Deadline for Applications

December 22, 2025

Hardship Level

E (most hardship)

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Family Type

Non Family with Residential Location

Residential location (if applicable)

Tunis, Tunisia

Grade

PR4

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2026-01-01

Standard Job Description

Head of Sub-Office

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR Sub-Office (HoSO) is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent carries the full delegated authority of the UNHCR Representative (or the country Manager) 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 UNCR 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 (or the country manager) 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 the Sub-Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoSO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.
While the functional responsibility of a Head of a Sub-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 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.
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 remains 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 population of concern to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on local situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Representative.
– 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. 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 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 P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Management Administration, Personnel Administration, Law,
Political Science, International Relation, Economics,
or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
In-depth knowledge in all aspects of UNHCR mandate and its Field level application. Applied knowledge 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. UNHCR Specific learning/training activities ( i.e. Learning Programme in Management & Operations).

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
MG-Office Management
HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
PR-International protection concepts and principles
(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

The incumbent of this position shall have extensive managerial and coordination experience, as well as the ability to manage large, diverse teams of national and international staff, solid experience in Programme management and field operations.

Considering the variety of stakeholders (government, embassies, donors, UN agencies, and NGOs), and the imperative of maintaining a constructive relationship with all, the incumbent should have strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills and demonstrated Inter-Agency coordination competency.
The incumbent shall demonstrate a results- and solutions-oriented approach in the implementation of Programs while working hand in hand with Protection and other stakeholders within the operation.

The ability to strategise program activities based on the needs of the people served is a critical skill expected of the incumbent of this position. Being a senior member of operations, extension of knowledge in leadership is another requirement for the incumbent.

The Sahrawi operation in Tindouf represents one of the protracted refugee situations globally. Due to the unique political circumstances surrounding the Sahrawi refugees, UNHCR has not conducted formal registration in the five camps near Tindouf.

Data collection and personal information are managed by the Sahrawi themselves. Inquiries are directed to the relevant Sahrawi departments. There is no official sharing of personal data between UNHCR, its partners, and the Sahrawi, except for occasional exchanges of aggregate data.
The post requires strong political awareness, considerable diplomatic skills, and strong negotiation abilities to engage effectively with authorities and national partners, as well as excellent interpersonal skills to navigate the humanitarian agenda swiftly while carefully avoiding entanglement in the existing political dynamics within the camps.

English is essential for this position, and desirable languages include Arabic, Spanish, and French. While Arabic is the primary language for communicating with the predominantly Arabic-speaking refugee community and the Sahrawi authority, Spanish also enables effective communication with many local stakeholders and INGO staff.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

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 Position:

UNHCR has been accredited to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, a signatory to the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees, since 1984. It provides protection and assistance to persons of concern in both camp and urban settings.

UNHCR is at the forefront of the humanitarian response for the Sahrawi Refugee Response Plan (SRRP), led by the Resident Coordinator (RC), and aims to address the need for a planning figure of 173,600 Sahrawi individuals across five camps near Tindouf, Algeria. UNHCR leads several of the eight sectors of support for the refugees and coordinates the efforts of partners and the Sahrawi population itself as well as leading the interaction with the host government through the multilateral directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It also leads the Sahrawi Refugee Partners platform for donors in Algiers and the UN-wide Subgroup for Communications and Fundraising. UNHCR’s urban operation, based in Algiers, serves more than 14,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. At the request of the Algerian authorities, UNHCR undertakes registration and status determination for asylum-seekers and helps them to secure durable solutions once recognized as refugees. UNHCR focuses on strengthening access to national systems and services, including education, health, GBV response, child protection and support for persons with disabilities.

Under the direct supervision of the Representative, the incumbent will provide overall management of the Sub Office in Tindouf in an effective and efficient manner that supports the Organization’s mandate. S/he is also expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed to the country by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform and institutional developments.

He/she will be supervising the Programme, Field and Project Control units. Considering the variety of stakeholders (government, embassies, donors, UN agencies and NGOs), the incumbent is expected to work closely and maintain a constructive relationship with all stakeholders.

Externally the incumbent acts as adviser or representative of the Organization with authority to discuss problems and seek common ground on which to recommend solutions based on predetermined guidelines provided by higher authority. The incumbent will act as Operational In Charge in the absence of the Representative.

Living and Working Conditions:

Tindouf is a town located in Tindouf Wilaya (sub administrative unit) in the south-west of Algeria with an approximate population of 50,000. It is 2,000 km away from Algiers, the capital city of Algeria. The weather is characterized by extremely hot & dry during summer and cold during winter. Tindouf is currently classified as non-family duty station, hardship level E (most hardship). There is no UNHCR accommodation in Tindouf. Staff are renting their housing and access to accommodation is fairly of acceptable standard. There are apartments relatively in good condition, most are with functioning utilities such water, gas, and electricity. The average rental fee varies between USD 500 to 800. A Resident Security Measures (RSM) should be conducted by MINURSO Security in collaboration UNHCR FSA prior to renting a private accommodation by international staff.

Local banking facilities are available with a possibility of opening a USD bank account (birth certificate is required to open an account). The system of credit cards (visa or master card) is not used in Tindouf, while in Algiers it is limited to big hotels only. It is recommended to ensure having enough cash in Euros or USD prior to travel. The Algerian visa cannot be granted at the airport and must be obtained prior to arrival. Health facilities in Tindouf are limited and there is no recreational or leisure facilities. Tindouf is served by a daily flight to the capital city, Algiers, by Air Algieri. Tindouf has R&R cycle of 8 weeks (56 days) with a designated R&R location of Tunis, Tunisia.

The security level in Tindouf and all camps is MODERATE (3). All movements from Tindouf to the camps should always be escorted. There is a curfew in place from 00:00 to 06:00 in the morning. MINURSO conducts radio check every Monday. Movement of international staff with in Tindouf is restricted to a recommended zone. A security clearance is required to enter Algeria (via TRIP hhtps://dss.un.org) and a mandatory security briefing is provided by MINURSO upon arrival. Security clearance is also required for all UN personnel when travelling internally which is processed through TRIP at https://dss.un.org.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, MG-Office Management, PR-International protection concepts and principles, UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: International Relations, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Management, Bachelor of Arts: Personnel Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science

Certifications

Work 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 & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance