Job Description

Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium.

June 12, 2026

D

FamilyDanger Pay

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

Administrative Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Administrative Officer is responsible for the implementation of general administrative and resource management tasks as delegated by the supervisor. S/he will work with an oversight from the supervisor, who will provide general guidance and work plans for identifying work priorities and appropriate approaches; work is controlled for meeting expected results.
S/he will establish and maintain efficient administrative control mechanisms to ensure compliance with UN administrative, financial and human resources rules and procedures. Contacts on administrative/budgetary related issues are mainly with Sections/Units/Offices within the organization both at HQ and in the Field and with local suppliers/services to ensure provision of services and resolution of difficult problems.
The incumbent will maintain frequent external contacts with counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments on issues of importance to Organization's programmes. He/she acts as adviser or representative of the Organization with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority.
The incumbent may directly supervise local staff.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Contribute to the provision of resources (human, material and services) necessary to support the day-to-day activities of the staff in the office.
- Monitor the day-to-day personnel and administrative operations of the office.
- Provide advice on personnel and administrative policies and procedures.
- Liaise with Government and other external actors in providing vital supportive services (i.e. processing of residency, visas, tax exemptions, etc.).
- Attend inter-agency and other meetings, with specific focus on general administration, staff safety and human resources issues (i.e. common services), when requested.
- Implement processes and procedures to improve and strengthen internal controls in line with UNHCR rules and regulations.
- Coordinate the preparation of staffing and administrative budget requirements for the office.
- Participate in a competitive procurement process for selecting, awarding and issuing local contracts, in line with UNHCR regulations, rules and procedures.
- Manage contracts for the premises, cleaning and security services, and other services as and when required.
- Serve as a member of the Local Contracts Committee (LCC).
- Undertake missions to field locations to review administrative arrangements and make appropriate recommendations as required.
- Provide guidance and oversight on processes related to the mission travel of staff.
- In the absence of an HR Officer, prepare recruitment, appointments and administrative formalities concerning local staff.
- Review and approve the settlement of employee entitlements including DSA, local salaries and the Medical Insurance Plan (MIP).
- Coordinate training and capacity-building activities to staff in administrative related areas.
- In coordination with Human Resources and Field Security, undertake periodic reviews to ensure that the Office premises are set up and staff accommodation are managed in line with the organizational policies and any related issues are brought to the attention of DPM.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
At least 2 years of relevant work experience in an intergovernmental organization (United Nations or similar). Good knowledge of United Nations administrative and human resources rules and procedures. Excellent computer skills, in particular in MS Office applications.

Desirable
Completion of relevant UNHCR learning programme.

Functional Skills
MG-Resource Management
GB-Building Maintenance
SC-Contract management
SC-Inventory / Stock management
MG-Office Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Essential Attributes:
• Extensive and proven experience in administration and operational support management, including supervision and leadership of multidisciplinary teams in complex, high-pressure, and demanding operational environments.
• Proven exposure to emergency response operations and experience working in high-security and high-risk contexts are highly desirable.
• Strong technical knowledge of UNHCR administrative and financial rules, regulations, accountability frameworks, policies, and operational standards.
• Solid hands-on experience in Accounting, Finance, procurement and contract management, vendor management, Cloud ERP systems, COMPASS, and other UNHCR administrative and data management tools.
• Demonstrated experience in procurement and supply management processes, premises/building and infrastructure management, and implementation of cost-efficiency, sustainability, and energy-saving mechanisms within operational premises. Experience in fleet management and familiarity with FleetWave systems, including supervision of fleet teams and fleet optimization initiatives.
• The position requires excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, including the capacity to conduct cost-efficiency and cost-benefit analyses, interpret operational and financial data, and provide evidence-based recommendations to support operational and strategic decision-making. Strong experience in data analysis, reporting, dashboard preparation, and the use of corporate systems and analytical tools is required.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, managerial, coordination, interpersonal, and people management competencies, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and foster collaborative working relationships across functional units, including Programme, Supply, Security, ICT, Finance, Human Resources, and field teams.
• Strong training and coaching skills, with the capacity to identify learning needs and support the professional development of administrative staff across the operation.
• Knowledge and practical experience in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), operational Risk management, and People management frameworks.
• Awareness of staff welfare, workplace safety, business continuity, and organizational risk mitigation measures, while fostering an inclusive, supportive, and performance-oriented working environment.

Desirable Attributes:
• The ability to operate independently with a high degree of professionalism, resilience, sound judgment, and managerial maturity.
• Excellent drafting, reporting, and communication skills.
• Experience working in multicultural environments and the ability to perform effectively under pressure in emergency and rapidly evolving operational contexts are critical for the role.
• Knowledge of Arabic would be considered an asset, though it is not mandatory.

,

,

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Administrative Officer P3 reports directly to the Assistant Representative (Administration) P5 in Beirut Country Office and, with the support of the Assistant Administrative Officer (NOA), oversees a broad portfolio of administrative and operational support functions essential to ensuring an efficient, safe, and enabling working environment across the operation. The incumbent is responsible for the overall supervision and coordination of general administration, travel, protocol, fleet and transport management, premises and building management.

The operation in Lebanon is conducted within a highly complex and demanding emergency environment characterized by political volatility, economic instability, heightened security risks, and increased operational pressures. In this context, the Administrative Officer is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, professionalism, analytical capacity, and managerial maturity to ensure uninterrupted administrative support to the operation while maintaining compliance, cost-efficiency, accountability, and operational effectiveness.

The role entails direct supervision of the General Administration team through the Assistant Administrative Officer and requires the provision of timely, accurate, and effective guidance to administrative teams across the operation, including Field Offices in Zahle, and Tripoli. The incumbent is expected to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality administrative support services while maintaining compliance with UNHCR rules, policies, procedures, and internal control mechanisms.

A key aspect of the position is leading cost efficient improvement initiatives within the Administration function. This includes promoting innovative approaches to streamline processes, improve service delivery, optimize operational efficiency, and support environmentally sustainable practices, particularly in fleet and premises management. The incumbent will continue to lead efforts aimed at optimizing fleet size and utilization, implementing energy-saving and sustainability measures, enhancing operational resilience, and improving overall operational effectiveness.

The Administrative Officer is also responsible for advising senior management on administrative and financial matters, including ABOD planning, budgeting, analytics, cost-efficiency measures, and evidence-based operational solutions. The incumbent is expected to conduct analytical reviews, cost-benefit and cost-efficiency analyses, and provide data-driven recommendations to support informed operational decision-making in a rapidly changing environment.

The role includes oversight of projects related to UNHCR premises, including purchase and rental activities, relocation initiatives, infrastructure and building management projects, while ensuring effective utilization of resources and adherence to accountability and compliance frameworks.

The position requires strong experience in procurement and contract management processes, vendor management, and operational support services.

The Administrative Officer plays an active role in inter-agency coordination and UN Common System activities, including participation in OMT initiatives and representation of the organization in meetings with government authorities, UN agencies, and external stakeholders. Close collaboration with ICT, Finance, Supply, Security, Human Resources, Programme, and field teams is required through active participation in Multi-Functional Teams (MFTs) and coordinated follow-up on operational priorities to ensure coherent operational support delivery.

The incumbent is expected to establish and maintain effective oversight, compliance, and risk management mechanisms across the administration function. This includes developing and maintaining SOPs related to administration, travel, protocol, fleet, transport, and other support services; conducting support missions to field locations; undertaking pre-audit reviews and post-audit follow-up; strengthening fraud prevention measures; maintaining risk registries; and ensuring robust internal controls and management oversight.

In addition, the incumbent will assess training needs and design and deliver capacity-building initiatives for administrative staff throughout the operation. The role requires regular reporting to senior management on administrative, financial, and operational matters, including the provision of analyses, operational updates, dashboards, and recommendations that support informed decision-making and operational excellence.

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate strong leadership and managerial competencies, with the ability to interact effectively with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams in a complex emergency setting while ensuring staff welfare, accountability, performance management, and continuous professional development. Through effective leadership, strong managerial oversight, analytical thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Administrative Officer contributes to maintaining a safe, efficient, resilient, and accountable operational environment that supports the overall success of the operation and staff well-being.

Living and Working Conditions:

Lebanon’s operating environment for forcibly displaced people and humanitarian actors remains highly volatile. Despite cautious optimism linked to potential economic stabilization and political developments, the outlook is deeply uncertain. The resumption of hostilities on 2 March 2026, in a context increasingly intertwined with the broader conflict in the Middle East, has further exacerbated displacement dynamics, protection risks, and humanitarian needs. While the 10-day ceasefire declared on 16 April 2026 between Israel and Hezbollah has been extended, the situation remains extremely fragile, with hundreds of thousands of people still displaced, and hostilities continuing.

Lebanon continues to host the highest number of refugees per capita globally. As of 31 March 2026, there are 940,666 Syrians known to UNHCR (240,701 households), alongside 11,005 registered refugees (6,120 households) from Sudan (3,635 individuals), Iraq (3,500 individuals), Ethiopia (2,138 individuals) and other countries. Registration figures reflect inactivation linked to returns, onward movements, resettlement, and deaths. Between January 2025 and January 2026, over 581,000 Syrians were inactivated from UNHCR records following confirmed or presumed return, the vast majority who returned did so spontaneously. Since the escalation of violence in March 2026, according to Syrian authorities, more than 298,764 individuals crossed from Lebanon into Syria, including 250,961 Syrians and 47,803 Lebanese nationals. Decisions to return remain complex and often constrained by insecurity, lack of shelter, limited livelihood opportunities, and restricted access to services on both sides of the border, raising concerns regarding the safety, voluntariness, and sustainability of returns.

At the same time, Lebanon received new Syrian arrivals fleeing insecurity, targeted violence, and sectarian tensions throughout 2025. By the end of 2025, authorities estimated over 115,000 Syrians had arrived since December 2024. These movements have been fluid and pendular, often involving internal relocation within Lebanon, and only a small portion of post-2024 arrivals reported entering Lebanon regularly. Most post 2024 arrivals face acute barriers to shelter, healthcare, food, and protection services, and are at heightened risk of exploitation, fraud, arbitrary detention, and abuse due to lack of legal status. They self-restricted their movement with impacts to already limited livelihood prospects and access to services.

UNHCR in Lebanon has a workforce of approximately 350 staff across the Country Office (CO) in Beirut and various Field Offices. This includes personnel in Field Office Beirut, Tripoli, and Zahle. As per the temporary ICSC classification of March 2026, Beirut is currently designated as a ‘D’ non family duty station, alongside Zahle and Tripoli.

The overall situation in the region continues to be closely monitored. Applicants are advised to stay informed of developments in the security context, as these may affect the classification of duty stations.

Despite these challenges, Lebanon is showing signs of recovery. Housing and essential services, including healthcare and international schooling, are improving. However, trust in the banking sector remains low. International staff may open fresh USD accounts in local banks to facilitate transfers from foreign accounts and local USD transactions. The operation’s finance team will provide guidance on setting up these accounts, if needed.

UNLP holders are granted six-month, multiple-entry visas upon arrival, but these cannot be converted into residency permits. Residency is required for opening local bank accounts, signing long-term lease agreements, purchasing vehicles, registering children in international or national schools, and requesting visas for family members. International staff must obtain an official visa in their national passport before arrival, ideally through the nearest Embassy of Lebanon. UNHCR Lebanon's administration will support this process prior to the staff member’s arrival in the country

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Bachelor of Arts: Accounting, Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Finance, Bachelor of Arts: Public Administration

Certifications

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026 - Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance