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

Addis Ababa,Eth Fed Dem Rep

PR5

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, socio-economic, or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), the 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 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 High Commissioner’s operations, he/she remain 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, 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 refugee conventional responsibilities and international obligations of the local authorities vis-à-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.

• 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 the 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 and financial/material, at an optimum level for the well-being 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 the 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. 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 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 P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 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

IT-Computer Literacy;

IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software;

MG-Office Management;

PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators;

HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits;

(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:
• Strong leadership capacity, supported by in-depth knowledge and operational experience across UNHCR’s mandate, particularly in complex field operations. This includes the ability to operate effectively in environments affected by civil unrest, inter-ethnic tensions, and large-scale population movements.

• Proven experience in emergency response, including familiarity with large-scale registration and relocation operations, and the ability to scale interventions in coordination with government authorities and partners.

• Demonstrated experience in multi-agency coordination, stakeholder management, and negotiation, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse actors, including government counterparts, NGOs, UN agencies, and both host and refugee community leaders, particularly in sensitive or high-tension contexts.

• Capacity to manage and motivate large, diverse teams, ensuring clear communication, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, and prioritizing staff well-being and duty of care in high-pressure emergency settings.

• Experience in strategic planning and in applying GCR/CRRF principles to advance protection and solutions from the outset for persons of concern.

• Proven track record in leading and coordinating multi-sectoral interventions, with the ability to align immediate humanitarian action with longer-term resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable outcomes in complex and fluid environments.

• Strong understanding of the humanitarian–development nexus, supported by sound analytical judgment and contextual awareness, and the ability to translate nexus principles into practical, field-level strategies that promote sustainable and conflict-sensitive outcomes.

Desirable attributes:

• Given recent instability and violent clashes in Gambella—including killings, disruption of services, and heightened insecurity since late 2025—the incumbent must be capable of making sound operational decisions under pressure and ensuring continuity of protection activities in volatile contexts.

• The role’s added responsibility as Area Security Coordinator/UNDSS focal point requires the ability to interpret complex security developments, manage risks to staff and operations, and ensure compliance with UNDSS protocols in rapidly evolving situations

• Strong communication and advocacy skills enabling the incumbent to represent UNHCR effectively.

• In addition, strong political awareness, advanced communication skills, and the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders at all levels are critical to success in this role.

,

,

,

,

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:

With close to 1 million refugees and an estimated 4.5 internally displaced persons (IDP), Ethiopia hosts one of the largest forcibly displaced population globally and is the third refugee hosting country in Africa. Leading the way in the implementation of the Global Refugee Compact (GCR) and its comprehensive refugee framework (CRRF), Ethiopia has adopted progressive laws and policies which offer opportunities for sustainable protection and solutions for forcible displaced persons. UNHCR collaborates with the Government’s Refugee and Returnee Service (RRS) to coordinate the refugee response and ensure the delivery of protection and solutions. UNHCR has also scaled up its IDP operations across the country including leadership of the IDP Protection and CCCM clusters.

The Gambella region in Ethiopia is currently hosting almost 380,000 refugees, the majority who fled the conflict in South Sudan since 2013. The refugees are primarily of Nuer ethnic group, with the largest minority from Anuak and a few others from Shiluk, Dinka and Equatorial ethnic groups. Sub Office Gambella covers five field locations, with seven refugee camps and one settlement.

Gambella region is also prone to seasonal heavy flooding and internal strife which in the recent years contributed to displacement of nearly 200,000 individuals, requiring humanitarian assistance and solutions through the interagency cluster mechanism.

The Head of Sub-Office (HoSo) reports to the Representative. In her/his role, the HoSO oversees the UNHCR operation in Gambella and provides leadership in relation to protection and solutions, security risk management and operational programme and administrative matters. S/he provides guidance and mentorship to staff and partners and ensures progress towards the implementation of UNHCR’s objectives within the operation.

The HoSO is required to liaise with the relevant senior government officials, security organs in the area, the Head of agencies, host and refugee leaders, local opinion makers and the media to ensure his/her assigned responsibilities are effectively and efficiently discharged.

The Gambella area is beset with tribal conflicts. The Head of Sub Office also act as the Area Security Coordinator/UNDSS for the WEST region, which includes Gambella.

Living and Working Conditions:

Gambella is a non-family duty station. Guesthouses for accommodation of staff are provided by UNHCR. There are limited banking facilities and limited medical facilities. There are daily commercial flights between Addis Ababa and Gambella. The diversity of topography in Ethiopia has resulted in a wide variety of climate in the country. The climate in Gambella is classified as tropical. The hottest season of the region is in March/April and temperature may rise to 45 °C, followed by a long rainy season. Road network within the region is often affected by the heavy rainfall during the rainy season. The average annual temperature in Gambella is 27.6 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1148 mm. Gambella and due to its conditions is a malaria prone area amongst other tropical diseases. Internet and communications networks are available at the compound. Remoteness, isolation, and lack of entertainment in social life are factors to be also considered prior to applying.

Gambella is classified as security level -phase 3. The security situation in Gambella region has seen a significant deterioration in early 2016 with clashes amongst ethnic groups. These types of tensions remain up to date contributing for potential civil unrest events. Therefore, current security situation in the entire Gambella region remain calm but unpredictable. Increase of criminality in Gambella town linked to unemployment and associated violent crime is a constant factor. Police have been reporting house break-in and street robbery related criminal activities. Restrictions of movement is imposed on the movement of the staff members and the activities in the field, depending on the development of the security situation. The security setting is expected to remain the same with no major changes according to the current reading of the situation. Curfew time is from 22:00 to 06:00 hrs in Gambella and Pugnido while for Dimma, it is from 20:00 to 06:00 hrs. Road accidents are very common in Ethiopia due to dangerous driving, non-enforcement of traffic laws and bad road conditions.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination, FS-Crisis negotiation and Management, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PG-Results Based Programming, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework, UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships

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

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: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned Refugees

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