Assistant Development Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
UNHCR’s mandated responsibility for finding solutions to refugee 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.
The SDGs provide a yardstick for inclusive development based on the principles of Leaving No One Behind and Reaching the Furthest Behind First. It is also acknowledged that extreme poverty and human suffering associated with refugees and other forcibly displaced people need to be systematically taken into account existing when addressing development challenges and development prospects of host communities, countries, and regions.
The Global Compact for Refugees frames this new approach towards a more predictable and equitable responsibility-sharing, recognizing that more sustainable approaches to refugee situations cannot be achieved without the systematic engagement of a broader set of stakeholders, including development partners.
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 donor.
Within the context outlined above, the role of the Assistant Development Officer is to support UNHCR’s engagement and cooperation with development agencies’ medium-term programmes assisting local communities and UNHCR’s population of concern and the ability to leverage development partnerships to influence policy dialogue to enact institutional reforms toward improved protection environments, socio-economic inclusion, and self-reliance; taking into account and reducing the vulnerabilities of forcibly displaced persons. As such, the incumbent needs to have practical experience working with and an understanding of the interplay of different aspects of economic growth, governance, fragility and conflict, the main factors that influence the environment for inclusion and resilience for UNHCR’s population of concern. Depending on the operating environments in the area of responsibility (AoR), the incumbent might need to have specific expertise in areas such as social protection, governance in fragile contexts, local governance and community development. It is anticipated that development responses to forced displacement will grow in significance in future years due to the greater importance attached to fragility and addressing protracted displacement situations.
The incumbent will assist in identifying potential opportunities and ensure complementarity between UNHCR’s protection work and the economic and social development objectives pursued by development partners and their government counterparts. It will, therefore, be important that the Assistant Development Officer supports relevant UNHCR staff within the AoR to contribute to the Operation’s efforts to (i) align policy, operational and programme priorities between humanitarian and development agencies, (ii) establish and maintain reporting and knowledge, and information exchanges on key developments among all interested stakeholders, (iii) assist relevant UNHCR staff to engage in development planning, programming and coordination processes with Government entities and development partners; and (iv) assist relevant UNHCR staff in developing, contributing to and coordinating multi-year and multi-partner transition strategies for protracted forced displacement situations.
In Country or Regional Operations, the Assistant 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).
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
– Assist 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 as well as more sustainable approaches to refugee protection. Help ensure evidence generated from analytical and advisory services needs to be translated better into context-specific policy dialogue, project design, and programming.
– Assist in planning for resilience and inclusion with a clear shared vision of longer-term protection and solution outcomes for people of concern that takes account of host communities and leverages the roles, resources and capacities of development partners, including Multilateral Development Banks, and Bilateral Development agencies and donors.
– Support the facilitation of the development of comprehensive multi-year transition plans/strategies (incl. Multi-Year Multi-Partner Strategies) for Persons of Concern to UNHCR and/or facilitate the inclusion of populations of concern into national and local development planning and programming instruments.
– Support the identification, strategic articulation and capitalization of development and resilience opportunities, including through Government pledges and or pledges made by bilateral or multilateral development and/or peacebuilding partners.
– Assist in facilitating relationship building with development co-operation agencies and peace and state-building agendas through the different stages of policy and programme identification, preparation, implementation and review.
– Support the development of 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. This would, in particular, focus on supporting the coordination of the in-country relationship with the World Bank and other multilateral development banks, especially where there is potential for specific funding directed towards UNHCR’s persons of concern (e.g. WB IDA sub-window for refugees and host communities or the WB Global Concessional Financing Facility).
– Support the cooperation with development partners to assist them in incorporating the concerns of refugees, returnees and others of concern to UNHCR into the design and implementation arrangements of projects and interventions in a manner that impacts positively on protection circumstances.
– Support the operation to ensure that development actors are provided relevant data to inform their planning, programming and advocacy around resilience for and inclusion of UNHCR persons of concern.
– Support the facilitation, coordination, collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and experience between UNHCR and development actors and across UNHCR operations globally by documenting and disseminating good practices and active participation in the Division of Resilience and Solutions’ Development Partnerships Community of Practice.
– Support training activities aimed at the capacity building of UNHCR and partner agency staff to achieve greater coordination, effectiveness and synergies between humanitarian and development interventions.
– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA – 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Development Economics; Development Studies; Socio-economic Development;
International Relations; Political Science; Law;
or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
One (1) year of direct work experience in a large international development institution in a relevant position, including experience 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, energy. Practical experience working with and an understanding of 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.
Desirable
Experience with forced displacement. Experience in primary data collection, quantitative research methods and results-based management.
Functional Skills
*CO-Strategic Communication
*CO-Drafting and Documentation
*SO-Networking
*MG-Partnership Development
*SO-Critical Thinking and problem solving
*UN-Policy Advocacy in UNHCR
*IM-Knowledge Management
CL-Strategy Development and Monitoring
PG-Results-Based Management
PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
(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
An Assistant Development Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the the goals of liaison, advocacy and partnerships for the organization in Rwanda We are looking for someone who posseses a combination of skills, qualifications, and qualities that align with the goals and values of UNHCR. Here’s a desired candidate profile for an Assistant Development Officer at UNHCR:
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as international relations, development studies, business administration, or a related discipline. A master’s degree is preferred but not required.
Experience:
At least 2-3 years of professional experience in development work, economics, poverty analysis and alleviation, NGO and/or work with refugees and host communities
Demonstrated experience in project management and proposal writing.
Knowledge and Skills:
Strong understanding of international development, humanitarian issues, and refugee-related matters.
Proficiency in proposal development, management, and reporting, monitoring and evaluation.
Excellent research and analytical skills to identify opportunities and donor priorities.
Communication:
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to a variety of stakeholders.
Proficiency in creating and delivering persuasive presentations and reports.
Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to build and maintain relationships with donors and partners.
Knowledge of data analysis tools can be an advantage.
Adaptability and Cultural Sensitivity:
Ability to work in diverse cultural and political contexts, respecting different customs and norms.
Willingness to travel and work in challenging and remote environments if necessary.
Commitment to UNHCR’s Values:
Strong commitment to the mission, principles, and values of UNHCR, including a dedication to the protection and well-being of refugees and displaced populations.
Teamwork:
Ability to work effectively in a team, collaborate with colleagues from various backgrounds, and contribute to a positive work environment.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
English
Kinyarwanda
French
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a leading international organization dedicated to the protection and well-being of refugees and forcibly displaced individuals worldwide. With a presence in over 135 countries, UNHCR works tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance, shelter, education, and livelihood support to those affected by displacement. The UNHCR operation in Rwanda is seeking a dedicated and experienced Associate Development Officer (NOB level) to support our work in the country.
Rwanda is stable country with a sustained economic growth over the last two decades, despite the COVID-19 pandemic which temporarily dampened growth worldwide. The GDP per capita has grown from $125.5 (1994) to $833 (2021) and the current Government programme Vision 2050 projects the long-term strategic direction for the Country to reach upper middle-income status by 2035 and high income by 2050. The first seven years of the path to Rwanda’ s Vision 2050 are actualized through the National Strategic Transformation (NST1 2017-2024), providing pillars for accelerated transformation in the areas of economy, social protection and governance, while emphasizing sustainability of results and inclusiveness of development for all, including refugees. The NST1 integrates global, regional commitments and international frameworks such as the Global Compact for Refugees. The next NST is due to be released mid-2024, and UNHCR provides inputs to this planning process through the UN Country Team (UNCT).
Rwanda hosts over 135,000 refugees, mainly from Burundi and the DRC, in 5 camps throughout the country. The Government of Rwanda, UNHCR, and other humanitarian partners work together to ensure the protection and well-being of these refugees, as well as their socio-economic inclusion. The UNHCR operation in Rwanda is dedicated to providing refugees and asylum seekers with protection, humanitarian assistance, and opportunities for self-reliance. This includes access to education, healthcare, shelter, and livelihood support. The Assistant Development Officer will play a crucial role in advancing UNHCR’s strategic objectives within the country.
Living and Working Conditions:
Additional Qualifications
Skills
CL-Strategy Development and Monitoring, CO-Drafting and Documentation, CO-Strategic Communication, IM-Knowledge Management, MG-Partnership Development, PG-Results-Based Management, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework, SO-Critical Thinking and problem solving, SO-Networking, UN-Policy Advocacy in UNHCR
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): Development Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Development Studies, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Socio-Economic Development
Certifications
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional Information
Click here for more details & Apply
