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 Location

Dakar, Senegal

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 Prior office management and leadership experience in complex field operations with challenging security and socio-political environment, with IDPs, refugees, returnees’ and host community populations and with area-based approach
• Proven operational experience in protection, including the inclusion and durable solution for forced displaced population, the operationalization and coordination of the HDP NEXUS initiatives for populations of concern.
• Substantial and solid understanding and management of programme processes including budgeting, implementation, and monitoring, in managing financial, human, and material resources efficiently
• Proven experience in inter-agency coordination, with government counterparts and NGOs
• Proven strong security awareness and risk management skills.
• Fluency in English and French
Desired attributes:
• Strong representational and negotiation skills, with the capacity to engage effectively with donors, local authorities, security actors, community leaders, humanitarian partners, and other stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of local languages (such as Fulfulde, Dogon, or Bambara)
• Adaptable, resilient, and capable of working in remote and resource-constrained environments, while maintaining a strategic vision and ensuring effective field-level implementation of UNHCR’s mandate.

French

,

,

,

,

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 Sub-Office in Bandiagara operates within a complex humanitarian and security environment in central Mali, characterized by the presence of non-state armed groups, intercommunal tensions, and limited state authority in certain areas. The region continues to experience significant refugees’ massive influxes, internal displacement due to insecurity, with populations facing protection risks including physical abuses or threats, forced displacement, restricted freedom of movement, extortion, gender-based violence, and limited access to basic services.

The Head of Sub-Office oversees UNHCR’s operations in the Bandiagara Area of Responsibility (AoR) covering Koro and Timbuktu field units, which includes a concentration of more than 120,000 refugees from Burkina, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable host communities. The operational response focuses on protection delivery, including protection monitoring, community-based protection, prevention and response to gender-based violence, child protection, and support to civil documentation.

Access constraints and security risks remain a major challenge in the AoR, requiring strong coordination with UNDSS and other security actors, as well as adaptive operational approaches to ensure continuity of assistance. The incumbent must ensure strict adherence to security protocols while maintaining humanitarian access and presence.

The Sub-Office works closely with national and local authorities, including administrative and security officials, to support the implementation of international protection standards. Collaboration with implementing and operational partners, including national and international NGOs, is essential for the delivery of assistance in sectors such as shelter, non-food items (NFIs), protection, and livelihoods.

Inter-agency coordination is a key component of the operation, with UNHCR playing an active role within the Protection Cluster, durable solution and other coordination mechanisms at the field level. The Head of Sub-Office is expected to represent UNHCR in these fora and ensure alignment with broader humanitarian and durablesolutions strategies and response plans.

The office manages a diverse team of national and international staff, operating in a hardship duty station with limited infrastructure and living conditions. Staff welfare, capacity-building, and performance management are critical priorities for the incumbent.

Programme implementation requires strong oversight, including needs assessments, planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting in line with UNHCR’s programme cycle and donor requirements. Effective resource management and accountability are essential to ensure impact and compliance.

Given the dynamic and evolving context in central Mali, the incumbent must demonstrate flexibility, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt operations to changing circumstances, while maintaining a strong protection focus and ensuring the effective delivery of UNHCR’s mandate.

Living and Working Conditions:

Bandiagara is an `E' category non-family High Risk duty station with 18 months of SAL and 6 weeks R&R cycle with Dakar as the designated location. Its climate is hot, dry and dusty, the average annual temperature is about 40 °C. The medical facilities are very limited. For security reasons, local markets, places of worship, playgrounds, entertainment, and other gathering places are not recommended. For accommodation, there are 2 hotels approved by UNDSS where staff on mission can stay. The possibilities of renting accommodation are relatively limited, in particular because of the security aspects. However, SRM 2024 allows staff members to rent houses or apartments on the local market after thorough security checks and approval by UNDSS.

Seven Banking services are available in Mopti (one hour drive from Bandiagara), the main currency of the transaction being XOF.

UNHAS is providing flight support to liaise Mopti with Bamako. Armored vehicles are a must for movements inside.

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