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.
Implement a results-oriented approach for assessing, designing and delivering the country operation focused on Asylum Seekers and refugees.
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.
Ensure that staff and financial resources are commensurate with operational objectives liaising with the Regional Representation Office.
Exercise effective managerial oversight, direction, guidance and support and conduct regular performance appraisals and coaching.
In close
Additional Information
Please note that this vacancy is only open to eligible staff members who have been individually notified of their eligibility to apply for positions advertised in the Accelerated Posting Compendium.
Deadline for Applications
June 12, 2026
Hardship Level
A (least hardship)
Family Type
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
PR4
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date
2026-05-26
Standard Job Description
Head of National Office
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR National Office is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent acts under delegated authority of the UNHCR Regional Representative (or the Deputy Regional Representative). The position reports and provides information on developments in relation to the protection (legal protection issues relating to the forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR), security (physical security in relation to the UNHCR staff and the forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR) and operational matters (programme and office management / administration) within the domain of its geographical area of responsibility to the UNHCR Regional Representative (or Deputy) on a regular and timely manner. 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 Regional Representative as may be appropriate. S/he will also advise the UN Resident Coordinator regarding 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 UNHCR Regional/Deputy Regional Representative fully informed.
As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, the Head of National Office liaises 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.
Unhcr · Guatemala City, Guatemala