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

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:
• Extensive managerial experience in complex emergencies is required, particularly involving IDPs, refugees, and returnees in both camp and urban settings.
• The candidate must be capable of operating in volatile security environments and managing humanitarian operations under pressure.
• Experience in inter-agency coordination, humanitarian convoys, and sectoral leadership is critical.
• Experience in camp management and protection of vulnerable populations is essential especially in camps which present complex political and humanitarian challenges, including detention concerns and radicalization risks.
• The candidate must be adaptable to shifting political landscapes, capable of engaging with emerging authorities, navigate multiple challenges, including managing delicate relationships with government authorities, local actors, and other stakeholders while upholding humanitarian principles amid evolving governance and coordination structures.

Desirable attributes:
• Political awareness and negation skill: The ideal candidate should have a strong field background, political acumen, and maturity to manage operations in North-East Syria. Proven diplomatic and negotiation skills are essential, along with a deep understanding of local and regional dynamics, especially in light of recent political transitions following. The integration of government and SDF into NES.
• Communication: Strong communication and advocacy skills are necessary to represent UNHCR at senior levels.

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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 Sub-Office in Qamishli holds a senior managerial role within the Syria country operation. Reporting directly to the UNHCR Deputy Representative, the incumbent exercises full delegated authority on behalf of the UNHCR Representative. This position demands a high level of leadership, strategic oversight, and operational coordination in a complex and sensitive environment.

The incumbent will navigate multiple challenges, including managing delicate relationships with government authorities, local actors, and other stakeholders. The security situation can be volatile, and logistical constraints often complicate access and delivery of humanitarian assistance. Reliable information is scarce, and maintaining impartiality in all interactions is essential to preserving UNHCR’s credibility and operational effectiveness. The role also involves active participation in inter-agency humanitarian convoys and regular field missions to hard-to-reach and underserved areas.

Effective leadership and management of planning and implementation processes are central to the role, alongside direct involvement in field monitoring, analysis, and reporting. UNHCR’s responsibilities in the region include the provision of non-food items (NFIs) and shelter, identification and support for new arrivals in camps and collective shelters, and coordination of humanitarian assistance in collaboration with UN agencies and NGOs. UNHCR leads both the Protection Working Group and the NFI/Shelter Sector Working Group in the area.

Additionally, the incumbent may be designated as the UN Area Humanitarian Coordinator and lead the Area Security Management Team. The operational coverage of this position includes Qamishli, Deir-ez-Zor, Al-Hol, and Roj camps, requiring a broad understanding of regional dynamics and a proactive approach to humanitarian leadership.

Living and Working Conditions:

The current situation in North-East Syria remains unpredictable, with frequent shifts in priorities due to emerging operational demands and security developments. This volatility places ongoing pressure on both professional and personal aspects of life for UNHCR staff. The incumbent must be prepared to work under highly challenging conditions, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in managing stressful and fast-changing scenarios. Tasks are often ad-hoc and urgent, requiring a flexible approach and strong coordination with humanitarian partners and local authorities.

Qamishli city itself enjoys relative stability compared to other parts of the region. Staff are generally able to move around the town with minimal restrictions, although caution and adherence to security protocols remain essential. Despite the broader regional challenges, Qamishli offers a comparatively secure environment for humanitarian operations.

International staff are accommodated in a UNHCR-provided guesthouse that meets basic standards of comfort and privacy. The facility is equipped with essential amenities to support daily living, and internet connectivity is fair, allowing for reliable communication and remote work. However, Qamishli is designated as a non-family duty station, meaning staff cannot bring dependents. To help mitigate the impact of prolonged separation and difficult working conditions, the duty station follows a eight (8)-week Rest and Recuperation (R&R) cycle.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination, CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, CL-Preparedness & Contingency Planning , ER-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination, MG-Complex Environment Analysis, Negotiation

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 Learning Program - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCR

Area Security Coordinator, Cluster Coordination and Inter-Agency, Office Context: Field, Work Context: High Risk Environment Operations, Work Context: Protracted, 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: Returned IDPs

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