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

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-07-01

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), who exercises supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. 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. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), the Regional Representative will direct and guide the Head of National Office (HoNO) to take the most appropriate course of action. 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 in regard to 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, s/he is required in consultation with the Regional Representative to liaise 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 1951 Refugee Convention responsibilities and international obligations of the national authorities vis-a-vis the forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on the situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Regional Representative/Deputy Regional Representative. Request regional support as appropriate.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs and stateless persons, where applicable.
- Ensure that the basic needs of the forcibly displaced and stateless persons are properly assessed with the participation of the beneficiaries themselves, the host government and/or the competent implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself and its UNCT partners.
- 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, specifically on integration and self-reliance measures.
- 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 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. Support the UN Designated Official and represent UNHCR in the regular meetings of the Security Management Team.
- 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 Regional/Deputy Regional Representative.
- Participate in the deliberations and work of the UN Country Team and promote UNHCR's issues of concern.
- Any other responsibilities/functions deemed necessary or as delegated by the UNHCR Regional Representative in order to meet the level of the services in the organization.
- Represent UNHCR in inter-agency fora and with national authorities.
- 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 Regional Representation 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 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
Economics; International Relations; Law;
Management; Political Science; Personnel Administration;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
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.
Desirable
- Working experience in the Field.

Functional Skills
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
*MG-Office Management
*HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
*IT-Computer Literacy
(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.

The ideal candidate is a reform-oriented protection leader with comprehensive experience across the full spectrum of forced displacement, including refugee protection, asylum systems, mixed movements, return and reintegration, and durable solutions. The incumbent should combine strong technical expertise with the ability to translate strategic priorities into institutional reform and measurable operational results.

The position requires:
• Extensive field experience in both emergency and protracted displacement contexts.
• Strong command of international refugee law and asylum systems.
• Demonstrated experience advancing inclusion in national systems and socio-economic integration.
• Proven capacity to align country-level implementation with evolving organizational priorities.
The successful candidate must be highly analytical and comfortable using data to inform decision-making. The incumbent should demonstrate:
• Experience interpreting protection, operational, and financial data to guide strategy and resource allocation.
• Ability to identify trends, assess risks, and adjust course accordingly.
• Comfort with performance monitoring tools and results frameworks.
At the same time, the role requires strong judgment and political instinct. The candidate should demonstrate:
• Sound decision-making in complex or ambiguous environments.
• Ability to balance reform ambition with political feasibility.
• Strategic judgment in sensitive government engagement.
In line with the High Commissioner’s reform agenda and the Bureau’s emphasis on disciplined, project-based management, the candidate must also demonstrate financial prudence, cost-conscious leadership, and accountability for results.

The successful candidate will combine analytical rigor, operational instinct, reform orientation, and steady leadership to advance protection objectives in a stable but strategically important context.

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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 Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa (RBWCA), based in Dakar, oversees UNHCR operations in eight countries with Representatives: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mali, Niger, and Nigeria.

The Multi-Country Office (MCO) Cameroon covers Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome et Principe and the Republic of Congo. As part of a regional realignment, the Multi-Country Offices (MCOs) in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal were closed on 31 December 2025. Five standalone National Offices – Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Togo – became fully operational on 1 October 2025.

UNHCR’s strategic orientation in Senegal emphasizes protection-centred engagement and transition from direct assistance models toward strengthened national ownership. Priorities include reinforcing the asylum system; ensuring robust protection monitoring and analysis; expanding access to documentation; promoting legal, social, and economic inclusion; strengthening community based protection mechanisms; enhancing access to national services; advancing self-reliance to reduce long-term dependency on humanitarian aid; achieving durable solutions including naturalization for the protracted caseload; and operationalizing the routes based approach to mixed movements.

Beyond its national responsibilities, the Senegal National Office serves as a coordination platform for a cluster of National Offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin in addition to the follow up on UNHCR’ s mandate responsibilities in the countries in which UNHCR does not have a presence; specifically, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone and Liberia. A small team of technical experts (programme, finance, administration and related functions) based in Senegal provides support and oversight to the five coastal operations (where there are offices). While these technical experts maintain direct reporting lines to their respective functional units within the Regional Bureau, their operational support, prioritization of missions, and coordination of backstopping activities across the five coastal countries are managed and coordinated by the Head of National Office in Senegal. This arrangement requires strong cross-functional collaboration, clear communication with Bureau counterparts, and the ability to ensure coherence between technical standards and operational realities in the field. The role therefore, demands both leadership authority and coordination skill, ensuring effective alignment between Bureau technical guidance and country-level implementation.

While the protection environment remains generally favourable, mixed movements along coastal routes, evolving regional migration dynamics, and cross-border issues require sustained engagement with government counterparts, ECOWAS frameworks, and development actors.

Within the Bureau’s broader shift toward project-based management and strengthened accountability, the Senegal National Office plays a key role in demonstrating effective, government-aligned, solutions-oriented approaches in relatively stable contexts.

Living and Working Conditions:
It is planned that the entire United Nations system in Dakar will relocate to a common UN house in Diamniadio, approximately 40 km from the main city. Staff who choose to live in the the city would face a substantial commute. Arrangements are being made for staff transportation and teleworking schedules to ensure acceptable working conditions. Candidates applying for positions based in Dakar should consider this accordingly.

As the capital of Senegal, Dakar has a population of over one million and offers reasonable medical facilities, providing both general and specialist care in line with international standards. Dakar is classified by the United Nations as an "A" family duty station, indicating access to all basic services and most recreational activities and facilities.

Living conditions are comfortable, and essential services are readily available.

While the asylum practices in West Africa are generally generous, the operational and political environments present unique challenges for the UN, and particularly for UNHCR. The region hosts a variety of political and UN coordination mechanisms, requiring significant time and effort to ensure that UNHCR remains relevant. Key structures include the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, led by a Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), the Regional UNDG, and regional offices for WFP, UNICEF, OCHA, UN Women, FAO, among others. Donors also have regional platforms in West Africa.

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

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