Hybrid Head of Field Unit bei UNHCR

B

FamilyFamily

NOA

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-10-01

August 10, 2025

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 population of concern 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 Field Unit managed by the incumbent has no other professional position and less than 6 General Service positions. The supervisor exercises substantive oversight and provides regular 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 population of concern to UNHCR within the AOR.
- Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of persons of concern.
- 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 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 concerned population 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. 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 persons of concern 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 P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no 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
HCR Management Learning Prog; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Applied knowledge of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration.

Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
*PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators
*MG-Office Management
*HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
*IT-Computer Literacy
(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.

• Professional experience in the area of refugee protection, human rights, and international humanitarian law at field level, including experience in working directly with Government bodies and partners.
• Experience in strengthening relations and partnerships with regional and local authorities is essential.
• Professional experience in supervising operations in a border area, is a plus.
• Experience in providing technical guidance to protection colleagues and follow-up on Admin/Programme/Supply matters is essential.
• Strong skills in guiding and accompanying field staff in the delivery of community-based activities, ensuring that refugees, asylum seekers as well as host community needs and rights are considered.
• Experience in UNHCR office management and staff administration is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Spanish (C1) and English (B2), both written and oral is essential.

This position is based in Tumbes, Peru.

Please note that this is a local recruitment. All candidates must provide a proof of permanent residency at the time of application. Spanish is essential for this position.

This vacancy is open to internal candidates (i.e., staff members with an indefinite or fixed-term appointment in the same category as the position advertised) and candidates with UNHCR experience at the time of application (i.e., current staff members in other categories, JPOs, staff members on temporary appointment, affiliate workforce, interns, and staff loaned/seconded), only those will be considered for regular appointments and assignments.

Please note that this position is offered under an initial one-year Fixed-term appointment. Extension is subject to operational needs, budget, and performance.

Only short-listed candidates will be notified and might be requested to sit a test. No late applications will be accepted.

Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted during the application. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. All applications willl be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

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Spanish

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

As a Category B family duty station, Tumbes presents moderate environmental and security risks. Staff should observe the following precautionary measures:

Tumbes is exposed to moderate multi-hazard risks, including flooding and landslides, particularly during El Niño events when sea temperatures rise and rainfall increases. Local contingency planning is advised during peak seasonal changes.

Due to tropical conditions, personnel are advised to:

Use insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET to guard against mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue or malaria.

Consume bottled water exclusively.

Carry a basic first-aid kit and ensure required vaccinations are up-to-date if traveling to endemic regions.

Petty crimes, particularly theft in crowded areas such as markets, can occur. Staff should:

Keep valuables out of sight.

Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or displaying electronics.

Utilize hotel safes for critical documents.

Stay aware of surroundings, especially in busy or unfamiliar locations.

Nature of Position:

With over 1.54 million forcibly displaced Venezuelans living in the country, Peru remains the second largest host country in the world for this population. Venezuelans continue to account for most asylum applications, with a total of 493,476 asylum seekers and 4,906 recognized refugees, out of a total of 508,449 asylum seekers and 6,740 recognized refugees living in the country (December 2023).

UNHCR and partners have supported over 184.000 people in 2024 with legal assistance, core relief items, multipurpose cash grants, access to shelter and safe spaces for people with specific needs, especially survivors of SGBV, and economic inclusion projects, among others. 

Tumbes is the main entry and exit point for forcibly displaced populations in the country, with an average daily flow of between 260 and 300 individuals, of which approximately 55% are entries* (IOM DTM). A considerable number of forcibly displaced people entering Peru are traveling on foot and average of 23 days, exposed to significant protection risks during their journeys. UNHCR is co-leading the local platform of the GTRM and is supporting an interagency humanitarian response at the border providing information and orientation to forcibly displaced people, identifying persons with specific needs, and delivering humanitarian assistance to people in transit.

Additionally, Tumbes also hosts an estimated 17,500 forcibly displaced Venezuelans which have been arriving since the beginning of the humanitarian crisis in 2017 and settling in several districts of the department. The Field Unit in Tumbes carries out an integral protection response for forcibly displaced people residing on a permanent basis in the department, as well as for host communities.

The FU Tumbes works closely with operational and implementing partners and coordinates activities with local authorities, including the Office of the Ombudsperson, the local branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Migration Superintendence´s decentralized office as well as regional and municipal authorities, among others.

This position will be based in Tumbes and will be under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative based in Lima.

UNHCR Peru operates with a Country Office in Lima, a Field Unit in Lima, a Field Unit in Tumbes, and a Field Unit in Tacna.

Living and Working Conditions:

Tumbes is a small but growing city in northwestern Peru, located near the Ecuadorian border and coastal areas such as Zorritos. While modest in scale, it offers essential services and infrastructure suitable for family life and professional duties:

Affordable private accommodations are available. Internet access, mobile SIM cards, and communication services are reliable within urban zones but may be less consistent in rural areas.

Basic healthcare services are accessible through regional hospitals and local clinics. International-standard schools are limited, but local alternatives exist.

The city is served by Cap. FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airport, facilitating travel within the country and to neighboring Ecuador.

Modest recreational options are available, along with banking and currency exchange facilities in the city center and airport.

The warm coastal climate requires heat-adaptive measures and seasonal planning. Staff should prepare for heightened rainfall and possible disruptions during El Niño seasons.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, MG-Office Management, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework

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

HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCR

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 Jetzt bewerben