Head of Field Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), which was established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to provide durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country.

Job Overview:
The Head of Field Unit position is critical for overseeing the implementation of UNHCR's programs and ensuring the protection of forcibly displaced and stateless persons. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Representative or Head of Sub/Field Office, focusing on program management, protection, and external relations. This role requires a strong ability to coordinate with local authorities, humanitarian partners, and inter-agency mechanisms, representing UNHCR at the field level. The position demands a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian operations, particularly in complex or isolated environments, and the ability to advocate for the rights and needs of displaced populations. The Head of Field Unit will also be responsible for strategic planning and ensuring that the basic needs of the affected populations are met through effective program implementation and monitoring.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Field Unit include monitoring and reporting on the implementation of refugee responsibilities and international obligations of local authorities, advocating for UNHCR standards regarding the treatment of forcibly displaced persons, and ensuring that the needs of these populations are assessed in collaboration with beneficiaries and partners. The incumbent will oversee the planning, formulation, and budgeting of assistance projects, ensuring timely implementation and compliance with UNHCR's operational standards. Additionally, the Head of Field Unit will manage resources effectively, maintain security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures for UNHCR offices, and ensure staff welfare. Regular reporting to senior management and representation of UNHCR in inter-agency forums are also key responsibilities. The role requires proactive risk management and the integration of risk management principles into decision-making processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess relevant professional experience in humanitarian operations, refugee protection, or situations of forced displacement, including field experience. Demonstrated experience in supervising teams and managing multi-sectoral humanitarian programs in complex operational environments is essential. Strong analytical skills, strategic planning capabilities, and knowledge of international protection principles are required. Experience in developing strategic plans that incorporate protection, inclusion, resilience, and development perspectives is also necessary. Familiarity with national and local planning frameworks and the ability to integrate the needs of affected populations into these frameworks are highly valued. Previous experience with UNHCR or similar organizations is desirable, particularly in emergency contexts or high-risk security areas.

Educational Background:
A minimum of an undergraduate degree in fields such as Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Law, Management, Political Science, or other relevant disciplines is required. Advanced degrees (Graduate or Doctorate) may substitute for years of experience, with specific requirements outlined for different levels of positions within the organization.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree, two years for those with a graduate degree, or one year for individuals holding a doctorate. Experience should be directly related to humanitarian operations, refugee protection, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on practical application in challenging environments.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional roles, knowledge of the local language is also required. Additional language skills may be advantageous but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the hardship level E, indicating a challenging operational environment. It is a non-family position with residential location requirements. The target start date for the role is April 1, 2026, and the application deadline is March 24, 202

• The position does not require functional clearance and is not remote.