Head of Bureau Protection and Solutions Service - Deputy Bureau Director

A (least hardship)

FamilyFamily

DI1

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

July 11 2025

Head of Bureau Protection and Solutions Service

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The incumbent heads the Protection and Solutions Service in the Regional Bureau and reports to the Bureau Director. S/he has direct supervisory responsibility for protection staff in the Bureau and may supervise other staff.

The incumbent ensures coordination of regional protection and solutions support and acts as a senior advisor to the Bureau Director and to Country Operations in the region on all protection and legal matters and accountabilities including durable solutions. These include: statelessness (in line with the campaign to End Statelessness by 2024) Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) commitments age gender diversity (AGD) and accountability to affected populations (AAP) through community-based protection child protection Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response gender equality disability inclusion youth empowerment registration asylum systems building and refugee status determination resettlement local integration voluntary repatriation human rights standards integration national legislation judicial engagement predictable and decisive engagement in situations of internal displacement and engagement in wider mixed movement and climate change/disaster-related displacement responses. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the centrality of protection in all of UNHCRs activities.

The incumbent works in close collaboration with relevant Divisions.

He/she maintains close working relations with senior protection staff in all countries in the region as well as regionally based UN entities other intergovernmental organizations non-governmental organisations embassies donors international financial institutions academic institutions and the media and represents the Organization on protection and legal matters.

The incumbent is responsible for ensuring in an effective and efficient manner which supports the Organizations Mandate overall quality assurance and managerial support of operations in line with the Bureaus 2nd line function within the three lines of defence conceptual framework for effective control and risk management adopted by the UN system.

S/he will further cover the full spectrum of managerial oversight manage performance and monitor the adherence of Country Operations to UNHCRs rules and regulations monitoring identifying and addressing any emerging issues and risks as appropriate. The incumbent also promotes a culture that is results-oriented efficient and based on trust and pursues measures to ensure that inclusion gender balance and diversity are taken into due consideration in staffing resource allocation and representation at all levels throughout the region.

As a key custodian of the organizations standards of conduct s/he will proactively establish a working environment where all personnel feel safe heard equipped and empowered to speak up; demonstrate no tolerance for sexism gender inequality discrimination of any kind abuse of power harassment or sexual harassment; foster ongoing dialogue on those matters; take seriously all issues of inappropriate behaviour and actions reported whether formally or informally; and seek guidance and support as necessary to ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken working on the basis of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct.

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
- Provide strategic guidance to the Bureau Director on all protection matters.
- Develop a regional protection and solutions strategy consistent with UNHCRs priorities and commitments; support regional and country programming for protection from planning to evaluation including contingency planning and advocate for adequate resource allocations.
- Ensure the continued functioning of the protection service under her/his supervision as one strong team guided by common strategic principled and practical protection objectives working towards increased protection impact.
- Coordinate quality timely and effective protection responses to the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons in the region including emergency responses. Facilitate overall harmonization coherence and application of the Bureaus protection strategies policies and operations.
- Engage in regional fora and forge regional partnerships with broad cross-section of stakeholders to advocate for key protection and mandate issues to ensure effective protection leadership and strengthen regional and national protection frameworks plans and capacities. Coordinate development of the Bureaus strategic protection partnerships with selected institutions including regional organizations relevant NGOs civil society and academic institutions. Advocate for protection within regional coordination mechanisms.
- Maintain a functional link and oversight of the most senior protection staff in Country Offices. Coordinate and provide legal technical and policy advice to Country Operations and enforce Country Operations compliance with and operationalization of UNHCRs global protection policies and standards priorities and commitments.
- Support Country Offices in identifying and taking up opportunities to influence legislative institutional and judicial processes in relation to asylum statelessness and internal displacement; ensure quality comments are provided on draft legislation and policies and to Human Rights mechanisms; review judicial interventions and engage with legal and judicial institutions as relevant.
- Guide and support Country Operations in the development of strategies to build and further develop national asylum/RSD systems with a view to ensuring their fairness efficiency adaptability and integrity.
- Support Country Operations in the preparations of Exchange of Letters Tripartite Agreements and other agreements as required.
- Support Country Operations and ensure they meet their complementary pathways objectives and resettlement quotas. Support local integration objectives and well as efforts to promote social inclusion.
- Guide and support risk management related to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) fraud data protection and human rights due diligence at country level in consultation with relevant Divisions (as appropriate).
- Consolidate and share analysis of emerging protection risks and recommended practices with DIP for global analysis and consult DIP on sensitive protection issues and when proposed regional/local UNHCR policy/position could affect global coherence and accountabilities.
- Coordinate efforts to harmonize and ensure the effectiveness of the Bureaus external protection communications with key counterparts including donors and the media.
- Develop protection capacity of senior protection and legal staff in the region through protection training and regional consultations; promote reviews and evaluations across all areas of protection and identify document and disseminate promising practices.

