors. – Develop and deliver training and capacity building initiatives on development engagement, with a view to progressively enhancing the capacity of key staff in the Sub-Office to leverage development partnerships to advance UNHCR`s protection and solutions mandate. – Support training activities aimed at the capacity building of partner agency staff to achieve greater coordination, effectiveness, and synergies between humanitarian and development interventions. – Support the Sub Office in planning for resilience and inclusion into development and government plans with a clear shared vision of longer-term protection and solution outcomes for people of concern that considers host communities and leverages the roles, resources, and capacities of development partners, including International Financial Institutions, Multilateral Development Banks, and Bilateral Development donors. – Provide technical support for relationship building with development co-operation agencies and state-building agendas through the different stages of policy and programme identification, preparation, implementation, and review in Cabo Delgado. – Support to develop and foster partnerships and networks with development actors to influence the policy dialogue with governments on institutional arrangements related to sectors, locations, and programme content of consequence to UNHCR and persons of concern. – Support the development of information and data for development actors to inform their planning, programming, and advocacy around resilience for and including UNHCR’s persons of concern. – Support the engagement with governments, development partners (both multilateral and bilateral), and the private sector and civil society (as appropriate) to identify opportunities for UNHCR to contribute to the design and implementation of targeting and monitoring systems to address the needs of PoCs and track progress towards agreed outcomes. – Support the Development Officer in Maputo in knowledge and experience sharing between UNHCR and development actors and within UNHCR by documenting and disseminating good practices. – Assist UNHCR’s management in Pemba and Maputo in commissioning and/or conducting practical research and analysis to interpret long-term political, economic, and social trends that will enhance opportunities for solutions, resilience, and inclusion for populations of concern to UNHCR and more sustainable approaches to refugee protection. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:  Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).  Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.  Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities.  Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.  Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.  Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Nationality

• Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

• 3 years of experience in a large international development institution in a relevant position, of which at least one (1) year in field operations. Preferably with knowledge of, or experience in, local or area-based economic development, direct engagement in a technical sector such as education, WASH, social protection, health, and energy. Practical experience working with and understanding the different aspects of economic growth, governance, fragility, and conflict. Expertise related to the governance of specific multilateral development banks or bilateral development actors most relevant to the AoR.

Area(s) of expertise

• Development programmes

Languages

• English, Level: Fluent, Required Portuguese, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in Development Economics, Development Studies, Socio-economic Development, International Relations, Political Science, Law or other relevant field

Competencies and values

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client oriented.
• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary.
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self- reliance, and commitment towards the UN core values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Mozambique has a total population of about 29 million people and Maputo is its capital city. The total area of Mozambique is 799 380 km square from North to South. It is tropical hot and humid. The hottest and wettest months are December to February, when the average daily minimum temperatures are around 22°c and the average daily highs of 30°c. The rain season is between October and April. Winters (June to August) are mild with the average daily temperature ranging from 13°c to 24°c. Nampula is a C, Family duty-station where the security level is considered low (2). Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to the poor condition of the roads and poor driving and vehicle standards. Overland travel on public transport can be hazardous due to poor vehicle and road conditions and is not recommended. The metical is the local currency and exchange rate stands at USD 1 equivalent to about 63.88 meticais (MZN) as per January 2023. Other than meticais, US dollars and South African rand are the main exchange currencies. Major international credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, and Amex) are accepted (hotels, restaurants, and some shops) in all major towns. The public healthcare system in Mozambique is basic and limited. Private clinics can be found in Maputo and larger cities in Mozambique. Mozambique lies in a malaria zone, so the necessary precautions should be taken: Avoiding mosquito bites by using nets, candles and sprays is recommended. Vaccinations for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are recommended. Tap water in Mozambique is not safe to drink, so bottled or boiled water should be used instead. Communication and transport services are available at various costs. The security situation in area north, Nampula and Niassa provinces are relatively calm. The biggest concern is criminality in the main urban centres of Nampula, Nacala, and Niassa where there are many medium and high-income individuals and business activities. In Nampula, basic health facilities and food shops/restaurant are available. Accommodation can be found through house renting from the private sector.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds