JOB DESCRIPTION

August 29, 2025

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

B

Family

International Deployee

2025-10-01

This is a temporary job posting on “Job on Invitation-only” basis. No other applications will be considered.

KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
TERMS OF REFERENCE
for KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
I. General Information
Sector of Assignment : Socio-economic and financial inclusion of displaced persons
Title: Associate Development and Partnership Specialist
(Equivalent) Grade: P2
Country : Côte d’Ivoire
Duty Station (city): Abidjan
Agency : UNHCR
II. Supervision
Name of Supervisor : Louis Falcy
Title of Supervisor : Senior Development Officer
Content and Methodology of Supervision :
The Development and Partnership Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Development Officer and in close coordination with the Representative and the Regional Bureau where applicable. Supervision will follow a structured, collaborative, and performance-oriented approach, designed to ensure technical guidance, alignment with organizational priorities, and continuous professional development.
Supervision practices at UNHCR are regulated, inter alia, by the Policy on Performance Management and Development Framework. The Performance Management & Development Framework at UNHCR ensures a culture of high performance, honest and constructive feedback, inclusive management practices, individual development, people engagement, positive experience for the diverse workforce, and continuous learning that allows fair evaluation of performance. Supervision at UNHCR is based on “EVOLVE” which refers to the new performance appraisal of staff members. EVOLVE is created in Workday, which is the ERP system where performance review will be managed and evaluated. All staff members who work at UNHCR for a minimum of two months must complete an EVOLVE. Supervision through EVOLVE is based on three main steps. The first one entails objectives setting. This phase allows staff members and managers to set clear and measurable objectives collaboratively in alignment with UNHCR’s strategic priorities and team objectives. All staff members must initiate their mutually agreed SMART objectives in the system six weeks after their assignment start date. As part of this phase, the staff members and the manager should agree on a clear definition of results to achieve and how to measure progress. The objectives should be developed in discussion with the manager considering the broad priorities of the unit/section/division. As part of this phase, the manager has a discussion with all team members – including affiliates – on team objectives linking to personal objectives. Team objectives are not recorded in the system. Staff members are encouraged to include a personal objective reflecting work done in participation of staff representation and joint staff-
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
management bodies, staff welfare roles, etc. The manager may meet with the staff either as a group or individually. As part of the objectives setting phase, the manager and the staff member.
Type and Manner of Supervision
1. Initial Work Planning and Objective Setting:
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Upon onboarding, the Development and Partnership Specialist will participate in a detailed work planning session with the supervisor to agree on key deliverables, performance indicators, timelines, and expected outcomes aligned with UNITE project objectives/other related initiatives and the broader UNHCR operational strategy.
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This session will form the basis of the annual performance plan and will include cross-functional expectations in coordination, data quality assurance, partner reporting, and evaluation leadership.
2. Quarterly Review Sessions:
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Formal quarterly performance reviews will be held to assess progress against the work plan for UNITE and other related initiatives.
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These sessions will include a review of key performance indicators, evaluation reports, learning activities, and recommendations for programme adaptation.
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Feedback will be documented, and where needed, the work plan may be revised to reflect shifts in the operational context or donor priorities.
3. Mid-Year and End-of-Year Appraisal:
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A mid-year review will evaluate performance against agreed objectives, identify areas for improvement, and document lessons learned.
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An end-of-year appraisal will provide a comprehensive performance assessment and will contribute to decision-making on contract renewal, capacity development planning, and recognition of outstanding contributions.
III. Assignment Details
Task Description
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Assist management 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.
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Support management 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 International Financial Institutions, Multilateral Development Banks, and Bilateral Development donors.
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Assist in facilitating the development of comprehensive multi-year protection and solutions 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.
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Assist management in identifying, strategically articulating and capitalizing
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
development and resilience opportunities, including through Government pledges
and or pledges made by bilateral or multilateral development and/or peacebuilding partners.
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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.
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Support the development of partnerships and networks with development cooperation 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. the WB IDA sub-window for refugees and host communities).
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Participate in 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.
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Contribute to the identification, commissioning and/or contribution to studies and analytical activities that build the conceptual framework and evidence base for comprehensive, development-oriented responses, including preparedness work, to forced displacement.
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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.
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Support the operations engagement with governments, development partners (both multilateral and bilateral), and with the private sector and civil society (as appropriate) to identify opportunities for UNHCR to contribute to the design and implementation of monitoring systems to track progress towards agreed outcomes.
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Support the facilitation, coordination and collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and experience sharing 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.
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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.
Program/Project Description
The continued deterioration of security in the central Sahel has led to significant cross-border displacement, primarily from Burkina Faso into Côte d’Ivoire. As a result, over 70,000 asylum seekers and refugees have arrived in the northern regions of Côte d’Ivoire (notably Tchologo and Bounkani), areas already marked by fragile infrastructure, limited access to basic services, and high poverty rates. This influx has further strained national systems and host communities, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated, data-informed, and inclusive response.
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
Côte d’Ivoire”s progressive asylum policy supports the inclusion of refugees into national systems, including education, healthcare, and livelihoods. As registration efforts continue both in settlement sites and host communities, there is a growing demand for essential services, requiring robust planning, real-time data management, and continuous performance tracking to ensure effectiveness and equity.
Aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), UNHCR Côte d’Ivoire is spearheading a multisectoral response strategy encompassing protection, health, WASH, education, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods. The 2025 operational strategy is structured around two core pillars:
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Humanitarian Response (Joint Response Plan – JRP): Aimed at addressing the urgent needs of newly arrived asylum seekers through emergency support in areas such as protection, food, healthcare, WASH, and shelter.
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Sustainable Development and Resilience Building: Focused on long-term socio-economic inclusion of refugees and host communities through investment in national systems (education, etc.), climate-smart agriculture, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship (especially SMEs).
In Côte d’Ivoire, the flagship initiatives under the Humanitarian-Development Nexus include:
1. Joint Response Plan (JRP)
Launched in March 2024 by UNHCR, IOM, WFP, and UNICEF, the Gulf of Guinea JRP is an inter-agency platform responding to the displacement from Burkina Faso and its impact on host communities. It supports national authorities in bridging humanitarian assistance with development investments. The plan prioritizes northern Côte d’Ivoire and aims to ensure synergy between emergency and resilience-oriented efforts.
2. Project UNITE (2025-2026)
UNITE is a EUR 10 million regional initiative (EUR 2.5 million allocated to Côte d’Ivoire) co-funded by the EU and implemented by UNHCR and partners. It seeks to enhance the resilience of refugees and host communities across Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, and Togo. Project UNITE is structured around three pillars:
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Social Inclusion: Enhancing access to basic services.
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Economic Inclusion: Supporting employment and self-reliance.
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Social Cohesion: Strengthening local governance, data systems, and community relations.
Particular attention is given to ensuring that assistance is needs-based and not status-based, reducing tensions and promoting equity. The initiative applies a Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus approach and promotes integrated, area-based programming – focusing in Côte d’Ivoire on the regions of Tchologo and Bounkani.
In addition, UNHCR has engaged with five private sector actors to include refugees into agricultural value chains. These partnerships aim to foster inclusive economic growth, and
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
UNHCR is committed to expanding these collaborations to support local development in refugee-hosting regions.
The deployment of a KOICA-sponsored KMCO (KOICA Multi-Partner Cooperation Officer) would significantly enhance operational collaboration between KOICA and UNHCR on an increasingly strategic issue. It would also provide an opportunity to:
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Advance financial and economic inclusion of displaced populations,
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Strengthen sustainable responses,
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Align with UNHCR’s strategic priorities and KOICA’s development cooperation framework, and
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Contribute to the Government of Côte d’Ivoire’s long-term development objectives.
Through this partnership, KOICA and UNHCR would leverage complementary expertise to promote refugee self-reliance and build the resilience of both displaced and host populations to withstand economic and environmental shocks.
Expected Results / Outputs
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Strategic Partnerships: Strengthened and expanded partnerships with WFP, development actors, and the private sector support scalable, inclusive economic opportunities for refugees and host communities.
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Robust Measurement Framework: A comprehensive results-based monitoring system for Project UNITE is established, enabling real-time data collection, performance tracking, and results-oriented reporting (Monitoring for Action).
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Knowledge and Learning: Key lessons learned from Project UNITE and related economic inclusion initiatives – including private sector engagement – are documented and disseminated, informing future programming and replication.
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Innovative Financing Models: Piloted and/or scaled-up innovative approaches for sustainable, long-term financing mechanisms that promote economic and financial inclusion of forcibly displaced populations, aligned with national development strategies.
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Policy Influence: Evidence generated through monitoring and analysis supports advocacy efforts for inclusive national policies (education, etc.).
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
IV. Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Academic Requirements (level of education, relevant major)
Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Development studies or related field. A first level University (Bachelors) degree with an additional 2 years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s Degree.
General Professional Experience
The incumbent should have at least 3 years in Development Economics; Development Studies; Socio-economic Development; International Relations; Political Science; Law or other relevant fields.
Specific Professional Experience
The incumbent should have at least 3 years in practical experience working with development/financial institutions, private sector and an understanding of the different aspects of economic growth, governance, fragility and conflict. Knowledge related to the governance of specific multilateral development banks or bilateral development actors most relevant to the area of responsibility; experience with forced displacement; experience in primary data collection, quantitative research methods and results-based management.
Key Competencies of the Assignment
This complex area of work requires the support of an experienced professional with
innovative ideas, flexibility as well as inter-personal and technical skills. Full computer literacy, good command of spoken and written French and English.
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
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
V. Background Information
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee wars and persecution around the world, providing life-saving aid including shelter, food and water to ensure their basic safety, rights and dignity. UNHCR works tirelessly in 137 countries to make a difference in the lives of 89.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. UNHCR works to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers can reach safety and are not returned to situations where their lives or freedom would be in danger. This is the core principle of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which forms the legal basis of our work. UNHCR helps people displaced from their homes settle in a safe place, far from conflict or those trying to harm them, rapidly deliver life-saving supplies and mobilize expert staff to protect them. We ensure they have shelter, food, water, access to medical care and help to find missing family members.
In Côte d’Ivoire, UNHCR works to protect and assist some 70,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers regardless of their nationality.
VI. Information about Living Conditions at the Duty Station
Location of the workplace
The incumbent will be based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – a safe duty station currently classified as hardship category B – with access to high-quality transport, medical, education, and other services; the office is located approximately 5 kilometers from the downtown area, is located in one of the preferred expatriate residential neighborhoods and is 20 kilometers from the airport. There are several car dealers offering brand new and used vehicles. Affordable cars can be found at an average cost of 9.000.000 XOF and local car insurance can be found easily at a low cost. Reputable VTCs operating on Yango and Uber platforms are also available at an average cost of 700 – 1000 XOF/km depending on destinations and peak times. Only VTCs are recommended and all other taxis option should not be used.
(1 USD = 570 XOF)
Housing
In Abidjan, recommended housing options for expatriates typically include one to four-bedroom serviced apartments or standalone houses (depending on the family size of the staff member), primarily located in secure and well-established neighbourhoods of the municipality of Cocody (Vallon, II Plateaux, Plateau, Angre, Attoban, etc.).
The average monthly rent for these accommodations is as follows:
• One-bedroom serviced apartment rental cost range between 340,000 XOF and 570,000 XOF
• Two-bedroom apartment/house: 450,000 XOF and 850,000 XOF
• Three-bedroom house or larger apartment: 850,000 XOF and 1,700,000 XOF
These properties usually come with amenities such as 24/7 security, water storage tanks, air conditioning, and often access to shared facilities like pools and gyms. Rent is typically quoted in Francs CFA – XOF and may be negotiable depending on the lease duration.
(1 USD = 570 XOF).
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, is moderately high (depending on the
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
neighborhoods), especially for expatriates seeking international standards in housing, schooling, healthcare, and leisure. A meal in an ordinary restaurant cost between 10,000 and 25,000 XOF. While local goods and services are generally affordable, imported products and services tailored to expatriates tend to be significantly more expensive. Utilities such as running water and electricity are uninterruptedly available. Unlike water, and gas, electricity bills are relatively high, with an average cost of 114 to 140 XOF/kWH. Optic fiber internet networks are provisioned across the town at an average monthly cost of 25,000 XOF for a reasonable bandwidth (50/300 Mbps).
VII. Agency’s Support for KMCO
Security and Safety
UNHCR operations in Côte d’Ivoire fall under the security framework of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), which classifies Abidjan as a relatively safe duty station with a Security Level 2 (Low). The country is currently categorized as Hardship Category B, and there are no major armed conflicts or widespread civil unrest.
However, standard UN security protocols remain in place and apply to all staff, including KMCOs. These include:
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Mandatory security clearance for official travel outside of Abidjan and to field locations such as Ferkessedougou, Bouna, Ouangolodougou in the north:
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Participation in Basic and Advanced Security in the Field (BSITF/ASITF) training prior to deployment and refresher courses as required.
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Strict adherence to UNDSS advisories regarding travel routes, curfews (if any), and use of recommended accommodations.
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Movement restrictions during political demonstrations, which are generally peaceful but can occasionally turn unpredictable.
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24/7 emergency contact protocols and a functioning welfare and communication tree system.
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Residential security assessments are encouraged for all staff accommodations, and residences should meet minimum MOSS (Minimum Operating Security Standards) compliance.
While Abidjan is considered safe, petty crime (e.g., theft, burglary, and scams) is common, especially in crowded public areas. Staff are advised to maintain a low profile, avoid displaying valuables, and always follow situational awareness practices. Field visits to northern regions may have additional requirements due to proximity to border areas and asylum-seeker movements.
