JOB DESCRIPTION

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential Location

Non Family with Residential Location

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-07-23

August 8, 2025

Head of Field Office

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

Head of a UNHCR Field Office (HoFO) is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent carries the full delegated authority of the UNHCR Representative (or the Head of Sub-Office) 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 UNHCR 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 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 Field Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoFO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.

While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 remain 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on local situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO.
– 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/HoSO. In the event of a substantial telephone conversation that leads to specific action or non-action, it should be recorded and shared 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 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR Representation or Sub-Office 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 P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Management;
Personnel Administration;
Law;
Political Science;
International Relations;
Economics;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Management Learning Program;
HCR Managing Operations Learning Program;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
In-depth knowledge in all aspects of UNHCR¿s Field level operation.  Applied experience 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

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
UN-UNHCR’s Mandate/Policy and Global Strategic Priorities
MG-Office Management
HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
PR-Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistance
(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.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong protection orientation with a blend of supervisory, managerial, and operational coordination responsibilities. A solid background in protection, field operations, and team leadership particularly in refugee or IDP contexts is essential. Experience in field-level implementation, coordination, and advocacy is highly valued. Proven leadership in decentralized or UN field settings, especially in hardship or conflict-affected duty stations, is required. The candidate should exhibit sound judgment, strong coordination, negotiation, and representation skills, and familiarity with UNHCR protection tools, RBM, AGD, and community-based protection. Ability to drive operational delivery aligned with UNHCR’s strategic priorities is critical.

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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 Head of Field Office is a member of the senior management team, reporting directly to the Deputy Representative (Operations) and maintaining functional linkages with the Senior Protection Officer and team at the Representation Office. Somalia remains a complex, mixed operation facing challenges from ongoing conflict and climate shocks, resulting in large-scale displacement.

As of January 2024, Somalia hosts 40,559 refugees and asylum-seekers—primarily from Ethiopia, Yemen, and Syria—with 68% residing in Somaliland (20,558). More than half are Ethiopian asylum-seekers. The operation is expected to sustain Individual Enhanced Registration standards following the ongoing verification exercise, in line with the 2024 Guidance Note on Protection, Assistance and Solutions. The Field Office also supports annual returns at Berbera port, receiving over 1,500 returnees from Yemen and beyond.

Somalia’s internal displacement crisis remains severe, with 3.6 million displaced due to conflict and disasters, and over 300,000 newly displaced as of June 2024, according to UNHCR’s Protection and Solutions Monitoring Network (PSMN). UNHCR continues to lead the protection, shelter, and CCCM clusters while responding to humanitarian and emergency situations, often participating in joint assessments, protection monitoring, and assistance delivery.

Given the mixed settlement patterns, UNHCR implements community-based interventions targeting refugees, asylum-seekers, IDPs, returnees, and host communities. The Office also supports the Government in protecting and documenting ‘People on the Move. As UNHCR’s senior-most representative in the field, the incumbent advises senior management, oversees programme implementation, monitors delivery, and ensures effective coordination with partners and stakeholders.

Living and Working Conditions:

Hargeisa/Somaliland is a non-family duty station. The overall security situation in the area is relatively stable. The presence of Al-Shabaab in parts of Sool and Sanaag continues to pose a threat to the security of Somaliland and the UN. SL security forces arrested multiple suspects in Hargeisa and other major towns such as Borama and Berbera involved in terrorist-related investigations. Territorial conflict between SL and SSC continues (frontline Oog, Buq-Darken and Yeyle in Buhodle) could escalate into full scale clashes at any time. Inter-clan tension and armed clashes, revenge killings, and RTAs are also serious security concerns in the region. Crime related incidents also reported in Hargeisa. All international staff are required to use Armored Vehicle particularly, while moving outside of Hargeisa and are required to travel with SPU escort. Staff are also required to obtain security clearance and CONOPS for all missions outside of Hargeisa, as well as for R&R and Annual Leave outside the country.

The incumbent will be living in one of the lodges located next to Ambassador Hotel compound (near Hargeisa airport). The lodge has one bedroom, one bathroom, kitchen, living room with a dining area. Cleaning and laundry services are available whenever desired. The candidates with conditions requiring special attention, regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. The hospitals which have better facilities in Hargeisa and recognized by UN Dispensary are: Gargaar Hospital, Edna Adan Hospital, Hargeisa Group Hospital, Canadian Hospital, and International Hospital. All these hospitals are in Hargeisa.

The major telecommunication companies in Hargeisa are TELESOM and SOMTEL. In Hargeisa, the major banks which international staff can use are Dahabshil Bank and AMAL Express. There are ATMs operating at the Ambassador Hotel. The R&R cycle is 6-weeks.

Access to markets is available but based on UNDSS security protocols on moving in a UN vehicle and having an accompanying by national staff. Access to restaurants and cafes and other public spaces, except Ambassador and Mansoor hotels are not allowed and requires prior information and coordination to UNDSS.  There is daily commercial flight with Ethiopian Airlines from Hargeisa to Addis Ababa. Other air companies such as Freedom Airlines and Premiere Airlines and African Express have two flights every week from Hargeisa to Nairobi.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software, MG-Office Management, PR-International protection concepts and principles, UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities

Bachelor of Arts: Economics (Required), Bachelor of Arts: International Relations (Required), Bachelor of Arts: Law (Required), Bachelor of Arts: Management (Required), Bachelor of Arts: Personnel Administration (Required), Bachelor of Arts: Political Science (Required)

Certifications

HCR Management 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, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

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

Compendium

Add. 2 to the Bi-Annual 2025 Compendium – Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance