Deadline for Applications
Hardship Level
Family Type
Family Type
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Reason
Regular > Regular AssignmentTarget Start Date
Standard Job Description
Head of Field Office
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR Field Office (HoFO) is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent carries the full delegated authority of the UNHCR Representative (or the Head of Sub-Office) of the country, who will exercise entire supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position, on the other hand, provides all 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 Representative on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), Representative will direct and guide the Head of Field Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoFO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.
While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Office will always 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.
As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, he/she is required to liaise with all the relevant senior government officials, security organs in the area, the Head of various Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and internationals based in the area), Civilian/tribal leaders/elders, local opinion makers and the local media net-work to ensure his/her assigned responsibilities are effectively and efficiently discharged.
As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissioner’s operations, he/she remain as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their conventional responsibilities 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 a Vis the forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on local situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs, where applicable; Advocate, promote and encourage the concerned authorities and local opinion makers to uphold established UNHCR standards that have become the international norms.
- Ensure that the basic needs of the concerned population 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 rigorous monitoring of identified assistance activities
- Ensure through the subordinate staff that all deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) are met on a regular basis.
- Manage all UNHCR resources, both human, financial/material, at an optimum level for the wellbeing of the concerned population and the UNHCR staff.
- Ensure that all security measures of UNHCR office (and residential, where ever 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; this requires remaining current in health and medical facilities locally available and evacuation options available in a moment of medical urgency.
- 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. In the event of a substantial telephone conversation that leads to specific action or non-action, it should be recorded and shared 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 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
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Management;
Personnel Administration;
Law;
Political Science;
International Relations;
Economics;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Management Learning Program;
HCR Managing Operations Learning Program;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
In-depth knowledge in all aspects of UNHCR's Field level operation. Applied experience of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration. Should be conversant in the current priorities in the organisation and existing mechanisms within the organisation to implement those priorities.
Desirable
Working experience both in UNHCR HQ and/or a Regional Office and the Field
Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
UN-UNHCR's Mandate/Policy and Global Strategic Priorities
MG-Office Management
HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
PR-Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistance
(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
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Mali continues to face a protracted political, security, and humanitarian crisis that has persisted since 2012, generating significant refugee flows and internal displacement, particularly in the central and northern regions (Koro, San, Mopti, Ségou, Timbuktu, Gao, Ménaka, Kidal), and to a lesser extent in the south. Displacement is driven by attacks from armed groups, inter/intra-community violence, climate-related shocks—including prolonged drought affecting over 80% of regions—and persecution linked to descent-based slavery, especially in Kayes.
The operating environment remains highly complex, with multiple challenges: destruction of public infrastructure, low birth registration rates, mixed population movements, and continued insecurity in border areas with Burkina Faso and Niger. Armed actors associated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS are present across central and northern Mali, with overlapping areas of influence.
Security Environment
Security levels range from Level 4 (Substantial) in Bamako to Level 5 (High) in many northern and central areas. Terrorism, criminality, civil unrest, and recurrent demonstrations pose ongoing risks. Past attacks near Bamako and the presence of extremist sleeper cells highlight a persistent threat. Movement by road in field locations is particularly dangerous due to IEDs, ambushes, and banditry. Crime, including violent robbery, affects both the capital and the regions. Road traffic accidents remain a significant hazard.
All staff accommodations must comply with UNDSS standards and be formally approved.
Mali has been affected by a protracted humanitarian crisis since 2012, resulting in large-scale internal and cross-border displacement with significant impacts on neighboring Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mauritania. A renewed cycle of violence since 2018 has further intensified forced movements. As of 31 October 2023, the country hosts 66,422 refugees; 391,961 internally displaced persons; 85,484 refugee returnees; 785,725 returned IDPs; and 275 asylum seekers. Despite Mali’s openness to asylum, the prevailing political and security dynamics suggest that displacement trends are likely to continue.
The Head of Field Office (HoFO) represents UNHCR at field level and is responsible for managing operational activities and addressing issues of concern in a manner that effectively supports UNHCR’s overall mandate. Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative, the HoFO works closely with local authorities to facilitate the implementation of national responsibilities toward refugees and other persons of concern. The incumbent also advises the Representative and Deputy on field-based realities to inform strategic planning and operational decision-making.
The HoFO ensures sound resource management, provides strong protection leadership, and fosters collaboration with UN agencies, government entities, and NGOs. The incumbent must provide timely and regular updates on developments affecting the legal and physical protection of persons of concern as well as the safety and security of UNHCR staff.
In addition, the HoFO oversees key operational functions—including programme management, office administration, and staff welfare—and ensures that all activities are carried out in a safe, accountable, and efficient manner.
Gao is a `E' category non-family high risk duty station with 2 years’ SAL. Its climate is hot, dry and dusty, the average annual temperature is about 40°C. The medical facilities are very limited. For security reasons, local markets, places of worship, playgrounds, entertainment and other gathering places are not recommended. With the withdrawal of MINUSMA, UN agencies also lost its privileges to accommodations, PX boutiques, FPU escorts and a robust security and medical facilities within the Mission necessities accessible to international staff from United Nations agencies, including UNHCR.
Seven Banking services are available in Gao, the main currency of transaction being XOF. Possibilities of accommodation renting are relatively limited in particular because of the security aspects. UNHCR office has a guest house where all international staff and staff on mission are accommodated. Rest and Recuperation (R&R). UNHAS is providing flight support to liaise with Bamako and commercial flight with Sky Mali goes 3 times a week. Armoured vehicles are available for movements inside Gao city and around.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software, MG-Office Management, PR-International protection concepts and principles, UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic PrioritiesEducation
Certifications
HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCRWork Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaborationUNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Additional Information
Functional clearance