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

B

Family

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 Attributes
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-sectoral humanitarian or development operations in complex or resource-constrained environments, including oversight of activities across multiple locations.
• Proven experience supporting shifts in operational delivery models, such as transitioning activities to national systems, reducing direct implementation, or supporting structured exit or handover processes.
• Managing programme resources, including budget planning, monitoring expenditures, and overseeing partner financial implementation; overseeing programme implementation across multiple functional areas, with responsibility for translating strategic priorities into operational plans and monitoring their delivery including programmes related to durable solutions, such as voluntary return, local integration, or socio-economic inclusion.
• Experience working with government entities, international organizations, implementing partners, and donors in the delivery of programmes or operations.
• Experience supporting organizational adjustments in operations, including changes in staffing structures, implementation modalities, or cost structures.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English and French.

Desirable Attributes
• Experience working with international financial institutions (e.g., World Bank, African Development Bank).
• Experience contributing to joint programming or project development with UN agencies or partners for development funding.
• Familiarity with national systems relevant to inclusion approaches (e.g., health, education, or social protection).
• Experience in applying or contributing to solutions-oriented frameworks (e.g., UNHCR 50by35 or similar initiatives).

French

,

,

,

,

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 Cameroon Multi-Country Office (MCO) covers operations in Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and São Tomé and Príncipe. While UNHCR maintains a physical presence in Cameroon, coverage in the other countries is ensured through remote management arrangements, requiring structured coordination and consistent operational approaches across a geographically dispersed context.

The Deputy Representative reports to the Representative and supports the overall coordination and management of operations across the MCO. The position contributes to ensuring that programme implementation, protection delivery, and operational support functions are implemented in line with agreed priorities and adapted to the varying contexts across the countries of coverage.

The operational context includes mixed displacement situations and resource constraints, with differing levels of operational presence. Within this setting, the Deputy Representative works with Heads of Offices and functional units to support consistent programme implementation, resource utilization, and application of UNHCR policies and frameworks across locations.

The role contributes to the oversight of programme areas such as protection, livelihoods, cash-based interventions, development-oriented activities, and supply chain. This includes supporting the translation of strategic priorities into operational plans, monitoring implementation across locations, and ensuring alignment between planned activities and available resources.

The Deputy Representative supports coordination across remotely managed operations by facilitating structured planning, follow-up, and reporting processes, and by contributing to the development of differentiated approaches reflecting country-specific conditions and levels of engagement.

The position also involves engagement with external counterparts, including government entities, UN agencies, implementing partners, and donors, in support of programme implementation and coordination mechanisms.

In addition, the Deputy Representative contributes to planning processes and operational adjustments over time, including transitions in implementation modalities, in order to maintain continuity and coherence of UNHCR’s engagement across the MCO.

Living and Working Conditions:

Yaoundé is a duty station classified B. Living conditions are good in Yaoundé and in other major cities such as Douala. Yaoundé is the political capital where most embassies and representations of international organizations are based while Douala is the economic capital hosting the main seaport. Despite the instability in the South-West and North-West Province Regions due to the is Anglophone crisis and in the Far North Province due to Boko Haram Activities, the situation in the political capital and other parts of the country is overall good. Yaoundé is under security level 2.

All United Nations personnel must comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Cameroon. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents against UN personnel.

The access to health services in Yaoundé is good. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in

pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.

The currency used in Cameroon is Franc CFA (XOF). Many hotels, restaurants and large businesses in Yaoundé accept the main international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines in all the major cities.

The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is wide. It is possible to rent unfurnished or furnished accommodations.

International staff in Yaoundé are advised to reside in specific parts of the town (Bastos, Dragage, Nlongkak, Golf and Omnisport) where diplomatic police undertake regular patrols. Transportation in town can be easily arranged through local taxis.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

BU-Project and Budget Coordination, CL-CERF Funding, CL-Country Pool Funding Management (CPF)

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

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