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

C

Family

PR4

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 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 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 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), the 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 the High Commissioner’s operations, he/she remains 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 recommendations 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 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons and the UNHCR staff.

• Ensure that all security measures of UNHCR office (and residential, wherever applicable) compounds are always up to date; any security breaches and/or potential security threats 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 the highest standards of conduct and behaviour through one’s own practice and deeds.

• Prepare and submit regular reports, both verbal 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 shared with the other party.

• 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 P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Human Resources Management; Personnel Administration; Law;

Political Science; International Relations; Economics;

or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

HCR Management Learning Programme; HCR Managing Operations Learning Programme

(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

UN-UNHCR Operations, mandate, principles and policies;

IT-Computer Literacy;

IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software;

MG-Office Management;

PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators;

HR-Staff Administration;

(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

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Empowering and Building Trust

Judgement and Decision Making

Leadership

Managing Performance

Managing Resources

Strategic Planning and Vision

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Planning and Organizing

Political Awareness

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 a UNHCR field or sub-office, including supervision of multi-disciplinary teams and oversight of protection, programme, operational and administrative functions.
• Proven experience in protection operations, with applied knowledge of refugee protection principles, durable solutions, and assistance programming in a field setting.
• Experience engaging with government authorities, security organs, NGO partners, and community stakeholders in a complex or politically sensitive operational environment.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) and/or livelihoods programming in a refugee or humanitarian context.
• Solid understanding of UN/UNHCR security management frameworks and experience operating in environments requiring active security risk management.

Desirable Attributes
• Experience in protracted refugee situations, including familiarity with refugee self-reliance, socio-economic inclusion, or graduation approaches.
• Strong analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to assess and report on protection, security, or socio-economic developments and translate findings into operational recommendations.
• Experience with border monitoring, returnee movements, or mixed migration dynamics.
• Experience in the Great Lakes region or similar protracted displacement contexts.
• Working knowledge of French at B2 level or above, given the francophone profile of the refugee population and local authorities.
• Knowledge of Kinyarwanda/Swahili considered an additional asset.

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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

Nature of Position:

The Field Office in Karongi operates under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative and carries delegated UNHCR authority across its geographic area of responsibility. The office manages Kiziba refugee camp, which hosts approximately 14,844 Congolese refugees — one of the longest-standing refugee populations in Rwanda, present since 1996, alongside three transit centres at Nyarushishi, Kijote, and Nkamira. The office also monitors two border crossing points with the Democratic Republic of Congo at Ruzizi and Rubavu, relevant to the monitoring of Rwandan returnees.

The office comprises 22 staff, including 2 international professionals and 20 national staff, and 8 affiliate workforce members. The Karongi Field Office also oversees the Rubavu Field Unit, making effective team leadership and coordination across both locations central to the role. Protection and durable solutions are the primary focus of the office, with Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) and livelihoods programming as strategic priorities reflecting the operation's broader shift toward refugee self-reliance and socio-economic inclusion. Given its proximity to the DRC border, the Karongi area of responsibility is prone to sudden influxes and emergency situations, requiring the Head of Field Office to maintain strong emergency preparedness and response capacity at all times.

The Head of Field Office is the most senior UNHCR presence in Karongi and is required to engage substantively with local and district government authorities, security organs, NGO partners, and community leadership. The political and security dynamics of the area — including proximity to the DRC border and the protracted nature of the refugee situation — require strong situational awareness, sound judgment, and the ability to manage sensitive protection and security developments. Regular field visits to camps and partner sites are an operational necessity for effective monitoring and oversight.

Living and Working Conditions:

Rwanda is a small, landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of east-central Africa, known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills." It is one of the most densely populated countries in continental Africa, with nearly 13 million people, the majority of whom depend on subsistence agriculture.

Karongi is a small town located in Karongi District, Western Province, situated on the outskirts of Lake Kivu. Accommodation options are available within town, along with a limited number of shops, a local market, and a public hospital. The primary mode of public transport in Rwanda is shared taxis and buses, while motorcycle taxis, though not recommended, are the most common way to get around within Karongi.

UNHCR maintains good working relations with Government Officials, other UN Agencies, and partners. A UN Dispensary is available to provide first aid assistance and health guidance. Staff requiring broader amenities will find Kigali, the capital, better equipped — offering good-quality housing, international schools, a range of domestic supplies, and an international airport with regional and global connections.

Staff assigned to Karongi should be prepared for a modest living environment with limited amenities and services.

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 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