Representative

H (no hardship)

FamilyFamily

PR5

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

July 3 2025

Representative

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
As the High Commissioners senior representative in the country the Representative provides managerial leadership and oversight to ensure UNHCRs effective performance in the country of her/his assignment. The incumbent usually manages a budget of less than USD 6 millions.

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

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 persons of concern 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.

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 UNHCRs mandate. A failure on the part of the Representative to adhere to these standards would have negative implications for UNHCRs credibility operations and ultimately the protection and well-being of persons of concern 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 UNHCRs 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 UNHCRs 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 operations adherence to UNHCRs 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 UNHCRs 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 persons of concern especially women and children.
- Ensure persons of concern 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 UNHCRs Cluster Lead role and implement other IASC and inter-agency/UN policies.
- Ensure that risks to the operations 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 UNHCRs 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 UNHCRs 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 operations protection strategy.
- Enforce local compliance with UNHCRs 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 organizations 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

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Business Administration; International Relations; Law;
Political Science; Social Science; Human Resources Management;
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
- Senior positions in a large governmental or international agency. 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
*IT-Computer Literacy
*PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
*PG-Results-Based Management
*MG-Field Operations Management
*UN-UN/UNHCR Inter-agency Policies Standards Programmes and Partnerships
*UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities
*MG-Political Decision Making
*MG-Change Management
*MG-Country/Regional Office Representation
*MG-Client Relationship Management
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 candidate should have:

Diverse previous experience within UNHCR taking in large-field operations and advocacy-focused operation. Previous experience in a senior management role is required;
Broad operational experience - robust protection programme PI fundraising/PSP experience would be an asset.
A good general understanding of the European context including the European Union legislative institutional and political framework and the European Union asylum system;
Strong communication skills with demonstrated success in using these skills to further UNHCRs protection priorities and resource mobilization efforts.
Ability to effectively represent the Offices global concerns as well as those related to the French domestic system;
Strong managerial skills including the ability to manage multiple competing demands and diverse team in a high-pressure and highly charged political environment;
Political acumen and demonstrated experience in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including central and local government authorities NGOs the judiciary and the public;
Demonstrated ability to identify new partnerships and represent UNHCR in large and diverse fora;
Fluency in written and spoken French is essential;
Excellent knowledge of English including drafting ability is also required.

French

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station please visit this link:

of Position:

As of 2024 France hosts over 800000 forcibly displaced persons including asylum-seekers refugees stateless individuals and persons under temporary protection. The demographic profile includes diverse age groups with an increasing proportion of women children (including unaccompanied minors) and elderly individuals. Gender and diversity factorssuch as sexual orientation disability and ethnic background thus stressing the importance of adequately identifying vulnerabilities as early as possible after arrival and adapting the services provided to these populations.

Major countries of origin include Afghanistan Syria Sri Lanka and countries from Central and West Africa. Over 56000 adult Ukrainians currently benefit from temporary protection under the EUs Temporary Protection Directive with an increasing number of Ukrainian seeking asylum (more than 13000 in 2024). In Frances overseas territories Mayotte sees arrivals primarily from the Comoros and the Great Lakes region French Guiana hosts people from Haiti and Syria and Sri Lankans arrive by boat to the island of Reunion.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

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

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 Negotiation & conflict resolution Organizational awareness Political awareness Strategic planning & visions Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

Bi-Annual 2025 Compendium - Part A

Additional Information

This position doesnt require a functional clearance