Head of Field Unit

June 29, 2026

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

NOB

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-06-12

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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR within the AOR.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of forcibly displaced and stateless persons .
- Ensure that the basic needs of the forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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.

The incumbent supervises a team of national staff in Yambio Field Unit and reports to the Deputy Representative. This role requires the incumbent to ensure effective functioning of the Field Unit. She/he coordinates regularly, liaises and maintains a constructive relationship with relevant local authorities and the communities, as well as relevant partners, including UN agencies, international and national NGOs operating in the AoRs. The incumbent also represents UNHCR in various Inter-agency and governmental events and fora in the AoRs.

Desired candidate profile will include the following requirement:

• Good understanding of UNHCR’s footprint in situations of forcibly displacement, and response in complex emergencies.
• Strong abilities to coordinate emergencies and work in the field under hardship conditions.
• Demonstrate excellent leadership, management and coordination skills.
• Experience in drafting Concept Note, Report and proposals.
• Strong ability to take initiative and work independently while duly coordinating with the supervisor and relevant functional units.
• Excellent capacity to manage resources
• Experience of working in a politically sensitive environment. Experience working in a competitive Inter-Agency environment while demonstrating UNHCR’s added value.
• Protection background is an asset

All shortlisted candidate will be requested to sit for competency-based interview.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

The security environment in South Sudan remains volatile and unpredictable, marked by localized low-intensity armed conflict, high levels of crime, and inter- and intra-communal violence linked to cattle raiding, competition over resources, and reprisals. Periodic civil unrest in refugee, IDP, and host community settings continues to affect the operating context and has direct and indirect implications for UNHCR operations.

Since the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018, the ceasefire has largely held in many parts of the country. However, localized insecurity persists in some areas, while seasonal flooding continues to drive displacement and exacerbate humanitarian needs.

The security level in South Sudan is assessed as substantial (security level 4) in all areas.

SRM measures in place:

UN curfew is in force across the country; timing differs from one SRM Area to another. UN curfew is from 20:00 to 05:00 in Juba.

International personnel must request and receive security clearance for official and non-official travel.

International personnel on mission must stay in either a UN facility or UN approved commercial lodging for staff members.

Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environment (SSAFE) to be conducted in areas with HIGH Risk level and above.

All national personnel must be issued with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and VHF radios.

Nature of Position:

The Head of Field Unit (HOFU) reports directly to the Deputy Representative and is responsible for providing regular and timely updates on developments related to protection and assistance, safety and security, and operational matters, including programme implementation and office administration, within the Area of Responsibility (AOR). The position monitors issues affecting internally displaced persons, refugees, and asylum-seekers, including populations from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, and Sudan. In response to legal, socio-economic, or security developments in the AOR, the Representation in Juba provides direction and guidance to the Head of Field Unit on the most appropriate course of action. With regard to physical security, the Head of Field Unit liaises directly with the relevant UN security counterparts on the ground, while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.

Living and Working Conditions:

Yambio is located in Western Equatoria State. The UNHCR Area of Responsibility (AOR) covers four counties: Gbudue, Tambura, Maridi, and Mundri, with the Field Office situated in Gbudue County. The AOR is predominantly inhabited by the Azande ethnic group, and English is the official language. The highest state authority is the Governor. The climate is generally favorable, and the region remains green for much of the year due to an extended rainy season of approximately eight months.

International staff members in Yambio reside within the office and guesthouse compound, where a night curfew is in effect. There are no operational banks or other reliable means of accessing physical cash; staff are therefore advised to carry sufficient cash until the next R&R. Internet and VSAT connectivity are available within the UNHCR compound. A relatively well-equipped gym is available in the office and accommodation compound, and DSTV is installed in the common room.

UNHAS flights, operating three times per week, are the primary means of travel between Yambio and Juba.

UNHCR staff serving in the AOR are expected to demonstrate flexibility, patience, and resilience in adapting to a working environment with limited social and recreational opportunities outside the compound, including within nearby humanitarian partner premises adjacent to the UNHCR guesthouse located in the UNICEF compound.

Although the overall security situation in South Sudan is relatively stable, it remains fragile, fluid, and unpredictable. The context is marked by localized low-intensity armed conflict in some areas, high levels of crime, inter- and intra-communal violence linked to cattle raiding, competition over resources, and reprisals, as well as periodic civil unrest affecting refugee, IDP, and host community settings. These challenges continue to have both direct and indirect impacts for UNHCR operations.

Yambio is classified as a Security Level 4 (Substantial) duty station. The security situation remains challenging, and all staff are required to complete Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE) training. Staff movements are subject to strict security restrictions, and compliance with all security protocols is mandatory.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-Computer Literacy, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework, UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities

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