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

PR2

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 country Manager or Head of Sub-Office) of the country, who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position, on the other hand, provides 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 UNCR 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 (or the country manager) 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, s/he is required to liaise with 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, s/he 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) are met on a regular basis.
- Manage UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the forcibly displaced and stateless persons and the UNHCR staff.
- Ensure that 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 substantial telephone conversation that leads to specific action or non-action, it should be recorded and share 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 the 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
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Economics; International Relations; Law;
Management; Political Science; Personnel Administration;
or other relevant field.

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

Relevant Job Experience

Essential
- In-depth knowledge in aspects of UNHCR mandate and its Field level application.
- Applied knowledge 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
*UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
*PR-International protection concepts and principles
*MG-Field Operations 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:
• Substantial experience as Head of Office with demonstrated leadership skills to lead a large team and effectively ensure the smooth functioning of the Field Office
• Solid experience of all dimensions of partnerships in their interactions in accordance with the Principles of Partnership, the Code of Conduct, and other relevant documents.
• The Head of Field Office must have demonstrated stakeholder management skills to engage with various governmental authorities, NGOs, and other partners at all levels to strengthen alliances and ensure complementarity of operational delivery.
• Previous work experience with development agencies is an asset.
• Previous experience in overseeing field activities through coordination of actors and coordination of protection-related matters with UNHCR partners, the refugee populations, and local government authorities.
• Solid experience in protection monitoring and coordination of the screening of new arrivals
• The candidate is required to have a solid refugee and/or IDP protection background in mixed population contexts, particularly in protracted and new caseloads.
• Previous experience in urban refugee contexts, IDP protection coordination, cross-border coordination, participatory assessments, and methodologies are an asset.
• Previous experience in representing UNHCR in state-level coordination meetings and strategic engagements.
• The candidate should demonstrate sound advocacy skills to effectively engage with government, operational and implementing partners, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders on issues involving UNHCR's operation in the state.
• The candidate should demonstrate proven skills in working with communities including Refugee-Led Organizations/Associations, Refugee Camp Committees, and other community-based structures to effectively execute community-based protection strategies.
• Good knowledge and experience in community mobilization and organization to provide technical support to refugee leadership structures representing diverse populations.
• The candidate should possess strong skills and expertise in assessing and assisting refugees and asylum seekers with their spontaneous requests to return to their countries of origin in partnership with government entities.
• Good experience and coordination skills in working with UN agencies and expertise in developing strategies to counter human trafficking and smuggling in partnership with local authorities are assets.

Derailable attributes:
• S/he should have a solid understanding of relevant UNHCR policies and procedures and possess good communication and writing skills.
• Apart from excellent functional competencies, the incumbent would also be expected to possess proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical ability to assess protection risks and develop response plans with strong drafting skills.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills
• The candidate should also demonstrate high political acumen to handle complex situations in a sensitive context such as Khashm El Girba under rapidly developing circumstances, to ensure successful implementation of protection strategy while maintaining organizational integrity.
• Given the evolving situation in the region, the candidate should demonstrate sound flexibility to take on additional tasks in a complex environment with conflicting priorities.
• Due to the complexity and fast pace of the operation, the candidate will have a proactive and results-driven approach, with the ability to operate effectively under pressure while maintaining a commitment to UNHCR’s core values and principles.
• S/He is expected to ensure that staff welfare, both in terms of working and living conditions, is maintained at a satisfactory level within the constraints of the operational area; this requires keeping abreast of locally available health and medical facilities and evacuation options in case of medical emergency.
• S/He is expected to guide, coach, and advise subordinate staff to maintain the highest standards of conduct and behaviour through one’s own practice and deeds.

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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 operational environment in Sudan has undergone a profound shift since armed conflict erupted on 15 April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since then, security conditions have continued to deteriorate, particularly in Darfur and the Kordofan regions, leaving the country in a highly volatile state as humanitarian needs rapidly intensify. The conflict has severely worsened living conditions, aggravated longstanding intercommunal and ethnic tensions, and generated grave protection risks, including killings, sexual violence, forced recruitment, abductions, looting, and large-scale displacement.

As of November 2025, Sudan hosts close to 9.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), with over 7 million newly displaced since the conflict began. An additional 4.4 million people have fled across borders into neighbouring countries. Current inter-agency displacement figures exceed the combined total of the previous four years, underscoring the scale of the crisis both within Sudan and across the region. According to the inter-agency Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), the number of people in need increased from 15.8 million in November 2022 to 30.4 million in January 2025, largely driven by the ongoing conflict.

Despite the insecurity, Sudan continues to host a significant refugee population. As of 31 December 2025, the country shelters 859,974 refugees, primarily from South Sudan (73.8%), Eritrea (16%), and Ethiopia (8%). Sudan remains a key asylum country, receiving 84,038 new arrivals in 2025 from these same countries. 66% percent of refugees reside in camps, while 34% live in out‑of‑camp settings. The refugee population is 51% female and 49% male.

In areas where security has improved, displaced Sudanese have begun returning. To date, approximately 3 million people have returned to their areas of origin—81% (about 2.46 million) from internal displacement and 19% (about 567,000) from abroad. Most returns have occurred in Khartoum and Aj Jazirah, driven primarily by improved security. Nearly all returnees (99%) have returned to their exact places of origin, despite widespread destruction of shelters and limited access to essential services.

Throughout the conflict, UNHCR remains committed to staying and delivering inside Sudan. International and national staff continue to operate from eight locations across the country, providing protection and assistance to forcibly displaced populations both as part of emergency response and regular programming.

For operational coordination, the Sudan operation is structured around four main corridors:

• Western Corridor – covering the Darfur and Kordofan regions; access remains significantly constrained.
• Eastern Corridor – covering Kassala and Gedaref; fully accessible with no major operational constraints.
• Southern Corridor – covering White Nile and Blue Nile states; generally accessible, though periodic security incidents cause temporary disruptions.
• Northern Corridor – covering Wadi Halfa, Omdurman (Khartoum), and Port Sudan, where the Representation Office is located.

Additionally, a back office in Nairobi provides limited operational support functions

The Head of Field Office is responsible for managing day-to-day field activities and coordinating the operation in six camps along the border areas under the AORs of UNHCR Field Office. S/he will ensure that implementation of protection and service delivery is carried out in a coordinated manner and in line with humanitarian principles and provide regular situational updates.

S/he will oversee field activities through coordination of actors in Khashm El Girba and will coordinate protection-related matters with UNHCR partners, the refugee populations, and local government authorities.

UNHCR Field Office in Khashm El Girba continues to receive asylum seekers coming from border areas and various parts of the country, mainly intending to proceed to other safer areas. The Head of Field Office will organize and coordinate field missions for protection monitoring in the six refugee camps and among those living within host communities and will regularly coordinate the screening of new arrivals and organize any support and/or referrals needed. In addition to the specified roles and responsibilities in the job description, the Head of Field Office in Khashm El Girba will be expected to manage the team and support the office in implementation, monitoring, liaison, assessment, and reporting of activities.

Living and Working Conditions:
The nearest UN clinic is in Kassala. Consequently, Khashm el Girba is classified as an E, non-family duty station with a six-week R&R cycle. Sensitivity to the Sudanese culture and dress code is very important. The Girba Office has a guesthouse for international staff accommodation combined with office space. The guesthouse is equipped with a TV. Food is available in local markets. Bottled water and water dispensers are recommended for drinking, as the quality of tap water is inadequate. Internet connectivity, even when stable, can be erratic at times. Staff members are strongly recommended to bring toiletries, regularly used medicines, books, etc. Khashm el Girba is usually hot but cold during the rainy season, with possible flooding.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

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

Certifications

HCR Learning Program - UNHCR, 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