JOB DESCRIPTION

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential Location

Non Family with Residential Location

PR3

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-07-23

August 8, 2025

Head of Field Unit

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Head of Field Unit (HoFU) carries the full delegated authority of the UNHCR country Manager or Head of Sub-Office/Field Office, who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position, on the other hand, provides all information on developments in relation to the protection (legal protection issues relating to the forcibly displaced and stateless persons), security (Physical security in relation to the UNCR staff and the forcibly displaced and stateless persons) and operational matters (programme and office management / administration) within the domain of its geographical area of responsibility to the UNHCR Representative (or the country manager) on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), Representative/Head of Sub/Field-Office will direct and guide the Head of Field Unit to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoFU will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative/Head of Sub/Field-Office fully informed.

While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Unit will always 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 position of HoFU at P3 grade level normally reports to the Representative or Head of Sub/Field-Office at grade level P4 or above.

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 a Vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on local situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO/HoFO.
– Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs, where applicable; Advocate, promote and encourage the concerned authorities and local opinion makers to uphold established UNHCR standards that have become the international norms.
– 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 rigorous monitoring of identified assistance activities.
– Ensure through the subordinate staff that deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) 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, where ever 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; this requires remaining current in health and medical facilities locally available and evacuation options available in a moment of medical urgency.
– 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons Representation or Sub/Field-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 P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

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

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Learning Prog; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
– In-depth knowledge in aspects 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
Working experience both in UNHCR HQ and/or a Regional Office and the Field.

Functional Skills
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
*PR-International protection concepts and principles
*MG-Office Management
*HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
(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.

This Office has a huge scope in a very demanding operational context, the ideal candidate should have relevant professional experience in managing offices, managing teams, managing refugee camps, managing relationships with internal as well as external stakeholders. In a poor and insecure working environment, the ideal candidate should possess demonstrated diplomacy and negotiation skills as well as good record in working relationship with local authorities, colleagues and partners. Due to the nature of the work in Eastern Chad’s AoR, the incumbent is expected to have experience in capacity development of teams, a culturally oriented person with good interpersonal abilities. The candidate must have proven ability to deliver under stressful environments and to promote duty of care related interventions through innovative and creative solutions for staff is an added value.

To promote diversity within the operation, including geographic diversity, candidates from underrepresented nationalities in Chad operation are particularly encouraged to apply.

French

,

,

,

,

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:

Since the conflict in Sudan erupted in mid-April 2023, and according to the latest figures, Chad currently hosts at least 794,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed into Chad, of which at least 75,000 arrived in 2025 alone due to renewed fighting between the main Armed forces of Sudan and elements of its Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Some 642,000 of these refugees have settled in the Ouaddai province. At least 190,000 settled in the spontaneous refugee settlement within Adre Town, and the rest are spread within 10 refugee settlements covered by the Office in Farchana, of which 4 (Allacha, Dougui, Bredjine and Tredgine) are covered from Hadjer Hadid.

The situation continues to be tense in Sudan’s Darfur region and refugees continue to arrive in Chad. To these are added Chadian returnees coverred by a sister agency.

Since May 2023 a Level 2 emergency was declared for countries receiving Sudanese refugees including Chad. As the humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the High Commissioner decided to upgrade the Level 2 emergency to a Level 3 for the Sudan and for the refugee and returnee situation in Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.

On 10th May 2025, a new Level 2 emergency was declared in Chad covering the Farchana zone of operation.

In the context of the global financial crisis and for operational reasons, the Chad operation has carried out a restructuring exercise with accompanying staffing and office changes. This position is a direct result of this process, in which the Sub Office in Farchana became a Field Office and the Field Office in Hadjer Hadid became a Field Unit.

All the duty stations in Chad are classified E, except N’Djamena which is at D.

The Head of the Field Unit, Hadjer Hadid P3, will work under the supervision of the Head of Field Office in Farchana.

Living and Working Conditions:

Candidates applying to positions in Chad should be prepared to work under challenging conditions and be able to manage stressful situations. All the duty stations in Chad are classified E, except N’Djamena which is at D.

The RR cycle in Hadjer Hadid is 8 weeks as well as in other duty stations except Bagasola and Bol which is 6 weeks.

Hadjer Hadid is a small town that has only very basic infrastructure with very limited leisure and recreational facilities. There are no banking facilities in Hadjer Hadid. The nearest bank facility is in Abeche where ATMs are also operational. Malaria is prevalent and all staff need to be vigilant by taking the relevant measures. There are also very limited health facilities available locally.
Finding good accommodations in Hadjer Hadid remains a challenge. Therefore, UNHCR managed guest house and facilitate accommodation for UNHCR staff.
While security in Hadjer Hadid is, at present, stable, due to criminality staff are discouraged from walking in the streets, staying out late at night and visiting public places alone. Physical integrity of UNHCR staff. UNHCR staff are always reminded the need to strictly respect all norms of security.

There are specific security measures to be taken into consideration. Aside from the mandatory security briefing provided to the staff upon arrival in N’Djamena with specific location information and requirements:

·       All UN personnel must complete their BSAFE training online

·       Per the classification of roads, all road movements between cities should be accompanied by an armed escort in the SRM East zone. These movements are conditioned by a granted security clearance through TRIP

·       Unless exceptionally allowed all road movements between cities must be started after 6 a.m. and completed by 6 p.m.

·       All movements of UNSMS vehicles in Abeche are allowed only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m, while all movements of UNSMS vehicles in Farchana, Hadjer Hadid, Goz Beida, Iriba, Amdjarass and Guéréda are allowed only between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

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

Certifications

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

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

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