JOB DESCRIPTION

September 7, 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 for the position of Head of National Office in Lilongwe should possess a solid combination of knowledge of international refugee law and the national legal framework of Malawi, development engagement, strategic leadership, political awareness, development engagement and good operational experience in refugee context.
Protection and development knowledge and experience are essential to effectively perform this function. The qualified candidate should be able to understand the asylum system in country and the political context including the complexities of mixed movements to advocate for the protection of rights of forcibly displaced persons as well as long term solutions and expertise in promoting the inclusion of displaced persons into national systems and in fostering self-reliance, socio-economic inclusion, and integrated service delivery for displaced populations and host communities.
The successful candidate must also demonstrate strong political awareness and an ability to understand and analyze the local and regional political context and how it impacts the refugee situation in Malawi. This includes monitoring policy changes and assessing their potential effects on the protection environment. The candidate should be fully aware of the functioning of Government structures and act as a liaison to foster strong cooperation with UNHCR in pursuit of common goals.
In addition, the candidate should have a strong proven leadership and communication skills to lead and to interact with Authorities and Partners. She/he will be required to liaise with all the relevant government officials, the UNCT, the Head of various Non-Governmental Organizations. Therefore, communication and leadership are paramount.
Demonstrated experience working with international financial institutions and development actors on displacement and resilience programming is desirable.
The candidate should demonstrate a very good advocacy and analytical skills to provide insight on specific issues, as well as ability in multi-sectoral coordination (e.g., protection, shelter, WASH, livelihoods, health, education).
The candidate should have a clear understanding of sustainable response to advocate effectively for the integration of forcibly displaced persons into national development plans and expand inclusion initiatives.
Fundraising from development partners and/or the private sector would be valued, especially in the context of an office with limited budget and low staffing compared to the scope of its activities.

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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 Head of National office is the most senior staff in UNHCR Lilongwe, who will report to the Multi country Office Zambia, and provides information on developments in relation to protection, security and operational matters in Malawi operation. This role is key in supporting the implementation of UNHCR’s vision for a government-led, solutions-oriented approach to asylum management and refugee protection.
The position will be instrumental in translating UNHCR’s strategic vision into concrete action, aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the United Nations Development Cooperation Framework (UNDCF).
The position will lead UNHCR’s work to advance critical workstreams, particularly the law and policy review, the operationalization of the operation’s development engagement strategy aligned with the 2019 Global Refugee Forum pledges, , initiatives under the route-based approach, sustainable responses as well as engagement with development actors.
Key priorities include supporting the Government in expanding opportunities for refugees beyond camp settings, including the transformation of Dzaleka Camp into an integrated community,  addressing the government’s economic and security concerns on refugee flows, promoting the self-reliance of refugees and host communities by strengthening social cohesion, resilience, and investment in public services, acceleration of Refugee Status Determination and expanding access to legal identity, and promoting a whole-of-government approach to refugee management.
A central responsibility will be engagement with development actors. The World Bank is a key partner and is interested in supporting Malawi in shaping a comprehensive, sustainable, and inclusive response to displacement. This includes advancing Malawi’s potential eligibility for the Window for Host Communities and Refugees (WHR) and working with other development actors, such IFC and others to expand self-reliance and private sector opportunities for both refugees and host communities.
This role will also need to oversee implementation of earmarked funding from various donors, including private sector donors.
The position will support advocacy efforts with the government to finalize the review of the 1989 Refugee Act and other key priorities.
The Head of National Office will be a UN Country Team member and therefore participate to monthly UNCT meetings and engage regularly with the Resident coordinator as well as other high-level officials.
The position will require knowledge of protection, development engagement and overall strategic direction of Malawi operation to constantly engage with national and local authorities to address issues affecting forcibly displaced persons. This will include also supporting the Government in improving asylum management systems to enhance efficiency as well as in enhancing solutions.

Living and Working Conditions:

Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, is a Category B duty station.

Malawi is generally a peaceful country. It just had a rerun of its presidential elections in June 2020, where the opposition became the ruling party. A new government has been in place since June. Access to services is relatively good but with limitations on health care facilities. Household items are generally cheap but with the COVID-19 restrictions and importations there has been a hike in price of commodities. Reponses to the current pandemic (corona) was previously highly politicized with number of infected positive cases on the increase. The main infectious diseases are Malaria, HIV/AIDS Tuberculosis and occasional cases of cholera. There are houses available for rent with reasonable price depending on whether it is government or personal owned. The UN has designated recommended areas for living for international staff. The security situation in and around Lilongwe is said to be generally good but with few occasional criminalities such as house burglary, vandalizing of vehicles, pick pockets, etc.

Malawi is currently facing fuel shortages with long lines at the fuel stations, this is due foreign

exchange rate.

Several banks exist that provides commercial services. There are two main mobile network providers which provide good service. Internet in equally available. As this is a family duty station there are schools where children can attend.

The Representation office is based in Lilongwe with a one Field Unit in Karonga. The office is relatively small with 44 staff members. The operation only has one refugee camp located approximately 45 kilometers from Lilongwe.

Malawi is a CRRF country and implementing MYMPSS.

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