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

A (least hardship)

Family

PR5

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-05-26

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 6 millions.

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. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.

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 persons and 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.

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 different stages of the operations management cycle, including in programme monitoring, and engaging the participation of 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 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons especially women and children.
- Ensure 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 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
Business Administration; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; Social Science; Human Resources Management;
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
- Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency. 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
*IT-Computer Literacy
*PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
*PG-Results-Based Management
*MG-Field Operations Management
*UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
*MG-Political Decision Making
*MG-Change Management
*MG-Country/Regional Office Representation
*MG-Client Relationship Management
UN-Analysis of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications
(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:
• Recent senior management experience leading complex country or multi-country operations, including oversight of resources and teams while demonstrating strong leadership and ability to provide strategic vision and focus.
• Demonstrated experience working with government counterparts and other key external partners (UN agencies, NGOs, IFIs, private sector and donors) and identify opportunities to expand the protection space in politically sensitive environments.
• Demonstrated experience advancing sustainable responses and operationalizing the humanitarian-development nexus.

Desirable attributes:
• High level of political and organizational awareness to strategically position UNHCR as a trusted and relevant partner in a politically sensitive environment.
• Experience supporting innovation and in the development of new, progressive approaches and solutions.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills in English
• Knowledge of the Asia and Pacific region.

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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 Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCR's effective performance in the countries on the purview of the Multi-Country Office in Bangkok, namely Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam. S/He will manage a budget of approximately USD 6.6 million and oversee a team of some 70 personnel (including staff and affiliated workforce) across the Multi-Country Office covering Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The Representative reports to the Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific.

In Thailand, UNHCR works with and for some 90,000 Myanmar refugees along the border, as well as urban asylum seekers and refugees of various nationalities, and some 550,000 persons registered by the Royal Thai Government as stateless. The largest caseload of Myanmar refugees reside in nine temporary shelters on the Thai-Myanmar border, while other refugees and stateless persons reside in different areas of the country. UNHCR works with the Royal Thai Government, international agencies, NGOs and donors to address the protection, assistance, and durable solutions needs of asylum seekers, refugees and stateless persons.

Thailand is not party to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, nor is it a party to the Statelessness Conventions. The Royal Thai Government leads the humanitarian response on the Thai-Myanmar border, including emergency responses to new influx from Myanmar when they occur. The Royal Thai Government granted refugees in temporary shelters the right to work which came into effect on 1 October 2025.

Operational priorities include supporting the Government in strengthening self-reliance for displaced persons as well as the Government's long-term vision for gradual local integration, while advocating for essential services are provided in the camps during the interim phase, while work opportunities materialize and sustainable transitions to national systems take place. UNHCR also supports the Government in implementing its Cabinet Resolution in August 2024 to ensure half a million stateless people can readily acquire nationality or lawful permanent residency status as well as its efforts to develop the National Screening Mechanism, as a milestone towards the development of a national asylum system. Given the dynamic situation in Thailand, and the fact that it is a pilot country for Sustainable Response, the High Commissioner’s 50 by 35 initiative and that it is a key country of transit and destination on the South and South-East Asia Route (Route-Based Approach), the incumbent will play a key role in contributing to innovation and development of modern, progressive approaches and multi-sectoral programs, which will advance UNHCR’s protection and solutions objectives in a context, where the government plays a strong leadership role.

Viet Nam and Cambodia each have notable reported stateless populations, and very small numbers of refugees and asylum seekers. Viet Nam is not signatory to the 1951 Convention, nor the statelessness conventions, although Viet Nam has demonstrated regional leadership on statelessness and expressed an interest in studying accession to those conventions. Cambodia is one of only two countries in the region to have signed the 1951 Convention, and has taken initial steps to establish a national asylum system, but is not a party to either Statelessness Convention, although efforts are ongoing to strengthen civil registration. For Cambodia and Viet Nam, the incumbent will be expected to maintain strategic partnerships with the RC and the UNCT to effect progress for forcibly displaced and stateless persons through partnerships. The incumbent needs to be prepared to frequently undertake missions to the field offices in Thailand and to represent the organization in Viet Nam and Cambodia.

Living and Working Conditions:

Bangkok or Krung Thep (City of Angels) is Thailand`s capital and largest city. It is in the central part of the country, on the Chao Phraya River near the Gulf of Thailand. Bangkok is Thailand`s administrative, economic, and cultural centre, and a major commercial and transportation Centre of Southeast Asia. Bangkok has highly developed infrastructure, good public transport systems, high-end shopping, excellent healthcare facilities and excellent accommodation for all budgets. Furthermore, there are many International schools based in Bangkok offering the IB and British based syllabus although school fees in Thailand are one of the highest in the world. Traffic congestion and pollution are the downside. Temperatures in Bangkok vary between 20 C in December and 38 C in April with the monsoon season from July to October. This does lead to severe flooding in many parts of Bangkok and the rest of the country. Careful consideration must be given to the choice of residential location due to this factor. Weekly travel advisories are issued by UNDSS Thailand. UNDSS places restrictions on travel within Thailand to the Southern regions due to the ongoing insurgency and to districts bordering Cambodia due to long standing dispute on borderlines.

Staff must undergo mandatory briefings before travelling to the South and/or border areas with Cambodia. All staff travel in Thailand is recorded under the TRIP system. Thailand has one of the highest motor vehicle accident rates in the world. Road travel should be avoided at night for out of town travel and during the Thai New Year (April).

Additional Qualifications

Skills

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

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