Switzerland: Project Officer

Jun 13, 2015 | UN High Commissioner for Refugees
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Safe and reliable access to energy for cooking, lighting, and power is a basic need for everyone. While we use energy every day; to make our meals, to light our homes, to read and to work, for many refugees this is a luxury. Addressing energy poverty means that social, educational and livelihood opportunities can be facilitated, and protection can be improved. In addition, the majority of refugees in camp situations rely on their surrounding natural environment for food, water, livelihoods, shelter and fuel. It is therefore necessary to protect this natural resource base to enhance the well-being of refugees.

UNHCR, mandated to protect the rights and wellbeing of refugees, has implemented measures to address issues related to energy and environment. This includes providing refugees with fuel-efficient stoves, solar street lights, and solar lanterns, and implementing environmental activities such as land rehabilitation. However, to approach energy challenges in a more comprehensive manner, UNHCR launched its first Global Strategy for Safe Access to Fuel and Energy (SAFE) 2014 - 2018.

UNHCR’s activities on energy and environment have continued to grow over the last two years, including through the launch of the Strategy and support from the IKEA Foundation to renewable energy. As such, the Energy and Environment Unit at UNHCR Headquarters is seeking a Project Officer (Energy and Environment) to support this growth and the institutionalisation of energy within UNHCR.

General Background

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State.

While UNHCR's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, our ultimate goal is to help find durable solutions that will allow them to rebuild their lives in dignity. There are three durable solutions pursued by UNHCR for 6.4 million refugees in protracted situations: voluntary repatriation; local integration; or resettlement to a third country. While pursuing durable solutions UNHCR additionally tries to increase the self-reliance and livelihood opportunities of refugees.

 

Responsibilities

  1. Assist in developing the Energy and Environment operations plan in compliance with the Global Strategy for Safe Access to Fuel and Energy (SAFE) as well as with annual programming/planning instructions.
  2. Undertake the annual programming/planning and budgeting of the Unit’s activities, and be responsible for follow-up and monitoring of agreed activities.
  3. Support the roll-out of the Global Strategy for Safe Access to Fuel and Energy (SAFE) including: acting as focal point for selected country operations rolling out the Strategy and; supporting global processes related to the roll-out of the Strategy, including monitoring progress of implementation.
  4. Provide support to the coordination of the Renewable Energy Programme funded by the IKEA Foundation, including managing related activities, the relevant budget, reporting and liaising with country operations.
  5. Undertake standard UNHCR reporting and other reporting requirements, especially to donors, and assist in drafting documents required as part of the Energy and Environment Unit.
  6. Undertake field visits as required, and maintain regular and transparent consultations within the unit, section and field operations.
  7. Undertake other duties as required.

 

Qualifications

  • Advanced university degree in sustainable development, anthropology/sociology, energy, environment, or related fields
  • At least eight years of work experience in humanitarian or development settings, with five years on project management and reporting to donors
  • Experience with UNHCR programming and reporting is an advantage
  • Fluency in English essential; knowledge of French an advantage
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

 

Duration

Starting mid-July 2015 until 31 December 2015, with the possibility of extension. Please note that this position will be under an Individual Contractor Agreement (through UNOPS).

How to apply:

Please send an email with your P11 form and your cover letter (maximum one page) by 28 June 2015 at midnight Central European Time to energy@unhcr.org.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written test and an interview.