JOB DESCRIPTION

Hardship Level

E (most hardship)

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Residential location (if applicable)

Accra, Ghana

Grade

NOB

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2025-10-01

Deadline for Applications

July 16, 2025

Standard Job Description

Head of Field Unit

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position is under direct supervision and guidance of the Representative/Head of Sub/Field-Office on issues concerning programme, protection, external relations, etc. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units at the Branch Office and from the Bureau at Headquarters.
The incumbent represents UNHCR at the field level. S/he will persuade and obtain assistance of others on matters of non-routine significance. Contacts predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization¿s programmes (e.g. counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments).

While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Unit will remain the same despite its grade level, the other parameters (therefore the depth and breadth of the competencies) such as the size of the population of concern 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. The supervisor exercises regular oversight and provides guidance, direction and support to the incumbent.

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-à-vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the AOR.
– Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of persons of concern.
– 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 monitoring of identified assistance activities.
– Ensure through the subordinate staff that deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities are met on a regular basis.
– Manage UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
– Ensure that security measures of UNHCR office (and residential, wherever 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.
– 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/HoFO. In the event of substantial telephone conversation that leads to specific action or non-action, it should be recorded and share 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 the 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 persons of concern 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
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB – 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

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

Certificates and/or Licenses
Programme Mgmt
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
– Knowledge of UNHCR mandate and its Field level application.
– Applied knowledge of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration.
Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
*IT-Computer Literacy
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
(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

The position requires a person with:
– Managerial skills to interact with a diverse team, including national, international, and AWF staff.
– Ability to deal with various actors and implement in the context of Nexus Humanitarian, Development and Peace.
– Capability in engaging and working with Administrative, Military, Judicial, and Traditional authorities.
– Engagement in sustainable programming to achieve inclusion and self-reliance of refugees and other forced displaced people.
– Minimum experience in protection programming including protection monitoring, mixed movements, registration, community-based protection, AAP and PSEA, resettlement and voluntary repatriation.

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

French

,

,

Desired languages

English

,

,

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 Unit Diffa is placed under the direct supervision of the Head of the Sub-Office of Maradi.

He / She will be responsible for maintaining a favorable protection environment (protection services, protection monitoring, etc.); seeking solutions such as the return of IDPs, voluntary refugees, resettlement, and local integration; promoting empowerment and inclusion through strengthening livelihoods, economic opportunities, and access to services including financial services; enhancing partnerships with all stakeholders (authorities at all levels, national agencies, NGOs, organizations, projects, programs, and communities) for the inclusion of those served, and will maintain emergency response capacity.

Living and Working Conditions:

Nigerian refugees arrived in Diffa Region in Niger in 2014 due to Boko Haram activism in the states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe in Nigeria. In February 2015, with the first attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram group in Niger territory, continuous internal and cross-border populations displacements were recorded. Since then, population movements have become more complex, combining movements of people from Nigeria and within the region of Diffa in Niger. Insecurity is still observed, due to frequent BH attacks. Security incidents (including attacks, killings, extortions, thefts, abductions against ransom payment) are the main reasons for the continued forced population movements. Climate change effects because of periodic inundation is also becoming the recurrent reason of internal displacement. According to the latest official figures in 2025, the number of displaced persons in Diffa represent the figure of 307.666 persons including 148.116 IDPs, 121.510 Nigerian refugees, 36.413 Nigerien returnees and 1627 asylum seekers. Due to the protracted situation, focus will be made on self-reliance and durables solutions for the forced displaced population. Return of some IDPs are noted in few areas secured by Niger security and defence forces with the support of government official and partners. Effort have been made in 2023 in the drafting of durables solutions strategy for IDPs in line with the SG Action Agenda for IDPs.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

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

Certifications

Programme Management – Other

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements