Monitor and report on the implementation of 1951 Refugee Convention responsibilities and international obligations of the national authorities vis-a-vis the forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on the situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Regional Representative/Deputy Regional Representative. Request regional support as appropriate.
Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs and stateless persons, where applicable.
Ensure that the basic needs of the forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 rigorous monitoring of identified assistance activities, specifically on integration and self-reliance measures.
Ensure, through the subordinate staff, that deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative)
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
PR3
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date
2026-07-01
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), 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 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. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), the Regional Representative 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 Regional Representative 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 UNHCR Regional/Deputy Regional Representative fully informed.
As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, s/he is required in consultation with the Regional Representative 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 · Dakar, Senegal