JOB DESCRIPTION

August 27, 2025

B

Family

Family

NOB

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-10-01

Head of National Office

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR National Office acts under delegated authority of the UNHCR Representative (or the Deputy Representative), who exercises supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position reports and provides information on developments in relation to the protection (legal protection issues relating to the persons of concern to UNHCR), security (physical security in relation to the UNHCR staff and the persons of concern to UNHCR) and operational matters (programme and office management / administration) within the domain of its geographical area of responsibility (AOR) to the UNHCR Representative (or Deputy) on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the AOR, the supervisor will direct and guide the Head of National Office (HoNO) to take the most appropriate course of action. The Head of UNHCR National Office will on request serve as a designated member of the UN Country Team, participating in relevant meetings including monthly UNCT meetings, engaging the involvement and advocacy of the supervisor as may be appropriate. S/he will also advise the UN Resident Coordinator in regard to UNHCR’s issues of concern. The Head of the UNHCR National Office will also support the UN Designated Official as a member of the Security Management Team. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoNO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the supervisor fully informed.

As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, s/he is required in consultation with the supervisor to liaise with relevant government officials, security organs in the area, Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and international which are based in the area), local opinion makers and the local media.

As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissioner’s operations, s/he remains as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their responsibilities emanating from the 1951 Convention in favour of refugees and others of concern to UNHCR.

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 government and/or the competent implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself and its UNCT partners.
– 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 Regional/Deputy Regional Representative.
– 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 national 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 Regional Representation 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
*IT-Computer Literacy
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
*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.

The ideal candidate combines strong strategic insight and field leadership experience, particularly in politically sensitive and operationally complex environments. S/he should have:
• Proven ability to lead field operations with close coordination across humanitarian and development actors, including in Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus contexts.
• Experience in national-level representation and high-level advocacy with governments and regional institutions.
• A solid background in managing operations involving protracted displacement, statelessness, and inclusion into national systems.
• Experience overseeing decentralized teams and ensuring operational coherence through remote supervision.
• Experience in providing technical guidance to protection colleagues and follow-up on Admin/Programme/Supply matters is essential.
• Strong skills in guiding and accompanying field staff in the delivery of community-based activities, ensuring that refugees, asylum seekers as well as host community needs and rights are considered.
• Experience in UNHCR office management and staff administration is highly desirable.
• The capacity to analyze political and socio-economic developments and adapt responses accordingly.
• Field experience in Central Africa or comparable regions, with cross-border coordination exposure will be an asset.
• Excellent communication skills in French, both oral and written. With ability to communicate clearly and effectively across diverse audiences.

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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 Republic of Congo continues to be a country of asylum, primarily for refugees from neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR). The country currently hosts over 35,000 Central African and 32,000 Congolese (DRC) refugees, who live in relative peace and are gradually integrating into host communities.
Although an asylum law was adopted in 2021, the implementing decree has yet to be signed. This legal gap prevents refugees from fully enjoying their rights, particularly access to social services and legal documentation. UNHCR is actively advocating for the adoption of the decree and the issuance of identity and legal documents to refugees, which are essential for their protection and inclusion.
Following a joint verification exercise completed in 2024, UNHCR and the National Refugee Assistance Committee (CNAR) confirmed the presence of 71,680 refugees and asylum seekers. Since then, over 8,000 new arrivals from the DRC have been identified, though they have not yet been registered and granted refugee status by the Congolese authorities.
UNHCR’s strategy in the Republic of Congo is anchored in three pillars: i) Legal Protection, by strengthening the legal framework for refugee protection, including through advocacy for the implementation of the asylum law, and ensuring refugees receive appropriate documentation to access rights and services ii) Catalyzing inclusion, by acting as a catalyst to mobilize development actors and the private sector to design and implement inclusive projects that benefit both host communities and refugees. This includes promoting refugee access to education, health care, and livelihoods within national systems iii) Durable solutions by facilitating voluntary repatriation, with a priority focus on CAR refugees, while also supporting returns to the DRC when conditions allow.
UNHCR in RoC also works to ensure that newly arrived refugees are identified, registered, and assisted promptly.
This comprehensive approach aims to reduce pressure on national systems and natural resources, while fostering peaceful coexistence and long-term resilience for both refugees and host populations.

The Head of National Office is UNHCR’s most senior presence in the Republic of the Congo, leading operations under the authority of the MCO Representative in Yaoundé. The role involves strategic leadership, engagement with national counterparts (notably the Ministry of Social Affairs and CNAR), and oversight of the offices in Brazzaville and Betou.
The incumbent advances inclusion of refugees and stateless persons into national systems, supports regional strategies, and promotes durable solutions within the humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) nexus.
This role requires a politically astute field leadership with proven experience in complex operations and national-level representation.

Living and Working Conditions:

The Republic of the Congo generally has a hot, humid climate, with a rainy season from October to April and a cooler, dry season from May to September. Brazzaville, the capital, is a small and relatively safe city with a low crime rate; it is rated as UNDSS Security Level 2, while the rest of the country is Level 1.

The cost of living is high, reflected in the post adjustment. The central area of Brazzaville, where most expatriates reside, is well developed, experiences minimal traffic issues, and has an abundance of taxis. The city offers a variety of African, French, Indian, and Chinese restaurants, as well as a small shopping mall with supermarkets.

Several international schools operate in Brazzaville, including French and American institutions. Basic medical care is available locally, but for serious conditions, treatment abroad is often recommended. Malaria is endemic throughout the country, and preventive measures are essential.

Cultural life is supported by institutions such as the French Institute which hosts regular events and offers a well-stocked library and the Russian Institute. The country also offers diverse leisure opportunities, including nature reserves and other holiday destinations.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, MG-Office Management, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework

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

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

Additional Information

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance