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

Accra, Ghana

PR4

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

Head of Sub-Office

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR Sub-Office (HoSO) 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) 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), Representative will direct and guide the Head of the Sub-Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoSO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.
While the functional responsibility of a Head of a Sub-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 population of concern 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 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 population of concern to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on local situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Representative.
- 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 concerned population 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 concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
- Ensure that all 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. 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 persons of concern to UNHCR 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
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4 - 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
Management Administration, Personnel Administration, Law,
Political Science, International Relation, Economics,
or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
In-depth knowledge in all 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. UNHCR Specific learning/training activities ( i.e. Learning Programme in Management & Operations).

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
MG-Office Management
HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
PR-International protection concepts and principles
(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 experience in negotiating with government authorities, development partners, and inter-agency forums, including protection working groups and durable solutions structures.
• Proven experience in implementing protection-based, sustainable programming, including GRF commitments and HDP Nexus approaches.
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in managing protection and solutions operations, including oversight of refugee, IDP, returnee, and host community programming.
• Proven experience integrating forcibly displaced populations into national service delivery, development plans, and social protection systems.
• Strong operational management experience, ensuring effective protection delivery, accountability to affected populations, and compliance with risk management and anti-fraud procedures.
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Desired Attributes
• Previous experience in complex emergencies or mixed migration settings, especially those involving IDP solutions, government-led responses, or transitions to national service delivery.
• Experience working in displacement-affected contexts similar to Nigeria.
• Training or certification in Protection (GBV, Child Protection), Durable Solutions, Programme Management, Inter-Agency Coordination, or Registration/Data Systems.
• Knowledge of government social protection systems, SME/livelihoods programming, or local governance capacity strengthening.
• Capacity to ensure participatory approaches where forcibly displaced persons’ needs, capacities, and views inform the full programme cycle.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Relevant information on occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station is available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Northeast crisis is challenging, complex, and protracted, with approximately 5.9 million people in need, while the HRP 2026 targets 2.5 million. There are new displacements into Local Government Areas (LGAs) as a result of attacks by non-state armed groups and security operations, as well as uncoordinated relocations of populations into camps or LGA headquarters by the military. The crisis in the Northeast is also recognized as a protection crisis.

The security situation remains volatile, with a significant impact on humanitarian access. Although Nigerian security forces patrol areas surrounding garrison towns, territories beyond them remain highly insecure, and military convoys are frequently ambushed. Other key protection challenges include the absence of civil administration in LGAs, resulting in decision-making by the Nigerian military and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

The incumbent is expected to be the only senior international staff member capable of handling and coordinating complex and highly demanding operations, ranging from protection delivery to inter-agency coordination, including sectoral coordination and bilateral relations with national interlocutors such as local authorities and security forces.

S/he will be leading teams in challenging security environments, including managing 12 national and 1 international staff in Maiduguri, as well as supervising smaller teams of 2 and 6 AWF personnel under Field Units in Damaturu (Yobe) and Yola (Adamawa), respectively, both of which report to the Head of Sub-Office Maiduguri.

Living and Working Conditions:

UNHCR in Northeast Nigeria operates within the Humanitarian Country Team, delivering protection and humanitarian assistance to IDPs, refugees, refugee returnees, and asylum seekers. The Sub-Office in Maiduguri, Borno State, covers the three Northeast states (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe), which are the most affected by the conflict and are supported through the Humanitarian Response Plan.

The Boko Haram insurgency remains a major security concern, particularly in the North-Eastern Borno SRM Area. The security environment in Borno State remains fluid despite recent gains by security forces, due to ongoing conflict between government forces and ISWAP/Boko Haram insurgents. As a result, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate across the state.

Borno State remains the epicenter of the insurgency. Most LGAs are difficult to access by road due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation. Movement along some main supply routes requires military escort, use of armored vehicles, and personal protective equipment (PPE). UN activities have been suspended in areas classified as very high risk due to ongoing conflict.

Maiduguri Airport remains operational, with daily commercial flights throughout the week. Road travel outside Maiduguri city is not recommended.

Security clearance (TRIP: http://dss.un.org ) is mandatory for travel within Nigeria.

Accommodation is available at UNHCR Guest Houses (well-equipped), compounds, and humanitarian hubs. Bookings can be made via: bookingonline@humanitarian.org

• Host Government Curfew: 22:00–06:00 hrs
• Humanitarian Hub Curfew (within LGAs): 18:00–06:00 hrs

Medical services include a UN Physician and clinic in Maiduguri. PPE, trauma bags, and first aid kits are available at the duty station.

Typhoid and malaria are the most common diseases in the Borno SRM area.

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

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