Afghanistan: Cluster Coordinator

Jul 5, 2016 | UNHCR
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In complex humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters where UNHCR is designated as the Emergency Shelter Cluster (ESC) Lead Agency under the Cluster Approach, the position of Cluster Coordinator performs a dedicated coordination, strategy development and advocacy function. The Cluster Coordinator (Shelter) reports directly to the UNHCR Representative who has final accountability for the performance of UNHCR as Cluster Lead Agency. Also the ESC coordinator liaises with the Global Shelter Cluster Coordinator who has global responsibility for the performance of UNHCR as Global Cluster Lead Agency. In Afghanistan, coordination of the non food component (NFIs) is added in Shelter cluster. 

The Cluster Coordinator (Shelter NFI) effectuates UNHCR's commitment to work within the framework of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the Cluster Approach. The UNHCR ESC Lead Agency functions, embodied in the role of Cluster Coordinator, are critical in ensuring UNHCR¿s leadership within a diverse shelter community. The  Cluster Coordinator (Shelter NFI) is expected to perform UNHCR's lead role in the ESC and to impartially represent the interests of the members of the Emergency Shelter Cluster, including the provision of active support, as applicable, to sub-national clusters which may be coordinated by other Agencies. As a result, the Cluster Coordinator (Shelter NFI) leads an inter-agency team in an environment that requires high standards of accountability and demonstrable leadership, coordination, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, and in which the principles of partnership and collaboration are essential. 

The Cluster Coordinator (Shelter NFI) represents the ESC in Inter-Cluster Coordination mechanisms. S/he ensures appropriate cross-sectoral coordination with other related clusters such as WASH, CCCM, Protection (HLP) and others, advocates for shelter in the humanitarian response, leads the mainstreaming of early recovery activities in the Emergency Shelter Cluster, and spearheads the integration of cross-cutting issues into the work of the Emergency Shelter Cluster, especially age, gender, diversity, HIV, environment. 

The incumbent works closely with and/or directly supervises a multi-functional ESC Support team, including, but not limited to, the areas of information management, needs assessment, technical support, shelter recovery, reporting and advocacy.

UNHCR performs its ESC co-Lead Agency functions in a manner consistent with IASC standards and guidelines governing the Cluster Approach, in particular the IASC Generic Terms of Reference for Cluster Coordinators at the country level and the IASC Reference Module for Cluster Coordination at the Country Level.

UNHCR performs its ESC co-Lead Agency functions in a manner consistent with IASC standards and guidelines governing the Cluster Approach, in particular the IASC Generic Terms of Reference for Cluster Coordinators at the country level and the IASC Reference Module for Cluster Coordination at the Country Level.


FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT 

Accountability
- Be directly responsible for all inter-agency matters in relation with the Shelter and NFI Cluster with the Humanitarian Coordinator/ OCHA, other cluster coordinators, donors involved in Shelter particularly ECHO, the cluster co-lead, and shelter cluster partners are coordinated.
- Effective coordination mechanisms and tools, including information management, are established and maintained with cluster members, government counterparts and donors, 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.
- Strategies and activities delivered by the ESC enjoy political and/or financial support by other clusters, government, donors and other partners through effective prioritization, advocacy and resource mobilization.


Responsibility
- - - Provide a platform to ensure that service delivery is driven by agreed strategic priorities 
- - Develop mechanisms to eliminate duplication of service delivery 
- With co cluster lead, provide coordination services, including meetings, in line with the Principles of Partnership, ensuring that cluster coordination is inclusive, consultative and results-oriented. 
- Under the framework of InterAgency contingency Plan, revise existing contingency planning and emergency preparedness measures are updated and developed.
- In consultation with the cluster members, update as appropriate the ESC Strategy: ensure proper linkages with disaster risk reduction, relief, and recovery and development efforts. 
- - Ensure effective links with other clusters; represent the cluster in inter-cluster coordination mechanisms; and ensure that the cluster is adequately represented in meetings of the Humanitarian Country Team and other relevant meetings.
- - Ensure an appropriate distribution of responsibilities amongst cluster partners by ensuring their commitments in responding to needs and filling gaps with clearly defined focal points for specific issues where necessary. In particular, ensure appropriate sharing of responsibilities with IOM as co-lead of the cluster with a focus on natural disasters.
- Update strategic direction to development of common funding criteria, resource mobilisation and prioritization within the ESC for inclusion in Consolidated Appeals and pooled funds processes. 
- Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative (Operations), follow up on transparent financial resource allocation within the cluster.
- Coordinate the delivery of shelter training activities for ESC members, other local partners, and relevant authorities. 
- In consultation with cluster members, ensure that the shelter response is informed by appropriate relevant Technical Standards including among others Sphere, and good practice.
- Through Cluster-wide consultative processes, provide input into the development of global shelter policy and standards led by the Global Shelter Cluster.
- - Maintain a communication channel with the Global Shelter Cluster through the UNHCR Shelter and Settlements Section in Geneva.
- Explore the way to ensure that the ESC has a functional information management strategy and mechanism to report and share information within the Emergency Shelter Cluster, with the other clusters, with the government, with the overall humanitarian community including donors, with UNHCR internal mechanisms, and with the Global Shelter Cluster. 
- Provide analytical shelter reports, including the Factsheet
- Update the ESC website.
- Identify core advocacy concerns for the ESC through a consultative process: develop joint cluster/ inter-cluster initiatives to ensure regular and consistent advocacy.
- Ensure the Emergency Shelter Cluster¿s adherence to international human rights instruments, the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement as well as other relevant international and regional instruments; in cooperation with the Humanitarian Country Team. 


Authority 
- Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative (Operations), represent the ESC in meetings with sectoral and external partners, authorities and other relevant interlocutors.
- Co-chair cluster meetings with the relevant Government counterpart as appropriate. 
- With the assistance from Co chair, issue reports and make advocacy statements on behalf of the Emergency Shelter Cluster. 
- Upon consultations with ESC members, under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative (Operations), take final decision over format and frequency of meetings, designation of focal points and the establishment of a strategic advisory group, sub-national clusters, Technical Working Groups and ad hoc/task-related bodies for specific issues. 
- Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative (Operations), negotiate with the Humanitarian Coordinator/Resident Coordinator, the Humanitarian Country Team and cluster members the prioritization and inclusion of project proposals and common funding criteria for inclusion in inter-agency funding appeals.
- Organize transparent and accountable financial and other resource allocation system within the Emergency Shelter Cluster, when required, such as with regard to CERF or CHF.


ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.
- University degree, preferably in shelter-related sciences (e.g. civil or architecture engineering).
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience (6 years with a Master¿s Degree) in different international organizations (e.g. UN agencies, INGOs, IOs, Donors, Red Cross Red Crescent). 
- Excellent knowledge of the Humanitarian reform process and the role of the humanitarian community (UN System, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, and NGO), preferably in shelter.
- Extensive knowledge of current humanitarian issues.
- Good knowledge of shelter-related technical guidelines and standards.
- Excellent knowledge of English.


DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES.
- Training on Cluster Coordination (Shelter Cluster Coordination training or Coordination and Leadership training).
- UNHCR Coordination Learning Programme.
- UNHCR Management Learning Programme.
- UNHCR Tri-Cluster Knowledge and Coordination Skills Training.
- UNHCR Workshop on Emergency Management.
- Applied knowledge in UNHCR mandate, its policies and priorities in relation to IDPs, shelter and NFI. Demonstrated expertise in program management and reporting requirements.
- Work experience in the Region.
- Knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language.