Representative

December 22, 2025

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential LocationNon Family with Residential Location

Accra, Ghana

DI1

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-12-08

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 USD 6 million and above.

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.

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. UNHCR is well integrated into the UN Resident Coordinator System.

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 D1 - 17 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 15 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Business Administration; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; Social Science; 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
- Extensive knowledge of UNHCR operations and services. 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
MG-Client Relationship Management
MG-Change Management
PG-Programme Management (project formulation, programme cycles and reporting standards)
PG-Results-Based Management
UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies, Standards, Programmes, and Partnerships
UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
MG-Field Operations Management
MG-Political Decision Making
MG-Country/Regional Office Representation
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.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in managing complex humanitarian operations, with a proven record of leading large-scale refugee, IDP, and mixed-movement responses, including road-based approaches, in fragile and politically sensitive contexts. The role requires strong capacity to establish and maintain strategic partnerships at the inter-agency level, effectively engage a wide range of donors — including development partners — and advocate for the inclusion of forcibly displaced populations in national policies and public services, particularly amid tightening budgetary conditions.
A high level of political acumen and contextual awareness is essential, including a deep understanding of Niger’s political transition, security challenges, and broader regional dynamics. The candidate must be capable of identifying issues central to UNHCR’s mandate while anticipating and mitigating risks to the organization’s reputation and humanitarian principles.

The position demands adaptive leadership suited to high-risk and fast-evolving environments. The candidate should demonstrate strong experience in navigating operational volatility, managing shifting priorities, and negotiating effectively with senior national authorities to advance protection and solutions strategies. Proven excellence in team leadership, resource management, and the formulation of comprehensive, sustainable operational plans aligned with strategic priorities — even in the face of significant resource constraints — will be essential.

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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 the position

Niger’s operational landscape has remained highly challenging since the defense forces assumed power on 26 July 2023. The coup triggered significant international backlash, including ECOWAS-imposed financial sanctions, and spurred threats of military intervention to restore constitutional governance. These developments deepened political tensions and created an environment of uncertainty. Two years on, the country continues to grapple with recurrent terrorist attacks, particularly against civilians, which further strain national security institutions and complicate humanitarian access. Notwithstanding these obstacles, UNHCR maintains its presence and operations nationwide.

As of 31 October 2025, Niger is hosting 431,971 refugees and asylum seekers—351,630 of whom are biometrically registered—alongside 459,585 internally displaced persons (375,267 registered) and 47,370 returnees and other persons of concern. Altogether, UNHCR is responsible for 938,926 forcibly displaced individuals.

The operation’s strategic orientation is framed by the Multi-Year Strategy 2023–2025, which encompasses refugees, asylum seekers, returnees, IDPs, persons at risk of statelessness, host communities, and crisis-affected populations. Looking ahead, the 2026–2029 strategy articulates a forward-leaning vision aimed at enabling inclusive and nationally owned solutions that reduce vulnerability, address protection risks, and bolster community resilience and social cohesion.

UNHCR’s interventions are multi-sectoral and community-driven, with particular attention to women, children, and persons with specific needs. Programmatic implementation is carried out through a field structure composed of a Branch Office in Niamey, a Field Office in Niamey, two Sub-Offices (Tahoua, Maradi), and four Field Units (Tillabéry, Madaoua, Agadez, Diffa). This structure reflects the reorganization that took effect on 1 October 2025, which led to the closure of two Field Units and the consolidation of several Sub-Offices. Programme delivery is further reinforced through extensive collaboration with government institutions and NGO partners operating under the coordination of the Country Office in Niamey.

The Representative serves as the High Commissioner’s principal authority in the country, providing strategic leadership and oversight of the operation, supported by the Deputy Representative. The position carries responsibility for effective operational performance and the stewardship of a significant budget. The Representative reports to the Regional Bureau Director for West and Central Africa, based in Dakar.

Security Considerations

Currently, the security level is 4 in Niamey. Since July 26, 2023, the current military authorities have required any mission to travel under armed escort depending on the context, the area and according to the assessment by the administrative authority, either the governor or the prefect of the location.

Travel for missions by land takes place between 08:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in Niamey. Given the ongoing military operations towards the Malian and Burkinabe borders, particularly in the three-border area (Tillabery) and in other parts of the country (North Tahoua, bordering region of Maradi and remote areas in Diffa bordering Nigeria), humanitarian activities have considerably slowed down and in some cases have been suspended. Rampant crime and attacks carried out by Non-State Armed Groups (NSAG) being the greatest threats in Niger, constitute a substantial security challenge and affect the civilian population in certain locations of the country, and those who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

However, with the timely response capacity of defense and security forces in urban areas, honest citizens manage to freely go about their business. In addition, the United Nations system has established security rules as preventive measures to mitigate the residual risk to personnel. This is a curfew measure between 23:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. for three months up to end of January 2026.

In residential areas, there is almost no red zone but, international staff must reside within a certain perimeter, preferably in areas located maximum 30 minutes from the office. Concerning disturbances to public order, the situation can be volatile and often unpredictable in Niamey, given the mood swings of students. They materialized by meetings/marches/sit-ins.

A weekly radio check (every Thursday for UNHCR) and security advisory communiqués are disseminated by UNDSS/SFSO UNHCR.

The request for armed escort is submitted 7 days in advance and the request for Security clearance must be positively approved before any mission.

Living Conditions

Socio-political tensions have persisted in Niger almost two months after the 26 July coup d'état ousting President Mohamed Bazoum. Sanctions by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including the temporary closure of land and air borders, have further destabilized Niger as institutions and individuals grapple with prolonged power outages, liquidity challenges, scarcity, and price hikes of essential goods, while the border between Niger and Benin remains closed since the July coup, rendering inoperative the main importation corridor into the country.

Niamey has recently been classified E duty station with temporary non-family restrictions with 8 weeks of R&R frequency in Accra (Ghana) due to the prevailing security situation resulting from the breach of peace that took place in July 2023. Though there are several supermarkets, the security situation that led to border closure has a direct impact on the market. Consequently, local and foreign goods are rare on the market. Very limited educational services are available; American International School exist. The Medical Section in Geneva after assessing the medical facilities has recommended two clinics safely accessible by UNHCR staff and family members. However, it’s very poor. Most of the travels within the country are undertaken regularly through UNHAS flights. Non-accessible localities are reached by car. Guest houses and commercial accommodations with minimum standards are available in the field offices. There are several banks and ATMs available in the capital but regularly out of service.

There are 3 seasons in Niger: rainy (June-Sept), cool (Oct-Feb), and very hot (March-May). Communication by mobile is acceptable. Housing conditions are becoming more difficult due to untimely power cuts, and the very high price of rent including advances of 3 to 4 months advance payment. The 2018 Finance law impacts the cost of most purchases.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

LV-Strategic Planning and Advocacy for Refugee Socioeconomic Rights, MG-Organisational Development, MG-UN/UNHCR Management Practices/Standards and Processes, PG-Resource planning, PG-Results-Based Management, PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate), PR-Durable Solutions - Peace-building (Fund), PS-Development of stewardship plans for private partners, PS-Fundraising (incl. operations, programmes), RM-ISO 31000 - International Risk Management Standard

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 ODML Programme - UNHCR, HCR Risk Management and ERM for Managers - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCR

Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless

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

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance