Associate Policy Officer

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

A (least hardship)

Family

UNOPS LICA9

2024-09-01

July 23, 2024

1. General Background

The role of the Associate Policy Officer is to support the Senior Policy Adviser in the coordination and preparation of guidance, positions, strategic protection and solutions policies, and advocacy on protection and solutions matters in the region, building on comprehensive responses outlined in the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). The incumbent will be based in the Regional Bureau in Dakar. S/he will normally report to and be guided by a Senior Policy Adviser.

Under the lead of the Senior Policy Adviser, the Associate Policy Officer will provide support and assist in drafting UNHCR positions on assigned protection and solutions issues and areas, coordinating closely within the office, as well as with other HQs Services, Regional Bureaux, field offices and operations based on the tasks assigned by the Senior Policy adviser.

The incumbent is expected to have regular contact in collaboration with the Senior Policy adviser with respective technical staff throughout the Bureau and relevant operations on thematic and situational issues. S/he is responsible for staying abreast of protection and solutions developments under a number of thematic and situational issues that are relevant for the region, supporting strengthened and coordinated responses of the Bureau in the provision of related advice and implementation of external advocacy.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The position of associate policy officer is required to support the work of the RBWCA Policy Unit under the Senior Policy Adviser. The incumbent will support the Policy Unit workstreams including engagement with the two other Bureaux on the African continent which includes organization and preparation of the Agenda/content for the the quarterly All Africa Directors’ meeting, contributions to the Regional Collaborative Platorm, monthly meetings of the Senior Policy Advisers from the other Regional Bureaux, EDM New York, Geneva HQ and the Representation to the AU, etc. Moreover, the incumbent will support the Senior Policy Adviser’s work and engagement with the New York EDM Office including discussion and preparation of Executive Committee and Deputies’ Committees meetings, Inter-Agency Task force meetings on Chad and other operations. The position will also support the Senior Policy Adviser with HQ level processes, review of Policy on Policies through the policy reference group, providing advice and support to UNISS (UN integrated strategy on the Sahel), Lake Chad Basin related work, and reporting related to UNOWAS and UNOCA.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

In consultation with the Senior Policy Adviser (SPA), the preparation of strategic materials and support for the organization of the All-Africa Regional Directors’ Meeting;
Under the guidance of the SPA, support on development of briefing notes/talking points for the Senior Management at the Executive Committee/Deputies Committee meetings, Inter-agency meetings-NY level;
Support to the SPA the Policy on Policies portfolio and review of guidance/policies.
Review/drafting of UNOCA, UNOWAS and UNISS related, RMR reporting;
Presentations on the Policy Unit work for incoming Representatives and other Senior Managers;
Support to the Lake Chad Basin/RS-SRR work, UNISS -governance and regional collaborative platform work;
Necessary follow up with counterparts in NYO and SPAs in the other Regional Bureaux;
     

4. Qualifications and Experience

a. Education
     Public Policy, Law, International Relations

b. Work Experience

Minimum 3-5 years experience in the areas of policy with humanitarian/UN agencies.
     

c. Key Competencies

The candidate/incumbent should have skills in drafting in English, presentations, research and policy development. Moreover, the candidate should have experience in policy analysis and development in an international context. He/she should have demonstrated experience in drafting and editing in particular on issues related to protection and solutions strategies, advocacy and partnership collaboration. 
Fluency in English is essential and drafting in English is essential.
Fluency in French is also essential although most of the substantive work is in English.

Standard Job Description

Required Languages

English

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Cluster Coordination and Inter-Agency, Communications, Durable Solutions, External Relations, Field Operations, Legal, Office Context: Regional Bureau

Other information

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance

Home-Based

No