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

Senior Situation Coordinator

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Situation Coordinator normally works under the direct supervision of the Bureau Director or Representative and may have alternative reporting relationships depending on the structure and size of the Office. S/he coordinates the responses to a designated situation ensuring that the measures, necessary for timely, effective and consistent responses are taken and coordinated between Headquarters, the Regional Bureau and the concerned UNHCR Country Operations within a specific region. S/he will furthermore coordinate with regional stakeholders within the Inter-Agency Framework and actively contribute to the implementation of a situational strategy for forcibly displaced and stateless persons in the area of responsibility (AoR) in close consultation and coordination with relevant sections at Bureau, Country and Headquarters level. Moreover, the incumbent in close coordination with Senior Policy Adviser or Head of Bureau Protection Service, as appropriate, will lead the endeavour to define the strategic response to the designated situation in the AoR.

The incumbent supervises Operations or other staff. External contacts are with relevant national and international governmental counterparts, UN Resident Coordinators, UN agencies, private sector, and NGOs on UNHCR's programmes in the countries covered under the AoR in coordination with Representatives.

The grade level of the positions with this role can be P5 or D1 depending on the activities covered under the designated situation as well as the structure and location of the organizational unit in which the position operates. Positions at D1 normally report to Director/Representative at D2 grade level and positions at P5 to (Deputy) Director/Representative or Head of Operations Service at D1 grade level.

In the Regional Bureaux, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring in an effective and efficient manner which supports the Organization's Mandate, overall quality assurance and managerial support of operations, in line with the Bureau's 2nd line function, within the three lines of defence conceptual framework for effective control and risk management adopted by the UN system.

S/he will, further, cover the full spectrum of managerial oversight, manage performance and monitor the adherence of Country Operations to UNHCR's rules and regulations, monitoring, identifying and addressing any emerging issues and risks as appropriate. The incumbent also promotes a culture that is results-oriented, efficient and based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion, gender balance and diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing, resource allocation and representation at all levels throughout the AoR.

As a key custodian of the organization's standards of conduct, s/he will proactively establish a working environment where all personnel feel safe, heard, equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism, gender inequality, discrimination of any kind, abuse of power, harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported, whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken, working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.

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
- Facilitate strategic planning, tactical and operational synergies and collaboration with Governmental, UN system, non-governmental organizations, donors, civil society partners and other stakeholders in coordination with Representatives in country operations.
- Coordinate the preparation, revision or updating of UNHCR-led Inter-Agency Regional Contingency and/or Refugee Response plans drawing upon and rationalizing the respective elements of the concerned Country Operation plans to include coherent scenarios and strategies on protection and durable solutions (even in the initial stages of the emergency) as well as resource requirements, advocacy, fundraising and information-management.
- Monitor political, security and other developments in the country/ies of origin and the affected countries in the region, including where relevant, the responses by international humanitarian community, United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, development actors, as well as any escalations or other changes in the conflict/insecurity or mediation/peace efforts; ensure that the relevant implications and inputs are factored into the coordinated regional refugee response to the emergencies in the countries concerned.
- Convene regional coordination meetings bringing together all regional partners; Undertake missions to identify political, security, operational, funding challenges, and risks facing the regional refugee response and to foster the best possible inter-agency collaboration, synergy and action.
- Maintain a pro-active external relations and strategic communications posture on key developments of the (emergency) response and regularly provide briefings and other information or advocacy products to relevant governments, regional multilateral institutions, donors and other stakeholders; ensure UNHCR participation in meetings, consultations, initiatives or other events crucial to coordination of the regional refugee response.
- Ensure visibility for and mobilize or sustain funding support for UNHCR's activities (and its partners), interests or concerns relating to the situation, both in the country(ies) of origin as well as in the countries affected.
- Liaise with focal points in the Bureau and country operations to ensure close follow up on situational realities, programme / Regional Response plan implementation, challenges and sub-regional developments which may have an impact on the situation.
- Provide inputs to concerned Country Operation plans to include coherent scenarios and strategies on protection and durable solutions in line with regional strategy.
- Ensure that risk management considerations are integrated into decision making, planning, monitoring, reporting and contingency activities in the region covered, and promote this across relevant field operations.

- 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.

- 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
Political Science; Economics; Social Science; Business Administration; Law;

or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Programme Management

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in field operations. Strong operational background and political awareness. At least 10 years of relevant experience in an international capacity. Understanding of UNHCR mandate and operations.

Desirable
Experience in lobbying successfully governmental counterparts in key policy issues of relevance to forcibly displaced and stateless persons' access to rights and search for durable solutions. Experience in working with UNHCR; or other UN entities or partners preferably in the area of refugee or humanitarian operations. Proven track record in emergency preparedness, response and management.

Functional Skills
MG-Field Operations Management
ER-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination
MG-Coordination
RM-Risk Management
(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:
o Recent experience in emergencies, rapidly evolving and complex operational contexts, and/or humanitarian, development and peace (HDP) nexus contexts.
o Security management experience and recent experience in functional areas of protection and solutions, including social and economic inclusion.
o Experience in overseeing and/or implementing IDP, refugee and/or mixed coordination models.
o Strong engagement and experiences in the GCR and SDG/UNSDCF, as well as experience from the operations that have enhanced their interventions on social protection
o Demonstrated experience leading and developing strategic operational framework, response plans and/or Inter-Agency funding appeals.

Desirable attributes:
o Ideally, the candidate should have engaged in innovation and in the development of new, progressive approaches and solutions.
o A combined HQ and field experience will be considered as an advantage and previous experience in the region is an asset.
o Proven solid negotiation and networking skills.
o High sense of political and organizational awareness and solid analytical capabilities.
o Recent demonstrated experience in adapting to changing operational dynamics in a strategic manner.

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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 Asia and the Pacific region continues to face complex, protracted and interlinked displacement dynamics, characterized by recurrent emergencies, mixed and onward movement, and shrinking protection space. The two regional situations – Afghanistan and Myanmar– continue to be the region’s strategic focus, including for implementation of organizational approaches such as the Route-Based Approach and Sustainable Responses.

The position of Senior Situation Coordinator is located in the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand. The incumbent supervises a small multi-functional team and reports to the Bureau senior management. The incumbent coordinates strategic, consistent and forward-looking operational responses of these two situations, in close collaboration with field operations, relevant HQ divisions and other Regional Bureaus, as well as a wide range of external stakeholders.

For the Afghanistan situation, the incumbent is expected to support operational pivots of the South West Asia (SWA) and Central Asia (CA) countries in light of large-scale return of Afghan refugees, most of them under adverse circumstances, with over 5 million returns to Afghanistan in recent years. For the Myanmar situation, the incumbent is expected to support operations in operationalizing regionally cohesive protection and solutions strategies along South and South East Asia Route for the over 5 million forcibly displaced or stateless across the region, including 3.7 million IDPs and 1.3 million stateless Rohingya refugees and asylum-seekers.

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 the Afghanistan and Myanmar situations.

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. Whilst Thailand is classified as an A Duty station, the country is currently under the military junta and freedom of expression has been curtailed. 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: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

Programme Management - Other

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, Planning & organizing, 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