Switzerland Chief of Section (Operational Solutions and Transition), P5

The Chief of Section leads the Operational Solutions and Transitions Section (OSTS), reporting to the Deputy Director and working under the overall supervision of the Director of the Division of Programme Support and Management.

OSTS serves as a principal link between UNHCR’s humanitarian programmes and United Nations and external policy development, coordination mechanisms and initiatives in the areas of early recovery and transition, peace building, development planning and programmes and climate change. OSTS ensures that the interests of UNHCR are represented within these broader spheres and processes and also that refugees, IDPs and other persons of concern derive maximum benefit from the opportunities they offer.

OSTS develops strategies, policies, guidelines and for field operations in the thematic areas under the section’s responsibility. OSTS guidance must be practical, accessible and reflect the current “state of the art” and good practices. OSTS promotes the implementation and mainstreaming of such guidance and new concepts and approaches within UNHCR through training and capacity building efforts and through direct technical support to field operations upon request and also within the framework of global initiatives.

In meeting these challenges, the Chief of Section is supported by a team of experienced professionals and technical specialists working in the areas of durable solutions (integration and reintegration), self-reliance and livelihoods and environmental management and rehabilitation. OSTS is staffed by three P4 officers, one P3 officer, three JPOs, one seconded staff member from JICA at the P4 or P5 level and one P4 level technical expert seconded from the Norwegian Refugee Council. The Chief of Section also indirectly supervises a number of short-term consultants and field deployments.

The Chief of Section ensures overall coherence, effectiveness and teamwork within the section. Working together with the Division management team, s/he helps to ensures coordination, harmonized approaches and promotes synergies among the sections in the Division. The Chief of Section also works closely with Divisions, Bureaus, desks and operations in the field. S/he promotes UNHCR policies and strategies, makes recommendations and coordinates or provides the operational advice and technical support needed ensure effective strategic planning and sound technical programmes.

The Chief of Section actively promotes partnerships with humanitarian and development actors from the United Nations, International Financial Institutions, governments, the donor community and NGOs and represents UNHCR in interagency policy processes and coordination mechanisms related to the work of OSTS. UNHCR’s credibility and effectiveness will depend fundamentally upon the expertise, competence and credibility of the Chief of Section and the value s/he adds to these important processes. The Chief of Section oversees UNHCR’s engagement with non-lead clusters, including agriculture and early recovery, and supervises the focal points.

How to apply:

For details on how to apply for this vacancy, please consult the UNHCR website at www.unhcr.org. – Employment -Career Opportunities – International Professional Category.

UNHCR aims for workforce diversity. Women are encouraged to apply for positions

Closing date for receipt of applications: 3 January 2012