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

C

Family

PR4

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-07-01

Representative

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
As the High Commissioner's senior representative in the country, the Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCR's effective performance in the country of her/his assignment. The incumbent usually manages a budget of less than USD 2 million.

Reporting to the Director of the Bureau, the Representative is responsible and accountable for translating organizational and Bureau-wide objectives and policies into effective programmes. Through a continuous process of situational analysis, the Representative works with his/her team to identify strategic objectives and develop coherent, consistent and effective responses to the challenges faced. He/she is responsible for ensuring the adequate provision of technical support and guidance to the office to enable them to fulfil their accountabilities, including those outlined in the Terms of Reference of UNHCR offices as well as the Age, Gender and Diversity Accountability Framework.

The Representative works to ensure that UNHCR is widely perceived as an effective and trusted partner. S/he is responsible for creating effective networks, relationships, partnerships, and synergies with governments, NGOs, relevant regional political and other fora, civil society, forcibly displaced and stateless personsand all other key strategic partners and actors. He/she lends visibility to important strategic issues, promotes concerted action and the commitment of sufficient resources and expertise to address important matters of concern to UNHCR. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.

In a complex and demanding political and operational environment, the Representative strives to build a dynamic and sufficiently capacitated team. S/he devolves appropriate authorities, facilitates the sharing of expertise and best practice and creates a climate of collaboration, which aims to empower and motivate colleagues to approach challenges with insight and innovation and to work toward achieving measurable and effective results. The Representative is responsible to ensure a vibrant Multi-Functional Team approach is established and employed at all stages of the operations management cycle, including in programme monitoring, and engaging the participation of all relevant functions within the operation. S/he has a responsibility to inform the Bureau and other relevant parties at Headquarters of key political and operational developments in a timely manner.

The comports and actions of the Representative must always reflect the core values and principles embodied in UNHCR's mandate. A failure on the part of the Representative to adhere to these standards would have negative implications for UNHCR's credibility, operations and, ultimately, the protection and well-being of forcibly displaced and stateless persons to the Office.

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
Strategic Direction
- Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the local political context.
- Manage a consultative process within the country operations and with external partners.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that generates political and financial support for UNHCR's operations. Mobilize financial support for UNHCR corporate priorities as well for country specific projects.
Operations
- Implement a results-oriented approach, engaging a robust Multi-Functional Team, for assessing, designing, delivering and monitoring the country operation.
- Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the country operations plan and that necessary resources are allocated to it.
- Ensure the country operation's adherence to UNHCR's policy on Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM).
- Ensure the country operation plans are consistent with the regional and global strategic priorities; manage a participatory process, with all stakeholders, to apply UNHCR's standards and indicators in assessing and measuring the performance of the country operations.
- Promote accession to the Convention and Protocol and ensure the application of protection standards in the treatment of all forcibly displaced and stateless persons especially women and children.
- Ensure all forcibly displaced and stateless persons, especially women and children, have access to relevant information; ensure that cases of sexual violence and abuse against girls and boys are reported and dealt with expeditiously.
- Ensure the engagement of UNHCR in the UNCT, UN common programming, planning and funding activities and to actively contribute in the establishment of the CCA/UNDAF and the consequent joint implementation activities.
- Participate in the Cluster approach, ensure UNHCR's Cluster Lead role and implement other IASC and inter-agency/UN policies.
- Ensure that risks to the operation's objectives are regularly assessed, priority risks are identified and risk treatments for the priority risks form an integral part of the operations plans.
Resource Management
- Ensure that staff and financial resources are commensurate with operational objectives.
- Ensure effective and efficient management of resources within the rules and procedures of UNHCR.
- Establish and manage local administrative mechanisms such as a Local Contracts (or Purchasing) Committee, Local Asset Management Board and APPC.
- Ensure local compliance with UNHCR's human resources (HR) policies including on gender, disabilities, diversity, ethics and HIV/AIDS.
- Manage a process of recruitment, assignment and reassignment of local staff for the country operation, in accordance UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Where necessary, identify the most appropriate affiliate workforce and optimize its use.
- In coordination with the Global Learning Centre, ensure that the learning needs of UNHCR's workforce in the country are identified, assessed and addressed.
- Exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support and conduct regular performance appraisals and coaching.
Security
- In close collaboration with the Designated Official (DO), UNDSS and UN country team/Security Management Team (SMT), gather and analyse information on the local security situation and play an active role in the inter-agency security and contingency planning processes.
- Ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect staff, and that the country operation complies with UN MOSS/MORSS staff security rules, guidelines and procedures.
- Represent UNHCR in the UNCT/Humanitarian Country Team and other inter-agency fora.
- Decide on the country strategy and priorities, country operations plans, and approve the country operation's protection strategy.
- Enforce local compliance with UNHCR's global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards.
- Negotiate and sign local agreements with implementing and operational partners.
- Authorize payments as per the organization's Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP) and in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
- Modify operational projects and reallocate funds, within the approved budgets and in respect of donor earmarking.

- 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 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
Business Administration; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; Social Science; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Learning Prog; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services.
- A high level of skill in management of broad programmes, political decision making and negotiating, as well as demonstrated tolerance to frequently changing and highly charged situations.
- Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting.
- Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of operations.
- Ability to manage for results: translates strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitors them, making periodic adjustments as required.
- Ability to effectively represent UNHCR at the senior level in internal and external meetings and to build strong relationships with clients.
Desirable
- Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications.

Functional Skills
*PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
*MG-Political Decision Making
*MG-Field Operations Management
*UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships
*PG-Results-Based Management
*MG-Country/Regional Office Representation
*MG-Client Relationship Management
UN-Analysis of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications
*MG-Change Management
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
(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 ability to lead field operations with close coordination across humanitarian and development actors.
• Proven experience representing UNHCR in interagency fora and engaging with UN agencies, government counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders in complex operational contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in leading field teams in delivering protection and solutions-oriented responses for refugees, asylum seekers, returnees, and other persons of concern.
• Strong knowledge of international refugee law and protection principles, with demonstrated ability to guide protection strategies and advise on asylum and legal frameworks.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish, both orally and in writing, across diverse audiences.

Desirable attributes:
• Strong understanding of displacement dynamics in the Americas, including drivers of forced displacement, return movements, and protection risks affecting displaced and host communities.
• Demonstrated experience in fostering effective team leadership, staff wellbeing, and cohesive team dynamics in field operations.
• Solid understanding of risk management, including financial oversight, compliance, and mitigation of operational and reputational risks.
• Experience in managing complex emergencies and return movements, including engagement in inter-agency coordination mechanisms (e.g. HCT, HNO, HRP, cluster coordination).

Spanish

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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 position of Representative is based in Caracas and reports to the Director of the Regional Bureau for the Americas. The UNHCR Representation in Venezuela comprises of a Country Office in Caracas, and three Field Units in Caracas, San Cristóbal and Maracaibo. As of April 2026, UNHCR Venezuela consists of 54 staff and affiliate workforce.

The overall context in Venezuela remains highly challenging, characterized by a protracted protection crisis marked by human rights concerns, forced displacement, increasing return movements, and restricted humanitarian space. In this environment, the Representative must demonstrate strong capacity to navigate complex political dynamics, mitigate risks related to shrinking civic space and operational constraints, and uphold UNHCR’s neutrality and independence while engaging with both State and non-State actors.

Managing relations with national authorities in the interest of refugees, asylum seekers, returnees and other people with protection needs is a central priority, alongside building strong alliances with the UN Country Team (UNCT), the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), and civil society.

Over the recent years, the human mobility trends in Venezuela have changed, and there is now a marked tendency towards returns to the country. This means that the operation has changed its focus to - in addition to working with asylum-seekers and refugees - also working with those returning. The main focus is currently on protection interventions, including the establishment of multiservice community hubs where UNHCR, under the coordination of local authorities, provides protection services, specifically focusing on legal guidance, counselling and psychosocial support.

Given the centrality of protection interventions, including situational analysis, protection monitoring, legal assistance, documentation, community-based protection, and advocacy, the Representative is required to have a strong protection profile and be able to provide strategic direction ensuring that all programmes are protection-driven, evidence-based, and aligned with age, gender, and diversity (AGD) principles.

The position requires experience in managing complex emergencies and return movementsand demonstrated inter-agency expertise, including active engagement in Humanitarian Country Team processes, the Humanitarian Needs Overview, the Humanitarian Response Plan, and protection cluster coordination/supervision. A strong knowledge of international refugee law and protection principles is required to effectively guide protection strategies and provide advice on asylum and legal reforms. The working language in Venezuela is Spanish, and it is used in all communication with local stakeholders.

Living and Working Conditions:

Venezuela is in the equatorial zone, in the northern part of South America. It shares borders with the Caribbean Sea to the north, Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south. The climate is tropical and varies across the different regions of the country. UNHCR in Caracas operates in a highly volatile, politically polarized, and complex environment. Humanitarian and development agencies face severe operational challenges, restricted access, and infrastructure disruptions.

Electricity works well in Caracas, but there can be sudden or even programmed power cuts in certain areas, especially lower‑income ones. Power cuts that last several hours can be frequent. UNHCR has appropriate facilities to ensure business continuity, while staff make provisions to cope with the situation in their homes. International staff usually rent housing with power generators and other gadgets that allow coping with electric failures.

Water supply is mostly rationed with scheduled outages. In Caracas, water supply may vary depending on the area. Some accommodations offer water wells or large water tanks, which increases the rental costs.

The main means of communication are cell phones. Depending on the region, some companies work better than others. Landlines are not easily available as they are only offered by the national governmental company CANTV, and obtaining a landline requires a bureaucratic and complicated procedure. Internet is mostly accessed through private companies, and the quality and speed will vary depending on the package and sources of connection (radio antennas, satellite, or optic fiber) at different costs.

Several educational facilities are available in Caracas where it is possible to find international schools. All field locations offer educational facilities, but their quality varies. Even in Caracas, educational facilities that have a high academic standard are not working at their full capacity, especially at the university level.

Markets and supermarkets have a good offering of local and imported products. Food tends to be expensive as it is affected by the high inflation rates. Costs are dollarized and prices are established at the US Dollar and Euro exchange rates in Caracas.

Housing and apartments are available for rent, but a rather high costs and due to security reasons, is limited to certain areas for international staff. Consulations with UNDSS and UNHCR Security focal points is necessary.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Interagency Coordination, MG-Coordination, MG-Stakeholder Management, Protection Strategies, PR-Returnee protection and monitoring, Resource Mobilization

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

HCR Learning Program - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - 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: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Accelerated Posting Compendium 2026 - Part A

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance