JOB DESCRIPTION

H (no hardship)

Family

Family

PR5

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-10-01

August 8, 2025

Chief of Durable Solutions Section

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Chief of Durable Solutions Section has responsibility for the coordination and management of global durable solutions activities, as well as consistent implementation of UNHCR’s resettlement, voluntary repatriation, and local integration policies and objectives as an integral part of UNHCR’s global refugee protection and solutions strategies. The position is in the Solutions and Field Protection Support Service, Division of International Protection and Solutions at UNHCR Headquarters. The incumbent reports to the Head of Solutions and Protection Support Service and is responsible for leading and supervising a team of professional and affiliated staff. S/he is part of the DIPS Senior Management Team. The incumbent has extensive work relationships and contacts with a wide array of external / internal stakeholders, often at a senior level, in coordinating UNHCR’s durable solutions activities. External stakeholders include traditional as well as new and emerging resettlement countries, immigration officials, host governments, governments of countries of origin, NGOs, international organizations, academics, resettlement service providers in resettlement countries, private sector partners. In addition to providing direct supervision to staff in the Section, the incumbent provides functional support to regional Durable Solutions and Resettlement Officers in regional bureaus and in the field.

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

• Stay abreast and analyze the implications of global and regional political, legal, social and economic developments and provide advice / recommends on policy / strategic approaches to further UNHCR objectives with respect to durable solutions and complementary pathways.
• Advise and assist the Head of the Solutions and Field Protection Support Service in the formulation and operationalization of policies and strategies to realize UNHCR’s durable solutions vision and goals and deliver outcomes consistently and effectively in a results-based framework.
• In coordination with the regional bureaus and other divisions within UNHCR, as well as the Sustainable Responses Service, strive to achieve consistent implementation of durable solutions objectives within the context of UNHCR’s overall protection objectives and strategies.  To this end, oversee, inter alia, the planning of the Projected Global Resettlement Needs as it relates to Country Operations Planning (COP) and the enhancement of durable solutions and complementary pathways.
• Advise the supervisor on issues and initiatives in the broader asylum and migration environment as they impact on durable solutions and protection of refugees and the development of appropriate policy and operational responses.
• Ensure that UNHCR’s resettlement strategy addresses the specific protection needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, and groups such as minorities and persons living with HIV/AIDS.
• Coordinate durable solutions responses to emergency situations.
• Coordinate the bilateral relations with resettlement countries on policy and operational issues.
• Develop and implement strategies and tools to enhance collaboration with key stakeholders, including NGOs.
• Coordinate fund-raising activities in support of additional durable solutions projects in the field.
• Promote, disseminate and strengthen understanding and capacity for and monitor the implementation of UNHCR’s global durable solutions policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Monitor the effectiveness of Regional Hubs and provide advice and guidance as required.
• Implement, in coordination with relevant counterparts at headquarters and in the field, resettlement and complementary pathways initiatives to mitigate risks to the organisation and specifically ensure the integrity of resettlement operations.  In this connection, particular attention is given to resettlement delivery in the field by making sure that the monitoring, evaluation and oversight mechanisms are properly considered and integrated into activities.
• Coordinate dialogue on resettlement related issues to bring about global coherence and synergy to make resettlement both strategic as well as responsive to the needs of persons of concern.
• Assist the supervisor in ensuring that UNHCR’s durable solutions perspective is fully represented in external fora (ExCom, Standing Committee, Annual NGO Consultations, IGC, high-level bilateral meetings etc.) and in leading the Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement (ATCR) / Working Group on Resettlement (WGR) process.
• Manage a process to ensure that key stakeholders receive up-to-date and accurate information on UNHCR’s resettlement policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement strategies and tools to guide and monitor UNHCR’s efforts to enhance durable solutions capacity in field operations, including through training activities and policy guidance on resettlement, complementary pathways, voluntary repatriation, local integration.
• Contribute to a communications strategy that generates support for UNHCR’s operations from external partners (e.g. the general public, governments, partners, the media, academia and persons of concern).
• Provide day-to-day supervision to staff in the Durable Solutions Section and exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support.
• Provide functional support to regional durable solutions and resettlement staff in the field.
• Negotiate globally with resettlement countries and as appropriate with host governments on behalf of UNHCR.
• Clear durable solutions-related documents and reports.
• Represent UNHCR’s durable solutions, resettlement, complementary pathways positions in global fora.
• Enforce global compliance with, and integrity of, voluntary repatriation and resettlement standard operating procedures.
• 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

International Relations;                                     Political Science;                 Social Science;

International Law;                                              or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Previous job experiences relevant to UNHCR activities, some of which should have been of a senior level related to the international protection of persons of concern. Field experience.

Desirable

Senior-level stakeholder management. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR’s broad protection policy and procedures.

Functional Skills

PR-International protection concepts and principles

(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.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Empowering and Building Trust

Judgement and Decision Making

Leadership

Managing Performance

Managing Resources

Strategic Planning and Vision

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Policy Development and Research

Political Awareness

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.

DIPS seeks diversity in its workforce and will consider gender and geographic diversity in the composition of its teams. DIP encourages colleagues with disabilities to apply. The desired candidate profile is as follows:
• Extensive field and leadership experience in both refugee and IDP contexts, including in emergencies.
• Demonstrated expertise in protection and durable solutions advocacy, analysis, and strategy development, as well as strong drafting skills.
• Technical knowledge in durable solutions, including voluntary repatriation, resettlement and complementary pathways.
• Knowledge and experience in development contexts is desirable.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams and portfolios, to foster collaboration, delegate effectively, and to drive institutional change.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and political awareness skills are essential, including confidence in negotiation and public speaking.
• Strong experience in inter-agency coordination and engagement with senior government officials.
• Proven drafting and policy analysis skills are essential.
• Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic is desirable.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and can accommodate the specific needs for qualified candidates.

Nature of Position:

The Head of Section reports to the Chief of Solutions and Field Protection Support Service within the Division of International Protection and Solutions (DIPS) and is a key member of the Division’s senior management team. This newly consolidated role brings together leadership of Resettlement and Complementary Pathways, Voluntary Repatriation, and Local Integration reflecting a strategic integration of durable solutions functions.

The Head of Section will oversee a broad and diverse solutions portfolio that includes:

• Leading global efforts to expand and strategically use resettlement and complementary pathways (e.g., family reunification, education, labour mobility, humanitarian admission) in line with the Global Compact on Refugees and the 2030 Roadmap.
• Working with Regional Bureaus to support country operations in creating conditions for voluntary repatriation, as well as supporting return in adverse circumstances where required.
• Working with the Sustainable Responses Service on the protection aspects of local integration and reintegration.
• The solutions portfolio also includes solutions to internal displacement in the context of the SG’s Action Agenda and the work of the SG’s Special Advisor on solutions for IDPs. This portfolio is shared with the IDP/Global Protection Cluster Coordinator.

The incumbent will work closely with Regional Bureaus, field operations, and external stakeholders—including governments, NGOs, international organizations, the private sector – to ensure coherence in delivery. The role requires strong leadership, strategic vision, negotiation skills, and the ability to represent UNHCR at events and in intergovernmental fora.

Living and Working Conditions:

The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Living and working conditions in Switzerland are up to the level of a highly developed country, where easy access to quality schooling, services, medical support, and higher education is available. The incumbent will be required to travel, sometimes on short notice. The position requires residence in Geneva and cannot be undertaken remotely, although some teleworking is possible, after discussions with the manager.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

PR-International protection concepts and principles

Bachelor of Arts: International Law, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

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, Policy research & development, 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