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:
• Extensive experience in refugee protection and humanitarian operations, including camp and urban refugee contexts.
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-functional country operations and managing complex stakeholder engagement with governments, donors, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners.
• Proven experience in strategic coordination, inter-agency engagement, and resource mobilization in politically sensitive environments.
• Strong understanding of protection, solutions, asylum, and inclusion approaches in mixed displacement contexts.
• Experience overseeing operational planning, programme management, and organizational resource management.

Desirable:
• Experience in North Africa or comparable displacement and political contexts.
• Familiarity with inter-agency humanitarian response coordination and donor platforms.
• Experience engaging with development and multilateral actors on inclusion and solutions approaches.
• Knowledge of French and/or Arabic is desirable.

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Arabic

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French

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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:

UNHCR has been accredited to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, a signatory to the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees, since 1984. It provides protection and assistance to persons of concern in both camp and urban settings. Algeria is both a country of transit and a destination. The political, security and economic situation in the region is expected to fuel further displacement. Movements beyond the region are expected to continue.

UNHCR is at the forefront of the humanitarian response for the Sahrawi Refugee Response Plan (SRRP), led by the Resident Coordinator (RC), to appeal for resources and support to Sahrawi refugees across five camps near Tindouf, Algeria.

UNHCR leads several of the eight sectors of support for the refugees and coordinates the efforts of partners and the Sahrawi population itself as well as leading the interaction with the host government through the multilateral directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It also leads the Sahrawi Refugee Partners platform for donors in Algiers and the UN-wide Subgroup for Communications and Fundraising. UNHCR’s urban operation, based in Algiers, serves more than 11,000 refugees and 14,000 asylum-seekers from the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa.

At the request of the Algerian authorities, UNHCR undertakes registration and status determination for asylum-seekers and helps them to secure durable solutions once recognized as refugees. UNHCR focuses on strengthening access to national systems and services, including education, health , GBV response, child protection and support for persons with disabilities.

The Representative will manage the country Operation. S/he will promote UNHCR 's objectives and priorities through formal and informal contacts with relevant government bodies, UN agencies, development actors, diplomatic missions, I/NGOs, media and other interested parties to mobilize support for the work of UNHCR. The Representative will also play a critical role in developing and supervising the implementation of the Multi-Year Strategy, and ensure effective and efficient management of protection, operations, Programme, financial and material resources within the rules and procedures of UNHCR.

Living and Working Conditions:

Algeria acceded to the 1954 Convention relating to the status of stateless persons, however it is not a party to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. At the 46th year of the Sahrawi displacement, one of the most protracted in the world, the situation in the five camps is compromised by their remoteness, limited livelihood opportunities and frequent sandstorms and floods. Humanitarian minimum standards cannot be met in most sectors and most refugees are believed to live below the poverty line, with increasing rates of malnutrition and frustration among the youth, aggravated by the rise of unemployment caused by the pandemic.

Furthermore, this is exacerbated by the limited access to secondary and higher education, life learning and livelihood opportunities, leading to adverse practices. Access to potable water and scarce cultivation of food is of major concern, as is that most Sahrawi refugees live in inadequate shelters, which poses a serious health and wellbeing concern, particularly for refugees with specific needs, such as persons with disabilities (PWD) and older persons.

The UNHCR office in Algiers provides care and maintenance assistance to a relatively small number of urban refugees mostly from Syria, Cameroon, Iraq, DRC, Ivory Coast, Somalia, and Liberia. An increasing number of composite flows made up mix movements, transit via Tamanrasset and Adrar, in the south of Algeria, in a bid to reach European shores. Due to various factors, such as the restoration of peace and security in the country, the brisk pace of economic growth and the increasingly restrictive asylum policies in the EU zone, Algeria is in the process of becoming an asylum country for a growing number of refugees particularly from Sub-Sahara. This new trend requires an innovative and sustainable urban refugee programme focusing on including refugee and asylum seekers in national services and effective access to asylum.

For its assistance programme in Tindouf, UNHCR uses a planning figure of 90,000 most vulnerable Sahrawi refugees, although acknowledging that the population in need is much higher. UNHCR ensures their access to health, water, education, livelihoods, energy, food security and dignified shelter. These interventions will aim at improving their living standards through innovative ways of delivering humanitarian interventions that enable and foster community self-reliance.

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