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

PR2

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

Head of Field Unit

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position is under direct supervision and guidance of the Representative/Head of Sub/Field-Office on issues concerning programme, protection, external relations, etc. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units at the Branch Office and from the Bureau at Headquarters.
The incumbent represents UNHCR at the field level. S/he will persuade and obtain assistance of others on matters of non-routine significance. Contacts predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization¿s programmes (e.g. counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments).

While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Unit will 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. The supervisor exercises regular oversight and provides guidance, direction and support to the incumbent.

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-à-vis the forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR within the AOR.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of forcibly displaced and stateless persons
- 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 monitoring of identified assistance activities.
- Ensure through the subordinate staff that deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities 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, wherever 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.
- 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/HoFO. 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
Business Administration; Economics; International Relations;
Law; Management; Political Science;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Programme Mgmt
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Knowledge 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.

Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
*IT-Computer Literacy
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
(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:

• In the complex operational context of northern DRC, the ideal candidate for the Head of Field Unit (HoFU) position in Libenge must bring a strong and proven protection background, with solid experience managing protection in mixed situations (IDPs, refugees, returnees). S/he should demonstrate the ability to lead UNHCR operations in remote, resource-constrained and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring principled, protection-driven delivery of assistance despite significant access and logistical challenges.

• The incumbent must have proven expertise in voluntary repatriation (VolRep), including planning, coordination under tripartite frameworks, and management of operational and protection risks in fluid contexts. Strong capacity to advance refugee inclusion in national systems is essential, working closely with authorities and development actors to support sustainable, solutions-oriented programming. In this regard, the candidate must demonstrate the ability to operationalize the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus, fostering joint analysis, planning and programming to strengthen resilience, social cohesion, and pathways to durable solutions.

• Given the volatile environment, the HoFU must have strong security risk management capacity, including the ability to anticipate, analyze and mitigate security threats, manage community sensitivities, and ensure effective contingency planning and crisis response at field level.

• The incumbent must also demonstrate strong leadership in team management, ensuring staff well-being, integrity and accountability, while maintaining operational continuity and delivering impactful, cost-effective programmes in a constrained funding environment.

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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:

Repeated cycles of violence and instability in the Central African Republic (CAR) have continuously impacted the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly along the 1,500 km porous border shared between the two countries. The current refugee situation in northern DRC is the cumulative result of four major waves of displacement since 2013. The first wave in 2013 was triggered by widespread insecurity associated with the Séléka and Anti-Balaka conflict, followed by a second wave in 2017 driven by persistent armed group activity. A third major influx occurred in 2020–2021 in the context of pre- and post-electoral violence in CAR, while the most recent wave in 2025 resulted from clashes between the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), supported by allied forces, and armed groups in Haut-Mbomou, leading to the arrival of approximately 55,000 refugees in the Zapay area of Bas-Uélé.

As a result of these successive influxes, the refugee situation has evolved into a protracted and complex crisis, marked by both large-scale arrivals and ongoing smaller cross-border movements linked to insecurity, intercommunal tensions, and military operations in CAR. As of 30 April 2026, the Sub-Office of Gbadolite hosts approximately 266,509 Central African refugees and asylum-seekers, including about 201,509 registered individuals and around 65,000 unregistered refugees concentrated primarily in Zapay. The geographical distribution of this population reflects the out-of-camp approach, with the majority living among host communities in more than 50 remote and hard-to-access locations, while smaller proportions reside in the four established camps (Inke, Bili, Mole and Boyabu) and in four operational Development Hub Villages (Nzakara, Wenze, Modale and Sidi).

The operational context remains characterized by a relatively stable but fragile security environment. While most refugee-hosting areas remain accessible, localized incidents continue to be reported, particularly in Bas-Uélé where armed elements, including groups associated with the Lord’s Resistance Army, have been involved in kidnappings and attacks on civilian infrastructure. Other protection concerns include sporadic criminality, reports of arbitrary arrests by armed actors, and intercommunal tensions, notably in areas affected by population movements and competition over natural resources. Nonetheless, refugees generally enjoy freedom of movement and benefit from a relatively high level of acceptance by host communities, largely due to historical, cultural and economic ties across the border.

Since 2021, UNHCR and its partners have progressively implemented the alternative to camps policy in line with the Global Compact on Refugees, with a focus on strengthening protection while promoting inclusion and resilience. This approach is operationalized through the establishment of Development Hub Villages (VPDs), designed to facilitate access to basic services and socio-economic opportunities for both refugees and host communities. Four out of ten planned hubs are currently operational, hosting approximately 25,000 refugees either through organized or self-relocation processes. The broader strategic orientation of the operation is structured around three interrelated pillars, namely protection and assistance, the pursuit of durable solutions—particularly voluntary repatriation—and the promotion of livelihoods and socio-economic inclusion.

Voluntary repatriation (VolRep) remains a central component of the durable solutions strategy and is implemented under the tripartite agreement between UNHCR, the DRC and CAR. Since the launch of the operation in 2019, more than 32,700 refugees have returned to CAR out of over 42,500 recorded intentions. While progress was notable in recent years, with more than 7,100 returns facilitated in 2025, the operation is currently facing significant constraints. As of May 2026, no convoys have been organized despite a planning target of 20,000 returns for the year, although nearly 10,000 individuals have already expressed their intention to return. At the operational level, this situation has resulted in the suspension of organized movements, the presence of returnees stranded in transit centers, and growing frustration among refugee populations. The suspension has also led to the reallocation of financial resources and a reduction in assistance, with broader consequences including increased spontaneous returns, uncontrolled cross-border movements and heightened protection risks.

Beyond voluntary repatriation, the humanitarian context is further shaped by structural and operational challenges. Access to refugee-hosting areas remains difficult due to the poor state of road infrastructure and the remoteness of many sites. Basic social services, particularly in health, water and education, are under considerable strain due to the size and dispersion of the refugee population. The health situation remains concerning in certain areas, notably in Zapay where increased mortality linked to waterborne diseases highlights critical gaps in water, sanitation and hygiene services. Supply chain constraints also continue to affect operations, particularly due to delays in the delivery of medical supplies. At the same time, limited livelihood opportunities and persistent dependency on humanitarian assistance continue to undermine refugee self-reliance, despite ongoing efforts to promote economic inclusion.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the operational environment also presents important opportunities. The generally stable security context in core areas of intervention, coupled with strong collaboration with local authorities and the availability of arable land, supports the continued implementation of community-based and resilience-oriented approaches. The operation is increasingly transitioning towards a solutions-driven model that prioritizes inclusion in national systems, expansion of livelihood opportunities, and strengthening of community-based responses, particularly in high-pressure areas such as Bas-Uélé.

The Sub-Office of Gbadolite oversees operations across Nord-Ubangi, Sud-Ubangi and Bas-Uélé, including a Field Unit in Libenge, within a context marked by logistical constraints and difficult living conditions. While operational presence remains critical to ensure protection and assistance delivery, sustaining effective programming will depend on restoring momentum in voluntary repatriation, reinforcing partnerships, and addressing persistent gaps in basic services and infrastructure.

The Head of Field Unit reports to the Head of Sub Office in Gbadolite and supervises a team of 12 staff that may expand in the coming months.

Living and Working Conditions:

In Libenge, accommodation conditions remain particularly constrained due to the absence of standard housing infrastructure available for rent. The UNHCR guesthouse was officially inactivated in June 2026 following the restructuring of the operation. In response, international staff have taken over the rental and management of the former guesthouse premises, which have been maintained to support staff welfare in a context where suitable accommodation options are very limited.

Staff members are therefore expected to share the former guesthouse and demonstrate flexibility in living arrangements, including the willingness to accommodate colleagues on mission. This collective arrangement is essential to sustain operational presence in a remote and logistically challenging environment.

Libenge is characterized by significant isolation and limited infrastructure. Access is difficult, particularly during the rainy season, and supply chains are often disrupted. Basic services such as electricity and water are unreliable, and healthcare facilities are extremely limited. Staff must be prepared to operate under constrained living conditions, with restricted access to medical care and evacuation options.

Given these constraints, the duty station requires a high degree of adaptability, resilience, and team cohesion, both in professional and day-to-day living environments.

The climate for most of the year is characterized by humid and hot temperatures while the rainy season brings into surface crawling reptiles and insects. There are very limited medical facilities in Libenge that are in addition not equipped enough to attend to serious medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are limited since there are only two irregular humanitarian flights per week landing in Bangui or Gemena, both 4-5 hours away. There are no commercial flights landing in Libenge. However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life threatening emergencies during daytime. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. Malaria is the most common disease, but the region is prone to seasonal M pox and conjunctivitis epidemics. As general advice, applicants for the post should be psychologically prepared for the context. The R&R cycle is every 8 weeks. There are no good banking facilities in Libenge. Telephone networks are not very reliable, but the Office has effective PAMA and Wi-Fi networks.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

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

Certifications

Programme Management - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, 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