Inter-Agency Coordinator

Inter-Agency Coordinator

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Operations Manager for the Europe Crisis in the Regional Bureau for Europe based in Geneva, Switzerland, the incumbent will exercise wide and frequent contacts with UNHCR's various Divisions, UN agencies, the NGOs and humanitarian community in the region.

The Inter-Agency Coordinator will act as the entry and focal point for all inter-agency matters in relation to the Europe refugee and migrant crisis.  S/he will be a key member of the management team of the situation and advise senior management within the Bureau and key country offices on inter-agency relations and processes.

The incumbent will work closely with the Communications/External Relations/Reporting and Information Management teams in the Bureau and the Field, providing functional guidance as required.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- UNHCR achieves and maintains an effective and strong leadership role in all areas of the refugee emergency operation in Europe.
- Effective coordination mechanisms and tools, including information management, are established and maintained with relevant partners, ensuring timely and effective needs assessment, appropriate planning, prioritization, implementation, reporting and evaluation.
- Where appropriate, these mechanisms build up and reinforce existing national coordination mechanisms and build capacity.
- Field and HQs colleagues receive appropriate guidance to support UNHCR's lead role for the refugee emergency vis-à-vis external stakeholders.
- UNHCR has credibility in the region with external partners to protect, assist and find durable solutions for all persons of concern.

Responsibility
- Ensure effective coordination mechanisms are in place in field operations and provide support as required, including through rolling out of Refugee Coordination Model where relevant.
- Ensure the establishment and UNHCR leadership of a regular inter-agency forum for the Europe crisis, linked to the RRMRP.
- Ensure field coordination is facilitated in a manner that programmes and planning are enhanced, use of resources is optimized and there is active participation of the government, NGOs and UN agencies.
- Secure commitments on behalf of UNHCR from refugee partners in responding to needs and filling gaps, ensuring an appropriate distribution of responsibilities, with clearly defined focal points for specific issues where necessary.
- Ensure efficient and timely circulation of information to stakeholders.
- Build the capacity of coordination focal points, including non-UNHCR staff, to provide effective leadership and coordination. Develop and maintain terms of reference for coordination structures and processes.
- Act as focal point for and coordinate the RRMRP compilation and other appeal documents, managing an inclusive and structured process that delivers high-quality and timely input.
- Work with UNHCR programme, field and protection staff to ensure that the RRMRP is useful as a programming tool, identifying gaps and overlaps in sector programming, address unmet needs, and orienting existing activities to address priority issues, including management of the related information management tools.
- Liaise with the Bureau's Policy and Legal Unit Support to ensure coherent messaging and coordinated approaches with Brussels-based stakeholders (European institutions).
- Coordinate closely with the Information Management unit, ensuring the work of the unit reflects the priorities and role UNHCR as lead agency for the refugee response in Europe.
- Promote the sharing of informative and updated data within UNHCR as well as with relevant permanent missions in Geneva, UN and NGO partners to enhance advocacy for refugees and persons of concern to UNHCR.
- Maintain a constant dialogue with donors on the overall funding / resource status of the humanitarian programmes related to the Europe emergency in close collaboration with all partner agencies (UN and NGOs).
- Perform other functions as required.

Authority
- Provide guidance and make recommendations on the overall strategy for inter-agency coordination.
- Represent UNHCR in meetings and other fora related to the functions.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Advanced university degree in Law, Political Science, Economics, International Relations, Business Administration, Social Science or related fields.
- Minimum 10 years (12 years with University degree) of relevant professional experience and at least 6-8 years in an international context.
- Work experience, including in large field operations, that enables credible representation of UNHCR in the inter-agency context and with government partners.
- Thorough understanding of UNHCR's protection mandate, programme cycle and core mission.
- Experience in donor relations, in particular in drafting appeal and/or response plan documents.
- Thorough understanding of recent inter-agency developments, notably the IASC humanitarian reform.
- Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Excellent negotiation, networking and coordination skills.
- Experience working in external relations in emergency settings.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated high-quality drafting/editing skills.
- Experience in both HQs and field settings.
-      Knowledge of French.
- Knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language.