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

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-06-01

Head of Field Office

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

Head of a UNHCR Field Office (HoFO) is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent carries the full delegated authority of the UNHCR Representative (or the Head of Sub-Office) of the country, who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position, on the other hand, provides all information on developments in relation to the protection (legal protection issues relating to the forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR), security (Physical security in relation to the UNHCR staff and the forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR) and operational matters (programme and office management / administration) within the domain of its geographical area of responsibility to the UNHCR Representative on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), Representative will direct and guide the Head of Field Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoFO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.

While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Office will always remain the same despite its grade level, the other parameters (therefore the depth and breadth of the competencies) such as the size of the forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR, their specific legal/security concerns, volume of assistance, Number of operational / Implementing partners and the size of the Office (i.e. number of UNHCR staff and their grade levels) will determine the appropriate grade level. The operational autonomy also depends upon the same parameters/competencies.

As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, he/she is required to liaise with all the relevant senior government officials, security organs in the area, the Head of various Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and internationals based in the area), Civilian/tribal leaders/elders, local opinion makers and the local media net-work to ensure his/her assigned responsibilities are effectively and efficiently discharged.

As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissioner’s operations, he/she remain as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their conventional responsibilities in favour of refugees and others of concern to UNHCR.

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
- Monitor and report on the implementation of refugee conventional responsibilities and international obligations of the local authorities Vis a Vis the forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on local situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs, where applicable; Advocate, promote and encourage the concerned authorities and local opinion makers to uphold established UNHCR standards that have become the international norms.
- Ensure that the basic needs of the concerned population are properly assessed with the participation of the beneficiaries themselves, the host governments and/or the competent Implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself.
- Subject to the needs, ensure that the planning, formulation and budgeting of identified assistance projects are done as per UNHCR programme cycle; upon approval of assistance project, ensure the timely implementation and rigorous monitoring of identified assistance activities
- Ensure through the subordinate staff that all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) are met on a regular basis.
- Manage all UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
- Ensure that all security measures of UNHCR office (and residential, where ever applicable) compounds are always up to date; any security breaches and/or potential security threat should be reported immediately to competent UN security coordinator in the country.
- Ensure that staff welfare, both in terms of working and living conditions, are maintained at a satisfactory level within the constraints in the operational area; this requires remaining current in health and medical facilities locally available and evacuation options available in a moment of medical urgency.
- Guide, coach and advocate the subordinate staff to maintain highest standards of conduct and behaviour thorough one's own practice and deeds.
- Prepare and submit regular reports, both verbally and written, to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO. In the event of a substantial telephone conversation that leads to specific action or non-action, it should be recorded and shared with the other party.
- Any other responsibilities/functions deemed necessary or as delegated by the UNHCR Representative of the country in order to meet the level of services in the organization.
- Represent UNHCR in inter-agency fora and with local authorities in the AOR.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCR"s global protection, programme, finance, human resources and security policies and standards.
- Submit project proposals for assistance to refugees and other forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR Representation or Sub-Office in coordination with local authorities and NGOs.

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 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
Management;
Personnel Administration;
Law;
Political Science;
International Relations;
Economics;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Management Learning Program;
HCR Managing Operations Learning Program;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
In-depth knowledge in all aspects of UNHCR's Field level operation. Applied experience of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration. Should be conversant in the current priorities in the organisation and existing mechanisms within the organisation to implement those priorities.
Desirable
Working experience both in UNHCR HQ and/or a Regional Office and the Field

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
UN-UNHCR's Mandate/Policy and Global Strategic Priorities
MG-Office Management
HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
PR-Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistance
(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.

Substantial experience in inter-agency collaboration within IDP settings characterized by a complex interplay of conflict and natural disasters.
Demonstrated expertise in emergency response, the candidate must have a proven track record in advancing durable solutions for IDPs and returnees, in close coordination with partners and government counterparts.
Demonstrated strong managerial competencies are essential. The ability to work effectively across agencies, foster collaboration, and provide strategic leadership will be key selection criteria.
Demonstrated experience to lead and coordinate operations in complex IDP environments similar to Malakal, including experience in Area-Based Coordination and operational leadership. This entails ensuring alignment across multiple field locations, including border areas, and facilitating effective collaboration with UN agencies, NGOs, and other partners to support both emergency response and the implementation of sustainable solutions for IDPs and returnees.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

The security situation in South Sudan, while generally stable, remains fragile and fluid within a complex and unpredictable environment. It is characterized by low-intensity and localized armed conflict in certain areas, high levels of crime across the country, and inter- and intra-communal violence driven by a range of factors, including cattle raiding, competition over resources, and revenge attacks. Civil unrest is also periodically observed in refugee and IDP settings, as well as within host communities. These challenges continue to directly and indirectly affect UNHCR operations. The signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in September 2018 represented a significant milestone. While the ceasefire largely holds in many parts of the country, localized and low-intensity armed conflict persists in a few areas, continuing to affect the overall security environment. In addition, seasonal flooding affects several parts of the country, displacing significant numbers of people and further exacerbating humanitarian needs.

The security level in South Sudan is assessed as substantial (security level 4) in all areas.

SRM measures in place:

UN curfew is in force across the country; timing differs from one SRM Area to another. It is currently enforced between 7pm and 6am in Malakal.

International personnel must request and receive security clearance for official and non-official travel.

International personnel on mission must stay in either a UN facility or UN approved commercial lodging for staff members.

Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environment (SSAFE) to be conducted in areas with HIGH Risk level and above.

All international and national personnel must have possess to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and VHF radios.

Nature of Position:

UNHCR Field Office (FO) Malakal plays a critical role in delivering UNHCR’s mandate for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in South Sudan. Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State, is an area where armed conflict—largely driven by ethnic and political tensions—remains frequent and continues to affect stability.

The state is currently at the epicenter of the Sudan crisis, with more than 700,000 South Sudanese returnees and Sudanese refugees having entered through the Joda border crossing point situated at the northern part of the state since the onset of the Sudan crisis 2023. Upper Nile State also hosts approximately 225,000 refugees, primarily in Maban County, where the refugee response is managed by Sub-Office (SO) Maban. FO Malakal reports directly to the Representation in Juba and works in close coordination with SO Maban.

Within this complex and fluid operational environment, FO Malakal is strategically positioned to respond to IDP and returnee emergencies, while advancing durable solutions for affected populations. The office leads IDP protection through its leadership role within the cluster system and plays an active role in the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster, in line with its broader protection and emergency response functions. In addition to emergency response, FO Malakal is actively engaged in delivering solutions, including through EU-funded programming, and assumes the role of Area-Based Coordinator as appointed by the Humanitarian Coordinator/Resident Coordinator (HC/RC).

As the state capital, Malakal requires a strong UNHCR representational function. The Head of Field Office represents UNHCR with state authorities—not only for FO Malakal, but also on behalf of SO Maban and Field Unit (FU) Renk. The role further entails engagement and advocacy with UNMISS, which has a significant presence in Malakal, as well as with civil society partners and the broader UN system.

The Head of Field Office holds direct managerial responsibility and ensures the consistent application of protection standards, operational procedures, and best practices in field-level protection delivery. The position also focuses on strengthening inter-agency collaboration and fostering strong partnerships, in line with the operation’s priority to build effective alliances.

Living and Working Conditions:

FO Malakal is classified as an 'E' non-family duty station in a culturally sensitive setting with poor educational, health and leisure facilities. It is a difficult duty station and is categorized as Security Level IV, with a UN imposed curfew after dark due to security risks. Working experience in a hardship duty station is desirable.

All international staff on mission must stay in either a UN facility or UN approved commercial lodging for staff members. The accommodation is in pre-fabs equipped with all necessary furniture. All rooms are provided with in-house services. There is decent gym with some sports equipment. There is running and clean water, good internet and electricity provided in the Malakal base where the incumbent will stay.

There is one bar and one international cafeteria with decent food in Malakal. It is difficult to buy clothes, household goods, food and medicine. There are limited medical facilities; the UN level I and UN Indian Battalion Medical Level II in the UNMISS log Base provide health services for UN staff. It is important to state though that staff assigned must be in good physical and psychological health. Evacuation opportunities (except in extreme emergencies, when an air-ambulance can evacuate within hours) are restricted. Candidates with conditions that would require regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. R&R cycle for all duty stations in South Sudan is six (6) weeks and all international staff resides at UNHCR provided accommodation. During the rainy season (April-November), it is recommended for staff members to have gum boots (for field missions outside Malakal), raincoats and mosquito repellents. Currently, there are no banking facilities nor ATM in Malakal town.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Bachelor of Arts: Economics (Required), Bachelor of Arts: International Relations (Required), Bachelor of Arts: Law (Required), Bachelor of Arts: Management (Required), Bachelor of Arts: Personnel Administration (Required), Bachelor of Arts: Political Science (Required)

Certifications

HCR Management 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, Political awareness, 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