Representative in Washington, D.C.

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR advocates for the protection of refugees and displaced persons and works to find durable solutions to their plight.

Job Overview:
The Representative in Washington, D.C. serves as the senior representative of the High Commissioner in the United States, providing strategic vision and managerial leadership to ensure effective performance of UNHCR in the country. The role involves leading efforts to develop and sustain a robust network of support across the U.S., engaging stakeholders from various sectors including government, civil society, and the private sector to advance UNHCR's mission. The Representative is responsible for translating organizational objectives into effective advocacy and programmatic campaigns to generate political and financial support. This position requires continuous situational and political analysis to identify strategic objectives and develop coherent responses to challenges in a changing political climate. The Representative also contributes to global strategy and decision-making within the senior leadership team of the High Commissioner, ensuring that UNHCR is perceived as a trusted partner.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Representative include: staying informed about local political challenges and developing strategies to address them; managing consultative processes with external partners; implementing a comprehensive external engagement strategy; leading advocacy and fundraising initiatives; contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making; developing communications strategies; analyzing U.S. policy and funding developments; providing strategic advisory support to UNHCR country offices; ensuring alignment of workplans with strategic priorities; engaging in UN common programming; assessing operational risks; maintaining knowledge management frameworks; undertaking missions to operational contexts; managing resources effectively; ensuring compliance with HR policies; overseeing recruitment processes; and ensuring security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures are in place for staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a proven ability to lead high-level representation, political advocacy, strategic communications, and partnership development in complex environments. They should demonstrate strong political judgment and the ability to navigate fast-changing political landscapes while preserving institutional credibility. The role requires the ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, and results-based management. Candidates must also have the capacity to translate strategic objectives into practical plans and monitor implementation. Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree in fields such as Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, Human Resources Management, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, or other relevant fields. A graduate degree or doctorate is preferred, with relevant experience being a key factor in the selection process.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 18 years of relevant experience for a D2 level position, which includes experience in high-level representation, political advocacy, and strategic communications. Experience in donor relations, crisis communications, and resource mobilization in politically complex environments is highly desirable. Proven capacity to engage with senior government and civil society stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is required if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also necessary. Candidates should aim for at least a B2 level proficiency in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a professional role with a regular assignment. The target start date is July 1, 2026, and the application deadline is July 7, 202

• The position is based in Washington, D.C., and is expected to engage with various stakeholders across the U.S. The role may involve travel and requires a commitment to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. The Representative will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with UNHCR's policies and standards.