Deadline for Applications

December 22, 2025

Hardship Level

A (least hardship)

Family Type

Family

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

PR5

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-03-01

Standard Job Description

Representative

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
As the High Commissioner”s senior representative in the country, the Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCR”s effective performance in the country of her/his assignment. The incumbent usually manages a budget of less than USD 6 millions.

Reporting to the Director of the Bureau, the Representative is responsible and accountable for translating organizational and Bureau-wide objectives and policies into effective programmes. Through a continuous process of situational analysis, the Representative works with his/her team to identify strategic objectives and develop coherent, consistent and effective responses to the challenges faced. He/she is responsible for ensuring the adequate provision of technical support and guidance to the office to enable them to fulfil their accountabilities, including those outlined in the Terms of Reference of UNHCR offices as well as the Age, Gender and Diversity Accountability Framework. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.

The Representative works to ensure that UNHCR is widely perceived as an effective and trusted partner. S/he is responsible for creating effective networks, relationships, partnerships, and synergies with governments, NGOs, relevant regional political and other fora, civil society, forcibly displaced and stateless persons and other key strategic partners and actors. He/she lends visibility to important strategic issues, promotes concerted action and the commitment of sufficient resources and expertise to address important matters of concern to UNHCR.

In a complex and demanding political and operational environment, the Representative strives to build a dynamic and sufficiently capacitated team. S/he devolves appropriate authorities, facilitates the sharing of expertise and best practice and creates a climate of collaboration, which aims to empower and motivate colleagues to approach challenges with insight and innovation and to work toward achieving measurable and effective results. The Representative is responsible to ensure a vibrant Multi-Functional Team approach is established and employed at different stages of the operations management cycle, including in programme monitoring, and engaging the participation of relevant functions within the operation. S/he has a responsibility to inform the Bureau and other relevant parties at Headquarters of key political and operational developments in a timely manner.

The comports and actions of the Representative must always reflect the core values and principles embodied in UNHCR”s mandate. A failure on the part of the Representative to adhere to these standards would have negative implications for UNHCR”s credibility, operations and, ultimately, the protection and well-being of forcibly displaced and stateless persons to the Office.

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
Strategic Direction
– Stay abreast of the challenges posed by the local political context.
– Manage a consultative process within the country operations and with external partners.
– Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that generates political and financial support for UNHCR”s operations. Mobilize financial support for UNHCR corporate priorities as well for country specific projects.
Operations
– Implement a results-oriented approach, engaging a robust Multi-Functional Team, for assessing, designing, delivering and monitoring the country operation.
– Ensure that the protection strategy is fully integrated into the country operations plan and that necessary resources are allocated to it.
– Ensure the country operation”s adherence to UNHCR”s policy on Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM).
– Ensure the country operation plans are consistent with the regional and global strategic priorities; manage a participatory process, with stakeholders, to apply UNHCR”s standards and indicators in assessing and measuring the performance of the country operations.
– Promote accession to the Convention and Protocol, and ensure the application of protection standards in the treatment of forcibly displaced and stateless persons especially women and children.
– Ensure forcibly displaced and stateless persons, especially women and children, have access to relevant information; ensure that cases of sexual violence and abuse against girls and boys are reported and dealt with expeditiously.
– Ensure the engagement of UNHCR in the UNCT, UN common programming, planning and funding activities and to actively contribute in the establishment of the CCA/UNDAF and the consequent joint implementation activities.
– Participate in the Cluster approach, ensure UNHCR”s Cluster Lead role and implement other IASC and inter-agency/UN policies.
– Ensure that risks to the operation”s objectives are regularly assessed, priority risks are identified and risk treatments for the priority risks form an integral part of the operations plans.
Resource Management
– Ensure that staff and financial resources are commensurate with operational objectives.
– Ensure effective and efficient management of resources within the rules and procedures of UNHCR.
– Establish and manage local administrative mechanisms such as a Local Contracts (or Purchasing) Committee, Local Asset Management Board and APPC.
– Ensure local compliance with UNHCR”s human resources (HR) policies including on gender, disabilities, diversity, ethics and HIV/AIDS.
– Manage a process of recruitment, assignment and reassignment of local staff for the country operation, in accordance UN/UNHCR rules and procedures.
– Where necessary, identify the most appropriate affiliate workforce and optimize its use.
– In coordination with the Global Learning Centre, ensure that the learning needs of UNHCR”s workforce in the country are identified, assessed and addressed.
– Exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support and conduct regular performance appraisals and coaching.
Security
– In close collaboration with the Designated Official (DO), UNDSS and UN country team/Security Management Team (SMT), gather and analyse information on the local security situation and play an active role in the inter-agency security and contingency planning processes.
– 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
– Represent UNHCR in the UNCT/Humanitarian Country Team and other inter-agency fora.
– Decide on the country strategy and priorities, country operations plans, and approve the country operation”s protection strategy.
– Enforce local compliance with UNHCR”s global protection, programme, finance and human resources and security policies and standards.
– Negotiate and sign local agreements with implementing and operational partners.
– 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 P5 – 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Business Administration; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; Social Science; Human Resources Management;
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
– Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency. Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services.
– A high level of skill in management of broad programmes, political decision making and negotiating, as well as demonstrated tolerance to frequently changing and highly charged situations.
– Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting.
– Ability to lead formulation, oversight of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of operations.
– Ability to manage for results: translates strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, monitors them, making periodic adjustments as required.
– Ability to effectively represent UNHCR at the senior level in internal and external meetings and to build strong relationships with clients.
Desirable
– Knowledge of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications.

Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
*PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
*PG-Results-Based Management
*MG-Field Operations Management
*UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
*MG-Political Decision Making
*MG-Change Management
*MG-Country/Regional Office Representation
*MG-Client Relationship Management
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

The Representative is responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of the UNHCR operation in the Republic of Moldova. This includes engaging with government counterparts, the UNCT, partners, donors and refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless persons to promote UNHCR’s mandate and the overall protection and inclusion of forcibly displaced and stateless persons in the country, as well as effectively managing UNHCR’s human and financial resources. The Representative in the Republic of Moldova also serves as the Refugee Coordinator and co-leads the Refugee Coordination Forum, under which the refugee response takes a multi-sectoral approach (through the RRP) ensuring complementarity to government responses.

Professional Experience
• Demonstrated leadership and managerial experience, preferably in a Representative position.
• Ability to navigate complex and sensitive political landscapes, including regions with de facto or separatist authorities.
• Strong risk management skills.
• Demonstrated negotiation and political decision-making experience at senior levels, including with central authorities.
• Experience in transitioning from emergency response to stabilization and integration.
• Familiarity with EU accession processes and alignment of national laws with EU standards.
• Understanding of temporary protection regimes and durable legal solutions for displaced populations.
• Experience in ensuring protection strategy integration, especially for vulnerable groups (women, children, stateless persons).
• Demonstrated experience in creating effective networks, relationships, partnerships, and synergies with governments, NGOs, relevant regional political and other fora, the UN Country Team, civil society, persons of concern and other key strategic partners and actors; experience in UN Inter-Agency coordination at highest level.
Competencies & Skills
• Demonstrated high level of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.
• Strong managerial and team-building skills.
• Ability to foster collaboration and motivate staff.
• Strong communication, diplomatic and advocacy skills, with the ability to generate political and financial support.
Language Requirements
• Fluency in English is essential.

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 this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

UNHCR re-established its presence in Moldova in early 2022 as a response to the significant number of arrivals of refugees from Ukraine. While some 1.2 million people have transited through the Republic of Moldova from Ukraine since the beginning of the war, there are currently some 135,000 Ukrainian refugees – mostly women and children – who have chosen to remain in Moldova. To date, Moldova has fostered a positive environment for refugees and stateless people, despite a myriad of social, economic, and political challenges. However, this situation should not be taken for granted – the longer the conflict lasts, the more the social cohesion risks eroding.

