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

PR5

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

Deputy Representative

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Direct supervision and guidance is received from the Representative. Advice and operational support may also be provided by the Director/Deputy Director of the Bureau and by other senior staff in the Bureau and in the support Divisions at Headquarters. The incumbent will also refer to policies, standards, rules and regulations which are in force within UNHCR.

Regular contacts with the Representative and staff at Headquarters and in the field, to consult, discuss operational issues, and to seek common grounds for solutions on activities and programmes of importance to UNHCR and with persons on matters of great importance to UNHCR's programmes. These contacts may include heads of national/ international organizations, embassies, UN agencies, and high officials/ ministers in the national government. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.

Decisions taken directly influence the design and operation of all of UNHCR's activities in the country of accreditation. Proposals will have a substantive effect on UNHCR's policy on a wide range of issues in the country programmes. Errors lead to significant damage to UNHC's major objectives in terms of time, quality, and money in the country and will have a major negative impact on the safety of refugees and other forcibly displaced and stateless persons The Office's overall credibility and the safety of its staff may also suffer.

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
- Provide legal protection advice and guidance on matters of doctrine and policy to Representative, the Heads of Offices and protection staff in the country.
- Provide advice and support to offices in the country operation on specific issues/problems faced related to asylum, refugee protection and assistance, including access to territory, access to RSD and asylum procedures, non-refoulement adequate reception and the implementation of durable solutions, including developing a Protection Management Framework for each national office.
- Provide legal and programme related advice and guidance to offices in the country on developing and maintaining fair and effective asylum regimes in accordance with international standards and norms, especially with regard to national asylum/refugee legislation and the building of local protection capacity.
- Provide legal and programme related advice and guidance on matters relating to the issue of asylum and migration to the Representative and offices in the country with particular emphasis on the problems of trafficking and smuggling.
- Provide guidance and leadership related to the implementation of the Age, Gender Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM) Participatory Assessments in sub-region and ensure the follow up on any identified gaps related to the reception and integration systems and structures in the region with relevant stakeholders.
- Keep abreast of and analyse trends and key issues related to legal protection and assistance in the country, including preparing strategy and position papers with policy recommendations on specific protection, assistance and durable solutions related issues relevant to the country.
- Directly supervise Protection and Programme sections and develop operations plan in accordance with the organizational policies and operational strategies.
- Assist the Representative in the promotion of UNHCR strategic goals and objectives in the country, monitoring of the overall progress towards achieving them and in managing the Representation country office.
- Ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect staff, and that the country operation complies with UN MOSS/MORSS staff security rules, guidelines and procedures.
- Serve as OIC of the Country Office when the Representative is on mission or leave.
- Any other duties as may be required or assigned by the Representative.
- Represent UNHCR in the meetings and fora related to the functions.
- Enforce local compliance with UNHCR's global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards.
- Authorize payments as per the organization's Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP) and in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Modify operational projects and reallocate funds, within the approved budgets and in respect of donor earmarking.

- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Business Administration; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; Social Science; Human Resources Management;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Learning Prog; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
- High level of skill in management of broad programmes, political decision making and negotiating.
Desirable
- Completion of UNHCR training programmes, such as Protection Learning Programme, Operations Management Learning Programme.
- Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications.

Functional Skills
*MG-Field Operations Management
*UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
*PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
UN-Analysis of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications
*MG-Political Decision Making
(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:
- Strong operational leadership and management skills with proven experience in programming and operational management including managing Sub-offices, Programme, Supply, and Project Control as well as HR/Admin/Finance knowledge, skills, are essential.
- Demonstrated strong negotiation and diplomatic skills to harness UNHCR activities and coordinate with multiple stakeholders including the Government and various interlocutors in both national and international actors is required.
- Experience in inter-agency coordination, and emergency preparedness/response
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning processing and operational oversight.
- Experience with operationalization of the centralities of Protection in every aspect of the UNHCR activities is crucial.
- Experience in handling security situations and knowledge of UNSMS

Desirable:
Knowledge of regional situation (of particular MENA/Gulf/Central and SW Asia Countries countries) and interpersonal skills to represent UNHCR.
Hands-on experience in innovative local resource mobilization, PSP, and interagency appeal are advantages given the limited resources at hand.
Exposure to the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus and its programming through the expansion of partnership in a challenging political environment is an advantage.

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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 Islamic Republic of Iran has generously hosted forcibly displaced persons for over 40 years. Despite numerous challenges, and in the absence of equitable international responsibility sharing proportionate with the number of people being hosted, the country has upheld refugee-inclusive policies, ensuring continued quality access to essential public services, in particular including healthcare and education. In 2024, some 3.8 million people are recognized as refugees and refugee-like, making Iran the largest refugee-hosting country in the world.

Following the deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan in August 2021, UNHCR rapidly scaled up its operation in Iran to respond to the large number of Afghans seeking safety in the country. Despite challenges, Iran has maintained its inclusive approach, providing forcibly displaced Afghans access to healthcare and education within the national systems as well as livelihood opportunities. However, economic challenges and an increased refugee population are making it harder for the Government of Iran to sustain its support and amplified their calls for improved international solidarity and responsibility-sharing to better assist refugees.

In the absence of short to medium-term opportunities for durable solutions, the majority of Afghans in Iran will remain reliant on both external assistance and the continuation of inclusive policies extended by the Government of Iran in areas of health and education. Against this backdrop and in a domestic and wider context which is increasingly constrained and polarized, the most strategic ‘investment’ is through international responsibility-sharing with a focus on promoting social cohesion and resilience, using humanitarian-development nexus approaches. Initiatives to bolster the resilience of Afghans are particularly critical, promoting participatory and community-based empowerment approaches, which equip them with the tools to overcome challenging circumstances themselves.

The Refugee Response Plan (RRP) for the Afghanistan situation was first developed in 2021, initially as a 6-month Refugee Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan, to support a coordinated response to Afghan refugees seeking international protection in neighbouring countries (Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan). Annual RRPs have subsequently been developed for 2022 and 2023 respectively, covering the whole of the refugee response in Iran and spanning the assistance spectrum. For 2024, a multi-year RRP was developed covering the period 2024-2025 The transition to a multi-year plan better aligns with the protracted situation of Afghans in Iran, helps contribute to more sustainable/longer-term outcomes, and lightens the planning and reporting process for partner organizations. In conjunction with RRP partners, UNHCR prioritizes the adoption of humanitarian-nexus approaches to Afghans displaced in Iran, particularly those in situations of protracted displacement. UNHCR supports the Government in maintaining its inclusive policies by strengthening health and education systems and service provision in refugee hosting areas.Despite economic challenges, the Government of Iran has maintained its inclusive policies, enabling refugees and undocumented Afghans to access health and education services within the national system. UNHCR supports the Government through the provision of protection and humanitarian assistance for refugees and also contributes to enhancing national services, which benefit persons of concern and host communities in urban areas and in the 20 refugee settlements across the country.

Economic Situation in Iran has continued to decline following the 12 Day War in June 2025, while the reinstatement of the Snapback (reinstated UN sanctions) has led to further deterioration of the overall situation, further fuelling a speeding inflation hitting hard, in addition to large economic enterprises, medium and small businesses, as well as most households in the country. The created situation has triggered protests during the last part of December 2025 in Tehran and multiple locations in Iran, further growing to massive anti- government protests across all provinces in early January 2026, posing significant security challenges and burdening the operational environment.

The Deputy Representative will interact with various actors and counterparts including Govt. partners from Ministries and Government Institutions, National and international NGOs, and UN Agencies, require high political acumen and a sense of maturity. S/he should ensure and maintain effective close coordination with the main Govt. counterpart, the CAFIA and the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrant Affairs (BAFIA) on all programme interventions. S/he should provide efficient and timely managerial support to the operation which demands a high level of coordination and collaboration among all offices; HQ; regional and neighboring offices; and partners and other stakeholders, and to minimize UNHCR reputational risks in such a challenging operational environment.

In the context of Iran, this position often acts as Representative a.i. as such, strong political acumen and diplomacy are required, as well as representing UNHCR in various events/occasions.

Subject to change, the incumbent is envisioned to supervise three (03) heads of the sub-offices. In addition, she/he will also supervise Programme, Supply, Cash Based Interventions (CBI), and Project Control section/units as well as Admin/Finance/HR unit, provide advice and assistance to the Representative in the overall management of UNHCR's Operation and issues of concern within the country, which supports the Organization's mandate.

Due to the current security situation, the Deputy representative position requires UN SMS understanding and experience in handling security situations in general.

Living and Working Conditions:

UNHCR is present in Iran through its Country Representation in Tehran, three Sub-Offices (Mashhad, Kerman, Shiraz), a Field Office in Tehran, and two Field Units (Esfahan and Dogharoun).

Tehran is a B-category duty station (Family duty station – currently there is temporary suspension of family to be in DS provisionally until end June 2026 see below).

Certain aspects of working/living conditions in Iran could be affected by the ongoing sanctions and security situation.

Issuance of entry visa and residence permit for international staff and their dependents/family members is subject to the approval of the Government, for which the process can take 2-3 months. International staff and their family members residing in Iran are required to follow the cultural practices in Iran, which include the donning of culturally appropriate dress, particularly for women.

Iranian schools only teach subjects in Farsi. There are a few privately owned schools offering curriculums in English in Tehran. There are also some Embassy schools such as French Embassy School, and Italian Embassy offering courses in their native language. German Embassy School, in its international section, provides classes in English up to grade 8, which is open for any nationals. This school is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programs KG1 to 5, but as of October 2022, no international schools in Iran offer IB curriculum.

Similarly, the Pakistan Embassy School and Indian Embassy School also offer courses in English, which however are open only to nationals of the respective countries. There can be changes regarding international schools in Iran and international staff members are constantly updated on the most recent developments.

In Tehran, pharmacies, shops, shopping malls, markets, cafes/restaurants, etc. are available. Staff can purchase basic commodities, groceries, household items, and clothing, while some foreign products / international food items may be less easily available or available with higher costs. Living costs in Tehran are on the rise with some 40% inflation rates annually. Iranian banks are available and accessible to foreign nationals through a required process. There are several hospitals and clinics offering medical services to Iranians and foreign nationals alike, although, at times the language can be a barrier for international staff who do not speak Farsi. Staff live in private accommodation – different options are available with varying rental prices.

There is one international airport and one domestic airport in Tehran and several cities around Iran. For in-country travel, there are multiple domestic flights and trains connecting Tehran to cities/towns across the country, including where UNHCR has offices. When required, the office also use road missions. Direct international flights are connected to a number of countries with several airlines.

The security situation in Iran remains stable despite recent events and the uptick in the confrontation with Israel after May 2024. The highest projected risk in Iran is assessed as "medium" (SRM). All UNHCR offices are located in the security area "central" and share the same levels of risk. You can find more about the security situation and protocols in Iran on UN Department of Safety and Security page:

https://unsmin.dss.un.org/TRIP/TRIP-Introduction/TRIPFileDownload/Data/K3jet9mwnuNuiZHaxA9i5AIn30TLgwIE

There is significant air pollution in urban areas in almost all provinces in Iran. This is a risk mainly to those suffering from pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, children, pregnant women and the elderly. Tehran is one of the most air polluted cities in the world and has been ranked 12th among 26 megacities in terms of ambient PM10 levels.

For daily updates on the air quality in various locations within Tehran, please visit the website of Tehran Air Quality Control Company at http://airnow.tehran.ir/home/OnlineAQI.aspx
Pollution is another aspect for the health and safety,

Following the outbreak of hostilities after 28 February and due to the broader regional security environment, the overall situation remains dynamic and subject to change. While daily life in major urban centres continues and essential services remain operational, heightened regional tensions have resulted in additional security measures, monitoring, and movement advisories being maintained by international organizations and employers.

Mobility may be subject to short notice restrictions, contingency planning requirements, and enhanced security protocols, including limitations on non-essential travel. Currently no international flights are operating. Access to certain locations or services may change depending on the prevailing security assessment. International staff are expected to comply with all organizational security instructions and demonstrate a high level of situational awareness.

Although Tehran is classified as a B category Family Duty Station, it is currently and temporarily classified as a D category Duty Station due to the security context. Temporarily Family (eligible family members of all internationally recruited personnel) and Personnel restrictions (internationally recruited personnel performing PC3 and PC4 activities) are in place until further notice. This classification is reviewed regularly and may be adjusted in line with changes in the security environment.

The incumbent is engaged in PC1 activities and as such it is anticipated that he/ she remains in the Duty Station at all stages of the emergency requiring the Stay and Deliver approach.

Overall, the duty station is best suited to resilient, adaptable professionals who are comfortable operating in a restricted and closely managed security setting. Employers continue to prioritize staff safety through established risk mitigation measures, regular security briefings, and access to appropriate support systems.

Living/working conditions in Iran could evolve and can be subject to change.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

HCR Learning Program - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCR

Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, 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