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 Location

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

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.

Essential Attributes
• Substantial experience as Head of Office in complex contexts, large operations, as well as emergency and stabilization settings with the ability to manage operations effectively within budget constraints and adapt to evolving situations.
• Extensive experience in humanitarian operations, including emergency response, displacement situations and field coordination in complex security environments.
• Experience in overseeing field operations, multidisciplinary teams and operational planning in volatile humanitarian contexts.
• Demonstrated strong experience in protection delivery, refugee response, IDP coordination and inter-agency humanitarian mechanisms, including cluster coordination.
• Strong operational understanding of protection, shelter, CCCM and durable solutions programming in displacement settings. A legal background with proven expertise in Protection, Protection Cluster leadership, Shelter, and CCCM tri-cluster owing to the operational context.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with government authorities, security actors, humanitarian partners, local communities and UN agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in security management, operational risk analysis and humanitarian access negotiations in insecure environments.
• Experience in managing scattered teams and overseeing field units in remote and fragile operational environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of UNHCR programme management, operational standards and accountability frameworks.
• Fluency in French and strong working knowledge of English are essential.

Desirable Attributes
• Experience working with peacekeeping missions.
• Demonstrated resilience and ability to perform effectively under sustained operational pressure and deteriorating security conditions.
• Ability to remain operationally engaged during periods of heightened insecurity, including flexibility to postpone leave when operational continuity requires presence in the duty station.
• Strong diplomacy, negotiation and conflict-management skills.
• Experience supporting Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus approaches and durable solutions strategies.
• Strong staff welfare and duty-of-care approach in hardship environments.
• Strong analytical, coordination, communication and reporting skills, including strategic planning and operational oversight.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

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

Bunia is classified as a Security Level 3 and E duty station affected by insecurity linked to the activities of armed and terrorist groups, intercommunal tensions, anti-UN sentiment. Medical infrastructure and evacuation capacities remain limited, while public electricity and water supply are unreliable. Malaria and psychological stress linked to the operational context remain significant concerns. Strict compliance with UNDSS security measures and health precautions is therefore required.

Nature of Position:

As of 1 January 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) hosts approximately 604,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, as well as more than 6.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), mainly located in the provinces of Ituri, Kasai, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika. As lead agency of the Protection Cluster, UNHCR continues to play a key role in supporting the Government of the DRC in the implementation of durable solutions strategies aimed at breaking cycles of protracted displacement across the country.

The Bunia Field Office provides protection and assistance to South Sudanese refugees in Ituri and Haut-Uele provinces through an integrated service delivery approach designed to promote self-reliance and advance alternatives-to-camps policies. In collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees (CNR) and implementing partners, the Office operates in four refugee sites — Bele, Meri, Biringi, and Adumi — the latter having been established following new influxes from South Sudan in December 2025. The Office also pays particular attention to thousands of refugees living within host communities along the border, who continue to face significant security risks, food insecurity, and limited access to basic social services.

In addition, the Office leads the Protection, Shelter/NFI, and CCCM Clusters, supporting approximately 927,743 displaced persons, underscoring the scale and persistence of displacement across the province. Ongoing insecurity in Ituri has undermined efforts to preserve the civilian and humanitarian character of displacement sites due to the infiltration of armed elements and weak local governance structures. The fragmentation of non-state armed groups (NSAGs) has limited the impact of peace initiatives, while persistent insecurity continues to restrict humanitarian access, disrupt essential services, and hamper economic recovery.

As lead agency for the CCCM Cluster, and within the framework of the ongoing integration of Shelter/NFI and HLP coordination structures, UNHCR coordinates site management, shelter, housing, land and property, and protection activities aimed at safeguarding displaced populations.

The incumbent reports to the Head of Sub Office in Goma, oversees and manages operations in Ituri (Bunia and Aru), Haut-Uele (Faradjé) and the northern part of North Kivu Province (Beni and Lubero).

This role involves providing leadership in developing strategic and operational plans, fostering coordination across the operation, overseeing implementation and monitoring, ensuring results, and establishing appropriate security measures for all stakeholders. The Head of Field Office will ensure regular, inclusive coordination and consultations with partners, refugees, local authorities, and UNHCR’s government counterpart, the Commission Nationale pour les Réfugiés (CNR). S/he will also be responsible for implementing a comprehensive information and communications strategy that includes all stakeholders.

Living and Working Conditions:

Bunia is a small town serving as the capital of Ituri Province. Its population was estimated at approximately 692,836 inhabitants in 2026. It has a national airport receiving UNHAS and MONUSCO international flights from Entebbe. Public electricity supply remains unreliable, and access to public water supply is also limited and inconsistent.

While Bunia’s population has grown rapidly due to displacement in Ituri Province, urban infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace. Housing conditions remain generally poor and of modest quality. However, Bunia offers moderate housing opportunities, including secure compounds and furnished residences for humanitarian and expatriate staff. Availability remains limited, and rental prices are relatively high due to strong demand from NGOs, UN agencies, and private sector actors.

The climate is tropical wet and dry. Medical facilities in Bunia remain limited and are not adequately equipped to handle serious medical conditions. Medical evacuation opportunities are constrained due to the limited number of flights, although air ambulance evacuation can be arranged during daytime for life-threatening emergencies. Candidates with medical conditions requiring regular treatment or supervision should therefore be appropriately advised.

Malaria remains the most common disease in the area. As a general recommendation, applicants for the position should be psychologically prepared for the above-mentioned operational context.

Bunia is an E duty station with a two-year Standard Assignment Length (SAL). Banking facilities in Bunia remain limited. Telephone networks are not always reliable; however, the Office has functional PAMA and Wi-Fi connectivity

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