UNHCR works closely with UNDSS to ensure a secure operating environment and provides security briefings, travel coordination, and support to all personnel, including KMCOs.
Required visa type and Issuance Process
KMCOs assigned to Côte d’Ivoire are required to obtain a Côte d’Ivoire Entry Visa followed by a Residence Permit upon arrival.
Visa Type and Required Documents:
1. Initial Entry Visa (Single-entry or Multiple-entry) – typically issued by the Ivorian Embassy or High Commission in the KMCO”s home country.
Required documents include:
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
•
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
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Completed visa application form
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Two recent passport-sized photos
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Invitation/support letter from the UN agency in Côte d’Ivoire
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Copy of UN Laissez-Passer or national passport (if applicable)
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Proof of yellow fever vaccination
2. Residence Permit – processed after arrival in Côte d’Ivoire.
Required documents include:
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Copy of entry visa and passport bio-data page
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Note verbale from the employing UN agency
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Copy of assignment letter or memorandum
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Completed residence permit application form
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2 passport-sized photos
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UN ID (or copy of appointment letter if pending)
Organizational Support:
UNHCR Côte d’Ivoire facilitates the entire visa and residence permit process for KMCOs by:
• Providing official invitation letters to support the entry visa application
• Coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the Ivorian Immigration Service
• Supporting the conversion of the entry visa to a residence permit after arrival
Issuance and facilitation of required visas for KMCOs are coordinated in line with established protocols for international personnel, in close collaboration with multilateral organizations and Ivorian authorities.
Work/duty Orientation
Upon arrival in Côte d’Ivoire, UNHCR will provide KMCO with a comprehensive work/duty orientation program to ensure a smooth transition and effective integration into the team and operational context.
The orientation includes:
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A formal induction meeting with the supervisor and senior management team
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A briefing on UNHCR operations in Côte d’Ivoire, including key protection and programmatic priorities, field locations, and stakeholder engagement
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Security briefing by UNDSS covering local security protocols, emergency procedures, and travel requirements
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Introduction to UNHCR’s administrative systems, tools (e.g., MSRP, Cloud ERP), and internal procedures
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Overview of living and working conditions, including logistical support, office setup, and mission planning
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Facilitation of meetings with key colleagues across Protection, Programme, Admin, and Supply units
This orientation is typically conducted within the first week of arrival, with follow-up
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
sessions and mentoring support provided throughout the initial months of the assignment.
Individual Development and Capacity Building
The KMCO shall benefit from the multiple training material available through UNHCR dedicated platform. UNHCR Global Learning and Development Centre (GLDC) provides complex staff development support to colleagues in UNHCR to learn new skills, acquire knowledge to improve your performance and to be able to better manage your individual career paths. As part of UNHCR’s renewed focus on the people-centered talent management approach, the newly-reconfigured GLDC has transformed into an integrated talent development approach, including learning, talent and leadership development, performance management. Shaped by a talent development framework, since 2019, learning has become more strategically linked to workforce planning, succession planning (including leadership), career development and career planning, and performance. The KMCO would be able access the full range of opportunities provided by GLDC.
VIII. Access to Internal Business Network (Intranet)
IX. Agency Information
Access to Internal Business Network(Intranet) is possible
The KMCO counts as international staff members. As such the KMCO shall enjoy rights and entitlements of UNHCR staff members. As a result, the KMCO has full access to UNHCR internal business network.
Access to Internal Business Network(Intranet) is NOT possible
Non Applicable
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
Name of Country Director: Olivier Guillaume Beer
Number of Staff: total (34), International (10) (this number is subject to change as UNHCR is undergoing a staffing review exercise)
Number of Korean staff (if any): KMCO ( 0 ), JPO ( 0), UNV ( 0 ), Others ( 0 )
Address: Rue des Jardins, 2 Plateaux, 01 BP 7982 Abidjan 01
Telephone/Email/Website: + 225 [email protected] / www.unhcr.org
Organization structure
(note: Please insert an organizational structure showing where the KMCO will be positioned.)
Pictures of the Office Building (Exterior & Interior)
(note: Please insert pictures of the office building (exterior & interior), in which KMCO will be deployed.)
REPRESENTATIVE
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
KMCO
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
Photo, exterior UNHCR Multi-country Office, Abidjan
Photo, interior UNHCR Multi-country office, Abidjan
KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)
Submitted by
Name: Mahamadou Guindo
Title/Unit: Deputy Representative
Organization/ Unit: Executive Unit
Tel: +225 0500828989
Email: [email protected]
Date of Submission: 13 May 2025

Standard Job Description

Required Languages

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Other information

This job requisition has been created specifically for an international deployee, with funding support provided by KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency).The English version is considered original and authoritative, translation to other language(s) serve the purpose of advertisement of local positions where applicable but are not considered as official translationsN/AThis position doesn”t require a functional clearance

Remote

No

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements