Deadline for Applications

December 22, 2025

Hardship Level

D

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Residential location (if applicable)

Budapest, Hungary

Grade

DI1

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2025-12-08

Standard Job Description

Deputy Representative

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Direct supervision is received from the Representative at D2 level. Advice and operational support may also be provided by the Director/Deputy Director of the Bureau and by other senior staff in the Bureau and in the support Divisions at Headquarters. The Deputy Representative will also refer to policies, standards, rules and regulations which are in force within UNHCR.

The incumbent will assist the Representative in the overall management of UNHCR”s. He/she promote, together with the Representative, UNHCR”s objectives and priorities through formal and informal contacts with relevant government ministries and departments, UN agencies, diplomatic missions, I/NGOs, media, and other interested parties to raise support for the work of UNHCR. He/she maintain regular contacts with the Representative and staff at Headquarters and in the field to consult, discuss operational issues, and to seek common grounds for solutions on activities and programmes of importance to UNHCR and also, contacts with persons on matters of great importance to UNHCR”s programmes e.g. head of national/international organizations, embassies, UN agencies, and high officials/ministers in the national government. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.

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
– Provide legal protection advice and guidance on matters of doctrine and policy to Representative, the Heads of Offices and protection staff in the country.
– Provide advice and support to offices in the country operation on specific issues/problems faced related to asylum, refugee protection and assistance, including access to territory, access to RSD and asylum procedures, non-refoulement adequate reception and the implementation of durable solutions, including developing a Protection Management Framework for each national office.
– Provide legal and programme related advice and guidance to offices in the country on developing and maintaining fair and effective asylum regimes in accordance with international standards and norms, especially with regard to national asylum/refugee legislation and the building of local protection capacity.
– Provide legal and programme related advice and guidance on matters relating to the issue of asylum and migration to the Representative and offices in the country with particular emphasis on the problems of trafficking and smuggling.
– Provide guidance and leadership related to the implementation of the Age, Gender Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM) Participatory Assessments in sub-region and ensure the follow up on any identified gaps related to the reception and integration systems and structures in the region with relevant stakeholders.
– Keep abreast of and analyse trends and key issues related to legal protection and assistance in the country, including preparing strategy and position papers with policy recommendations on specific protection, assistance and durable solutions related issues relevant to the country.
– Directly supervise Protection and Programme sections and develop operations plan in accordance with the organizational policies and operational strategies.
– Assist the Representative in the promotion of UNHCR strategic goals and objectives in the country, monitoring of the overall progress towards achieving them and in managing the Representation country office.
– Ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect staff, and that the country operation complies with UN MOSS/MORSS staff security rules, guidelines and procedures.
– Serve as OIC of the Country Office when the Representative is on mission or leave.
– Any other duties as may be required or assigned by the Representative.
– Represent UNHCR in the meetings and fora related to the functions.
– Enforce local compliance with UNHCR¿s global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards.
– Authorize payments as per the organization¿s Delegation of Authority Plan (DOAP) and in accordance with UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
– Modify operational projects and reallocate funds, within the approved budgets and in respect of donor earmarking.

– 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 D1 – 17 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 15 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

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

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Management Lrng Prg;

HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Minimum 17 years of previous work experience relevant to the function at professional level, with more than 10 years in international capacity. Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency.
Desirable
Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications.

Functional Skills
*PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
*MG-Political Decision Making
UN-Analysis of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications
(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.

Desired Candidate Profile

• At least 20 years of experience in progressively responsible functions in developing, administering, managing and overseeing UNHCR’s programme and operational activities, including in the areas of CBI, shelter/housing and recovery and durable solutions.
• Thorough knowledge of UNHCR policies, rules and regulations pertaining to programme planning and management, supply and procurement, project control, operations, as well as recovery, development and durable solutions, and their applications and interpretation under different circumstances. Prior experience from audits, verifications and evaluations.
• Demonstrated experience in the analysis of data, Information Management, and integrating evidence into operational decision-making and practice. Solid UNHCR experience managing large and complex field operations, leading multi-partner operational strategies and plans, and ideally also prior Headquarters experience. Prior experience from HPC, including HNO and HNRP processes, UNSDCFs, and related coordination mechanisms.
• Solid knowledge of and experience from inter-agency, cluster, nexus and development coordination systems and in positively engaging with a multitude of stakeholders, including UN, I/NGOs, IFIs, private sector and governmental stakeholders.
• Demonstrated external relations skills, particularly liaising with senior government authorities and donors. Ability/experience in representing UNHCR positions in high-level fora and in raising funds/awareness of UNHCR’s programmes, positions and policies.
• Excellent inter-personal skills including maturity and demonstrated ability to build and collaborate in teams. Strong and constructive negotiation skills.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been present in Ukraine since 1994 and substantially increased its presence and response after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The geographical presence within Ukraine has significatively expanded to deliver the emergency response. The country office is located in the capital, Kyiv, and sub- and field offices are currently located in Dnipro, Kyiv, L’viv, Odesa and Kharkiv.

The war in Ukraine has caused death and suffering on a dramatic scale. In 2025, more than 12.7 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection, according to the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. Some 3.7 million people are internally displaced, while around 6.8 million refugees from Ukraine are recorded across Europe and beyond. Some 75,000 people, including some of the most vulnerable notable older people and people with disabilities, live in collective sites spread across the country. Ukraine also hosts asylum-seekers and refugees and is home to thousands of people who are stateless or at risk of statelessness.

The massive destruction of civilian infrastructure, with the energy sector being particularly targeted has made life extremely challenging for millions of people who have lost their homes and livelihoods, and has severely disrupted access to electricity, water, heating as well as critical services, including healthcare, education and social protection services. Humanitarian access continues to be hampered, particularly in frontline areas as well as to areas under temporary occupation of the Russian Federation. Civilians remain exposed to serious risks to their physical security and integrity, particularly in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine. The risk of GBV, including sexual violence, continues to prevail, alongside family separations, loss of housing and properties, as well as identity and civil documentation. Populations displaced or otherwise affected by the war live in situations of deprivation, following the loss or damage of their housing, loss of income, and often become dependent on an overstretched social protection system.

The Government of Ukraine maintains a strong lead role in responding to the needs of its population and UNHCR supports the Government and its central and local institutions to provide protection, shelter/housing, cash and in-kind assistance to displaced and other people impacted by the war. Currently, UNHCR has MOUs with five-line ministries, the First Lady’s foundation as well as the Office of the Ombudsman, 19 regional state administrations and agreements with 14 partners to deliver assistance and support the localization of the response.

Under the leadership of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, UNHCR operates as part of the Inter-agency humanitarian response, working in close coordination with local authorities and humanitarian partners. UNHCR is leading three clusters – Protection, Shelter and NFIs, and CCCM (the latter being in transition) and is part of the Durable Solutions Steering Committee. The strategic orientation of UNHCR’s response is to reach people, particularly those with specific vulnerabilities, who remain in frontline and heavily affected areas with immediate relief while supporting displaced people and those who have remained in their homes, or returned, with protection advice, housing support, livelihoods advice and cash assistance to enable their recovery and attainment of durable solutions.

Protection needs to be truly at the center of this response, as the highest critical needs of the population caused by the international armed conflict are in the area of protection. Since Ukraine is a highly sophisticated country with a strong government leadership and well-established administrative, social protection and digital systems, it is essential to design and deliver UNHCR’s protection programs in a way which simultaneously addresses immediate needs and supports the further development of sustainable and inclusive national protection systems.

With the EU having voted to confirm Ukraine’s accession to the EU at the end of 2023, Ukraine will also embark on a series of substantial and long-term reforms in numerous sectors, including justice and home affairs, which presents an opportunity to contribute to strengthened and more inclusive protection, asylum and statelessness reduction systems. Working closely with government authorities, local community representatives and partners from the embassies, UN, civil society and international financial institutions, amongst others, is thus key to ensuring that UNHCR’s response is closely aligned with and complementary of national and local strategies and recovery plans.

As the war continues, new urgent humanitarian needs are created every day, alongside protracted ones and peoples’ and communities’ efforts to recover and rebuild their lives in war-torn communities. Among the IDPs and refugees from Ukraine, the majority express a hope and desire to return to their homes as soon as the security situation allows. The protection needs of the population thus need to be analyzed and addressed both from a humanitarian as well as from an early recovery and durable solutions perspective, with UNHCR playing a leading role in this work.

The Deputy Representative is based in the Country Office in Kyiv but travels in-country to the field offices frequently. In 2026, the operation will have a sub-office in Dnipro, and field offices in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa with around 280 staff members. The Deputy Representative reports directly to the Representative, is part of the senior leadership team comprised of three Assistant Representatives for Protection, Administration, and Operations respectively.

The Deputy Representative oversees the day-to-day managerial aspects of UNHCR’s complex, multi-faceted operation in Ukraine and, together with the senior management team, supports the Representative in developing UNHCR’s strategic positioning and adaptation in a highly fluid operational and political context. The Deputy Representative supervises the heads of the sub-office in Dnipro and of the field offices in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa. With the support of the Assistant Representative (Operations), they oversee a broad operational portfolio including programme, procurement and supply, cash (CBI), shelter and NFIs, information management, and engagement on durable solutions, and are primarily responsible for ensuring coherence and complementarity between UNHCR’s coordination responsibilities and operational delivery in the same thematic areas. They will also actively pursue UNHCR Ukraine’s ‘solutions from the start approach’ to programmatic interventions, through area-based cooperation and engagement with UN, I/NGO, development, IFI and private sector partners.They will work closely with the Senior Project Control Officer, who is also the risk mitigation and management focal point, including in the context of OIOS audits, to ensure UNHCR’s programmes are designed and delivered in a way that meets the UN/UNHCR’s regulations and guidance.

The incumbent will coordinate closely with the Assistant Representative (Protection) to ensure that protection considerations drive programmatic decisions and interventions, and to reinforce the necessary linkages between its Protection Cluster Coordination responsibilities and UNHCR’s operations and advocacy.

Given the breadth and complexity of UNHCR’s operations in Ukraine, strong external relations and representation skills are essential for this position, particularly the demonstrated ability to quickly synthesize different points of view, align with UNHCR positions, identify new openings for UNHCR engagement, and integrate the centrality of protection in a dynamic and challenging political and operational context. This is particularly relevant in the context of the global humanitarian reset, of which local manifestations and pilots are already being rolled out. The incumbent should actively build and maintain formal and informal relations with UN partners, including OCHA, toward a coherent and coordinated approach, as well as with funded and operational partners. As Deputy Representative, they will participate in UNCT, HCT and SMT meetings when the Representative is absent, and should thus have experience from the respective humanitarian and development cooperation and coordination systems. The Deputy Representative is also expected to engage actively and regularly with relevant high-level government counterparts to ensure coherence and complementarity of UNHCR’s programmes with those of the state. They are also expected to regularly engage with senior donors and heads of technical cooperation, including regular briefings and accompanying donors on field visits. Strong political awareness, negotiation skills, and proven external relations skills are therefore essential fo this position.

Living and Working Conditions:

Ukraine is currently designated as a non-family country location, with Dnipro and Kharkiv classified as “E” duty stations with a 4-week R&R cycle, whereas Kyiv, Odessa, and Lviv are classified as “D” duty station with a 6-week RR Cycle. Budapest is the designated R&R location for all duty stations. English is not widely spoken. Access to hard currency is possible through local banks (rents are normally paid in USD). International staff typically rent private accommodations in their respective duty stations. The quality of life is of an average European standard, with relatively solid infrastructure. However, the volatile security situation, including frequent missile and drone attacks that trigger air-raid alarms and require immediate movement to shelters (often during the night), affects the living and working environment on an everyday basis, resulting in sleep deprivation and high levels of stress, which impact staff welfare and well-being.

In addition, massive attacks on the country’s critical infrastructure result in frequent and prolonged electricity cuts. The lack of generators in private multi-story buildings and apartments may also affect elevators, heating, water, and even sewage systems, leading to an overall unpredictable and sometimes difficult living situation, especially during winter.

Due to the state of war, a nationwide curfew is in place from 00:00 to 05:00 every day. All airports are closed, and air traffic is suspended, meaning that travel within Ukraine and in/out of the country is conducted mainly by car or train, supported by official shuttles for border crossings to Poland and Moldova. Average travel time by train combined with road shuttle from Kyiv to airports in Poland, Hungary, or Moldova ranges from 11–17 hours, with train tickets selling out very quickly.

Movement between different locations within and outside Ukraine is not allowed during workdays, weekends, or public holidays unless specifically approved by the Agency Representative.

Security:

The international armed conflict in Ukraine remains ongoing. Russian Federation (RF) Armed Forces continue to occupy Crimea and significant parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, with recent advances near Pokrovsk and deeper into Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Approximately 19% of Ukraine’s territory is under RF control.

The front line remains the primary zone of kinetic military operations, particularly in the east (Donetsk and Luhansk), southeast (Zaporizhzhia), and areas north of Kharkiv. Heavy fighting continues around Pokrovsk, where RF forces are attempting to encircle Ukrainian positions, and in Zaporizhzhia, where breakthroughs have occurred under cover of poor weather.

RF forces are conducting large-scale missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, including the use of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and combat drones. These attacks increasingly target civilian areas and critical infrastructure, such as energy facilities, transport hubs, and residential buildings. Emergency power outages are now routine due to sustained strikes on the energy grid, creating severe hardship as winter sets in.

Commercial air travel remains suspended, with road and rail as the only viable transport options. Air raid alerts and sheltering in bunkers, underground car parks, and metro stations are common. Curfews are enforced nationwide.

Deliberate attacks on humanitarian convoys have occurred. On 14 October 2025, a clearly marked UN inter-agency convoy delivering aid to Bilozerka (Kherson region) came under artillery fire and drone strikes by RF forces. Two World Food Programme trucks were destroyed by drones, despite visible UN markings. Fortunately, no staff were injured, but this incident reflects a broader pattern of increased risk to humanitarian personnel. Since the full-scale invasion, humanitarian workers have faced violence, and some have been killed and injured in Ukraine, primarily in front-line areas. UN facilities and assets have also been damaged in strikes on urban centres, and humanitarian access remains severely constrained.

Humanitarian access has deteriorated significantly. Front-line shifts and intensified hostilities have led to extremely high access constraints in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and parts of Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv oblasts. Mines, UXOs, and ongoing military operations further restrict movement.

The UN Security Management System (UNSMS) continues to apply the Security Risk Management (SRM) process. Current risk levels range from High to Very High, and in some areas with active hostilities. Across all SRM areas where UNHCR operates, the projected risk level remains High.

Applicants for positions in Ukraine must be prepared for a highly dynamic and hazardous security environment where unexpected events occur frequently. Key considerations:

Air raids are frequent, requiring staff to shelter for extended periods.
Power, heating, and water outages are common, especially during winter.
Disruptions to essential services (shops, banks, restaurants) may occur.
Curfews apply nationwide; private travel by international staff is prohibited.
All mission travel requires authorisation and completion of mandatory BSAFE, SSAFE, and IFAK training, plus security clearance.

The UNHCR Field Security Unit (FSU) works closely with UNDSS and other UNSMS partners to ensure program delivery within acceptable risk parameters. Contingency planning remains critical to support UNHCR’s mandate of providing protection and assistance to people in need. Given the evolving operational and security environment, maintaining robust security preparedness is essential.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

MG-Political Decision Making, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), UN-Analysis of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

HCR Management Learning Program – UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 – UNHCR

Work Experience

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, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance