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

A (least hardship)

Family

PR4

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

Head of National Office

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

Head of a UNHCR National Office is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent acts under delegated authority of the UNHCR Regional Representative (or the Deputy Regional Representative). The position reports and 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 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 Regional Representative (or Deputy) on a regular and timely manner. The Head of UNHCR National Office will, on request, serve as a designated member of the UN Country Team, participating in relevant meetings including monthly UNCT meetings, engaging the involvement and advocacy of the Regional Representative as may be appropriate. S/he will also advise the UN Resident Coordinator regarding UNHCR’s issues of concern. The Head of the UNHCR National Office will also support the UN Designated Official as a member of the Security Management Team. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoNO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Regional/Deputy Regional Representative fully informed.

As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, the Head of National Office liaises with relevant government officials, security organs in the area, Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and international which are based in the area), local opinion makers and the local media.

As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissioner’s operations, s/he remains as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their responsibilities emanating from the 1951 Convention 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

• Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the local political context.

• Manage a consultative process within the country operations and with external partners.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that generates political and financial support for UNHCR’s operations.

• Implement a results-oriented approach for assessing, designing and delivering the country operation focused on Asylum Seekers and refugees.

• Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the country operations plan and that necessary resources are allocated to it.

• Ensure the country operation’s adherence to UNHCR’s policy on Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM).

• Ensure the country operation plans are consistent with the regional and global strategic priorities; manage a participatory process, with stakeholders to apply UNHCR’s standards and indicators in assessing and measuring the performance of the country operations.

• Promote accession to the Convention and Protocol and ensure the application of protection standards in the treatment of forcibly displaced and stateless persons especially women and children.

• Ensure forcibly displaced and stateless persons, especially women and children, have access to relevant information; ensure that cases of sexual violence and abuse against girls and boys are reported and dealt with expeditiously.

• Ensure the engagement of UNHCR in the UNCT, UN common programming, planning and funding.

• Ensure that staff and financial resources are commensurate with operational objectives liaising with the Regional Representation Office.

• Exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support and conduct regular performance appraisals and coaching.

• In close collaboration with the Designated Official (DO), UNDSS and UN country team/Security Management Team (SMT), gather and analyse information on the local security situation and play an active role in the inter-agency security and contingency planning processes.

• Ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect staff, and that the country operation complies with UN Minimum Operational Security Standards (MOSS)/ Minimum Operational Residential Security Standards (MORSS) staff security rules, guidelines and procedures.

• Represent UNHCR in the inter-agency fora and with national authorities.

• Develop country strategy and priorities, country operations plans, and approve the country operation’s protection strategy for validation by the Regional Representative.

• Enforce local compliance with UNHCR’s global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards.

• 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 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

Business Administration; International Relations; Human Resources Management;

Political Science; Social Science; Law; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

HCR Country of Origin Inf Learning Programme; HCR Management Learning Programme

HCR RSD Learning Programme;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services.
Experience in management of broad programmes, political decision making and negotiating, as well as demonstrated tolerance to frequently changing and highly charged situations. Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of operations. Ability to manage for results: translate strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitor them, making periodic adjustments as required. Ability to effectively represent UNHCR at the senior level in internal and external meetings and to build strong relationships with clients.

Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
*EL-Monitoring and Evaluation
*PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
*MG-Country/Regional Office Representation
*MG-Political Decision Making
(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:

• Proven ability to lead field operations with close coordination across humanitarian and development actors.

• Ability and experience to represent UNHCR in interagency fora and in engaging with different UN agencies, national and local authorities, the donor community and other stakeholders.

• Strong skills in guiding and accompanying field staff in the delivery of protection and solutions-oriented activities, ensuring that refugees, asylum seekers as well as other persons with protection needs rights are considered.

• Experience in UNHCR office management and staff administration, including organizational transitions, workforce planning, and adaptation to evolving operational footprints.

• Excellent communication skills in English and Spanish, both oral and written. With ability to communicate clearly and effectively across diverse audiences.

Desirable attributes:

• Strong understanding of displacement dynamics in Central America, including drivers of forced displacement, return movements, and protection risks affecting displaced and host communities.

• Leadership skills and the ability to guide and effectively steer the team to reach common goals and promote staff wellbeing and healthy team dynamics.

• Solid understanding of risk management, including financial oversight, compliance, and mitigation of operational and reputational risks.

• Capacity to integrate gender, age and diversity considerations across all areas of programming and leadership.

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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 Head of National Office (P4) in Guatemala reports to the Senior Strategic Planning and Management Coordinator in the Americas Bureau and is responsible for leading and supervising the country team and UNHCR’s presence across Guatemala.

Guatemala’s strategic geographic position places it at the crossroads of regional displacement and mixed movement dynamics, acting both as a transit and increasingly as a destination country. Between 2021 and 2025, 6,528 individuals sought asylum in Guatemala, reflecting a gradual shift toward destination dynamics. At the same time, the country continues to receive individuals fleeing violence and persecution, including cross-border movements linked to ongoing insecurity in the region, requiring engagement in mixed movements and border-related protection responses.

UNHCR Guatemala operates in a complex and fluid context characterized by insecurity, with more than 500,000 people internally displaced due to violence, as identified by national authorities. Widespread economic exclusion, social tensions, and high exposure to climate-related hazards further compound protection risks for refugees, asylum-seekers, returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities. Institutional capacity constraints and evolving legal and policy frameworks require sustained technical support and strategic engagement by UNHCR.

The country’s high exposure to hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes highlights the need to integrate climate resilience and disaster risk management into protection and solutions programming. At the same time, barriers such as limited access to documentation, inadequate housing, and difficulties in accessing national services continue to limit opportunities for durable solutions, including local integration.

There are also opportunities to strengthen engagement with national institutions, regional frameworks such as MIRPS, and partnerships with municipalities and civil society, including through initiatives like Cities of Solidarity. Guatemala remains a key country in the regional protection landscape, requiring continued engagement and strong coordination with government counterparts, UN agencies, and national and international NGOs.

UNHCR will continue to strengthen its role as a strategic and technical partner to national authorities, supporting the operationalization of international and regional commitments into national policies and practices. In light of an upcoming electoral cycle, which may introduce political and operational uncertainty, the operation will require adaptive leadership, strong risk management, and effective coordination to preserve protection space, carefully navigate a sensitive political environment, and advance solutions.

In 2026, the operation benefits from tightly earmarked funding, including support for complex protection responses such as those related to the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), as well as inter-agency funding (e.g., USA/OCHA) for life-saving interventions. This context requires strong inter-agency coordination capacities and the ability to engage effectively with a broad range of external stakeholders.

The position therefore requires demonstrated leadership and team management skills, as well as solid protection and operational expertise, to guide the implementation of UNHCR’s protection strategy and operational priorities in a challenging, evolving, and operationally complex environment. The Head of National Office leads overall management, strategic direction, and coordination of UNHCR’s multi-faceted response to forced displacement and human mobility challenges. The incumbent oversees Protection, Operations, External Relations, Human Resources, Government Liaison and Field Unit Esquipulas, supervising the delivery of protection and solutions for forcibly displaced people. The Head of National Office coordinates the response with several line ministries, government and non-government organizations, United Nations Agencies, donor representatives and communities, ensuring that UNHCR’s response is effective, sustainable, and aligned with national policies, regional frameworks and donor requirements.

Living and Working Conditions:

Guatemala City is a Family duty station rated as A. The city has very good infrastructure in general (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities). Guatemala City is well connected within the region via its international airport.

Accommodation is readily available, and everyone can find the accommodation best suited to their needs. Housing in zones where most expats live may be expensive (1,200-2,000 USD for an apartment, 1,500-2,500 USD for a house per month, depending on location and equipment of the accommodation).

There are private and international schools, although the number of bilingual or bicultural schools is not so high, it is acceptable (education in main languages are available: Spanish, English, German, French).

Recreational activities are available while the associated cost may be high. Notwithstanding, the country offers plenty of opportunities for personal and family activities, ranging from visiting the beach to natural treasures and historical sites.

Most newly arriving expatriates face some challenges of overcoming cultural and language barriers, depending on their culture. Guatemalans pride themselves as being generous hosts and overall, Guatemalan people are respectful and courteous. The Guatemalan society is diverse and unique and as such, cultural awareness is essential.

The climate in Guatemala City is very pleasant all year around, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 27 Celsius during the daytime.

Guatemala City is rated as security level 3 Moderate, with the main threat being common crime. Crimes range from armed robberies, drug trafficking-related crimes, rape, muggings and purse-snatching to petty theft. The statistics of crime and violence in Guatemala are among the highest in the region. Illegal and violent acts have been on the rise, basically due to its poor rate of impunity, the great numbers of illegal weapons in circulation, and the lack of opportunities for the youth. Events related to natural phenomena in Guatemala, such as seismic events, intense rainfall, landslides, forest fires, volcanic eruptions and are regularly reported all over the country. For Central America it is strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times. Security briefing is provided by UNHCR Field Safety Service and UNDSS.

For more information, the Living Conditions booklet is available on the Intranet

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Interagency Coordination, MG-Stakeholder Management, Resource Mobilization

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

HCR Country of Origin Information Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR RSD Learning Program - UNHCR

Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless

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