UNHCR’s multi-year strategy 2024-2026 is focused on an ongoing transition from emergency response to stabilization, integration of the refugee response to national governmental programs and bolstering inclusion of displaced persons in national social protection and other systems. Within this context, and as the co-lead of the Refugee Coordination Forum, UNHCR’s priorities include strengthening government systems and ownership, securing fundamental rights, and promoting refugee inclusion through a whole-of-society approach. UNHCR will also continue to provide essential aid to the most vulnerable refugees.

The specific legal framework for those displaced from Ukraine will remain of particular concern. Most refugees from Ukraine now benefit from Temporary Protection (TP), which was activated in Moldova in March 2023 and is currently set to expire in March 2026, unless extended until March 2027. UNHCR has already begun working closely with the government to assist in identifying and implementing a post-TP legal regime that provides a more durable legal status over the medium- to long-term and that promotes inclusion. These discussions will also be informed by developments in the EU.

Moldova is a candidate country to the EU and the path to EU accession is a top priority for the government in the coming years. As Moldova progresses towards EU accession, UNHCR has a key role to play in supporting the government in aligning its laws and policies with EU standards, in particular in the area of asylum and migration in order to meet the criteria set forth in Chapters 23 and 24 of the Acquis.

The Moldova operation currently has 11 funded partners: INGOs, NNGOs, RLOs, and government institutions. Protection Unit staff are the Results Managers for most of these partners, working closely with Programme colleagues to define priorities and support and monitor project implementation. Following recent financial constraints and ensuing reduction in staff, the Office as of January 2026 will consist of 17 international and 37 national colleagues including a number of temporary and affiliate arrangements. Further reductions are planned for 2026.

As the High Commissioner”s most senior staff in the Republic of Moldova, the Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCR”s effective performance in the country. The Representative in the Republic of Moldova also serves as the Refugee Coordinator and co-leads the Refugee Coordination Forum, under which the refugee response takes a multi-sectoral approach (through the RRP, which concludes at the end of 2026) ensuring complementarity to Government responses.

Living and Working Conditions:

Chisinau, Moldova is classified as an “A” Family Duty station by the International Civil Service Commission. It is a city with good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities) and a suitable level of goods and services.

Moldova is a generally safe country, where risks to the UN personnel working for Agencies, Funds and Programmes (AFP) are low. Nevertheless, there are security and safety challenges, ranging from public protests and crime to traffic accidents, robberies and sporadic serious incidents. Therefore, proper personal security awareness and common sense are warranted, particularly in respect of petty thefts, pickpocketing and car break-ins.

Roads outside major urban areas are not properly maintained and are poorly lit. Many accidents in the country are caused by alcohol consumption. UN personnel must follow national traffic regulations and use safety belts, drive cautiously, and take care when involved in traffic in any capacity.

The Transnistrian region, also known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), is a self-declared and non-recognized state that is a de-jure part of Moldova. The “de facto authorities” of the Transnistrian region control most of the narrow strip of land (180 km by 32 km) between the Dniester River and Moldova-Ukraine border, as well as some land on the other side of the river”s bank. Its de-facto capital and largest city is Tiraspol. The Transnistrian region is officially designated by the Republic of Moldova as the Administrative-Territorial Units of the Left Bank of the Dniester. The region can be described as a potentially vulnerable area associated with security and personnel safety risks for the United Nations supported programmes and projects, as Moldovan authorities do not control the region.

UN missions travelling to the Transnistrian region are not considered as a direct target of violence; however, the possibility of becoming a victim of street robbery, car theft or petty crime still exists. Petty crime, particularly theft and pickpocketing, has increased in Tiraspol, Bender and Rybnitsa. These crimes occur mainly in public transport, marketplaces and shopping centres.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-Computer Literacy, MG-Change Management, MG-Client Relationship Management, MG-Country/Regional Office Representation, MG-Field Operations Management, MG-Political Decision Making, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PG-Results-Based Management, UN-Analysis of geo-political realities and their socio-cultural implications, UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships, UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, 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 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, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, 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