Head of JIPS

Set up as an interagency service in 2009, JIPS works with governments, displacement-affected people, and other key stakeholders to analyze displacement situations and measure progress towards durable solutions and sustainable development. JIPS is a globally recognized neutral broker that supports collaborative and responsible approaches to data collection and use in internal displacement contexts, with a particular focus on developing national capacities, protracted displacement, durable solutions, and urban displacement.

This is done through technical and collaboration support to field partners, by providing quality guidance and hands-on tools, and by advancing global discourse towards sound global action and standards. JIPS is overseen by an Executive Committee comprised of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and the Office of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of IDPs.

JIPS is a dynamic team that prioritizes innovation, partnership, and professional development. It functions according to a set of principles that guide both the content and approach to its work being collaborative, human-centered, complementary, ethical, and transparent.

OVERALL PURPOSE

The Head of JIPS is accountable to and guided by the JIPS Executive Committee, and on a day-to-day basis supervised by the DRC Head of Protection and the UNHCR Head of Global Data Service. Working closely with JIPS’ Deputy Coordinator as well as its senior management, the main role of the position is to develop and manage JIPS as a sustainable interagency service, oversee and strengthen JIPS’ engagement with key donors and strategic partners, and guide the roll-out of JIPS’ new strategy 2023-2030.

Main responsibilities

• Guide the Roll-Out of JIPS’ Strategy 2024-2030:
  • Lead the roll-out and implementation of JIPS new strategy, working closely with JIPS’ senior management and overall team, including as needed transition management
  • Review JIPS’ business model and explore new approaches to strengthen its modus operandi, business development, funding modalities, and risk and program management
• Oversee and Strengthen Donor and Strategic Partner Engagement:
  • Ensure strategic engagement and sustained relationships with JIPS’ key donors and strategic partners, and explore new partnerships in line with JIPS’ strategy 2024-2030
  • Oversee the development of future proposals of JIPS, ensuring a proactive and strategic approach in developing compelling funding proposals that align with JIPS’ strategy 2024-2030 and donor strategies/objectives and funding criteria, as well as a realistic assessment of JIPS’ capacities
  • Ensure a solidified funding base for JIPS for effective programs and operations
• Develop and Manage JIPS as a Sustainable Interagency Service
  • Oversee the effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of JIPS’ work at the country, regional, and global levels
  • Oversee and manage the JIPS team, composed of 10-15 staff
  • Ensure sound budget management across all areas of work of JIPS, in coordination with JIPS senior management and DRC finance team
  • Maintain a close overview of JIPS’ funding pipeline, master budget and project budgets to ensure JIPS’ financial sustainability.
  • Anticipate and manage changes within the program, team and budget structure

As an interagency service that is administratively co-hosted by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), JIPS adheres to and abides by the established processes outlined in the DRC Operations Manual. This alignment ensures that JIPS operates within the framework and guidelines set forth by the DRC, maintaining consistency, efficiency, and accountability in its activities.

The Head of JIPS is accountable to and works under the guidance of the JIPS Executive Committee. On a day-to-day basis and for all administrative purposes, the Head of JIPS reports to the UNHCR and DRC Executive Committee Representatives.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in social/political science, economics, international law or another related field;
• Minimum of eight years in program management in the humanitarian/development field, including strategy development experience;
• Minimum eight year’s experience in team management,
• Experience at senior management level would be an advantage including applying organizational risk management systems and procedures;
• Proven record of successful donor engagement and fundraising efforts;
• Proven knowledge of and interest in strategic use of evidence in humanitarian/development contexts, including a strong understanding of the data value chain, official statistics, and information management;
• Excellent English written and oral communication skills, other UN languages an asset.

The Head of JIPS will be based in Geneva. The contract will be facilitated by DRC on behalf of the JIPS Executive Committee. If the successful candidate is non-Swiss or from outside the Schengen States, they may be granted a Carte de Legitimation, level H, work permit.

Salary and conditions

This is a full-time position. This position will be placed at Employment Band – E (Head of Unit) of the DRC Geneva salary scale with a monthly gross salary within the associated range (10,900 – 12,500 CHF). From this amount the candidate will contribute to social security, income tax and mandatory health insurance. DRC does not pay any additional allowances (schooling, housing etc.).

Application Process and Information

Are you interested? All applicants must upload a cover letter (max 1 page) and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. Incomplete applications will not be considered.