- 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
International Public Law; International Refugee Law; Political Science; International Human Rights Law; Refugee and Forced Migration; International Relations;

or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Minimum 12 years of previous work experience in progressively responsible functions in an organisation or institution that assists asylum-seekers refugees stateless persons and/or IDPs preferably within the UN. Thorough knowledge of International refugee law and its application; ability to analyse and advocate the application of various regional legal instruments for the benefits of the persons under UNHCRs mandate. Proven and outstanding track record and intimate familiarity with UNHCRs protection doctrine and operational experiences including experience of application of protection doctrine in highly political context senior level protection management leadership in coordination within UNHCR and the UN and with government counterparts. Excellent drafting and analytic skills.

Desirable
Solid UNHCR experience from both the Field (including Hardship Duty stations) and Headquarters.

Functional Skills
*PR-Protection-related guidelines standards and indicators
*PR-Age Gender and Diversity (AGD)
*PR-Developing Strategic Protection Framework
*PR-Comprehensive Solutions Framework
*PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination
(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 be a seasoned and principled leader with extensive experience in managerial acumen required of a Deputy Bureau Director coupled with a background in international protection and solutions. They will bring a demonstrated ability to lead complex operations formulate integrated protection and solutions strategies and deliver results in politically sensitive and operationally diverse contexts.
They must have the proven ability to analyze political situations and provide strategic advice on a broad range of issues to senior officials along with a strong understanding of political and security dynamics in the MENA region. The ideal candidate will also have the ability to draft quickly and well edit and produce cogent analysis of political social and economic events to support decision-making by UNHCRs senior leadership. The incumbent must also demonstrate strong judgment solid negotiating skills diplomacy and tact and the ability to build effective relations with key stakeholders and members of the international community.
In the Deputy role the candidate must demonstrate a high degree of strategic vision and operational leadership capable of supporting the Bureau Director in the full spectrum of regional management. This includes second-line oversight functions managing senior technical leads and ensuring policy coherence risk management and operational alignment with UNHCRs global strategies and commitments.
In the Protection and Solutions role the incumbent must have versatile expertise in international refugee law and protection frameworks including asylum systems strengthening legal aid statelessness community-based protection GBV child protection resettlement and complementary pathways. They will have a strong track record in advancing durable solutions through multi-stakeholder engagement including with development actors financial institutions and regional organizations. Proven experience in engaging host governments promoting legal and policy reform and influencing institutional frameworks is essential.

The candidate should possess:

Demonstrated success in managing large multi-disciplinary teams across geographic and functional boundaries.
Strong political acumen and negotiation skills with the ability to engage effectively with senior government officials intergovernmental bodies donors and other key stakeholders.
Proven capacity to lead and coordinate regional protection and solutions responses especially in fragile and mixed migration contexts.
Experience with results-based management change processes and operational oversight ideally in both field and HQ settings.
A leadership style that is inclusive collaborative and grounded in the core values of integrity respect for diversity and accountability.
Capacity to act as Officer-in-Charge for the Bureau including during emergencies or senior leadership absences.
Proven ability to analyze political situations and provide strategic advice on a broad range of issues to senior officials.

Sound judgment and strong diplomacy and tact to support building effective relations with key stakeholders and members of the international community.

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

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

The MENA Bureau is navigating a period of significant transition and complexity marked by enduring displacement crises increasingly mixed population movements and emerging risks linked to widespread conflict insecurity and socio-political fragility. Since October 2023 the MENA region has witnessed a marked escalation and expansion of conflict. Intensification of violence in Gaza Lebanon and Yemen have triggered large-scale displacement while the fall of the former regime in Syria has dramatically shifted geopolitical alliances and created the potential for refugee returns. In Yemen a dramatic escalation of hostilities beyond the countrys borders and the designation of one party to the conflict as a Foreign Terrorist Organization have added further political complexity to managing UNHCRs operations. Deepening fragmentation and instability in Libya coupled with restrictions on operating space have created even more challenges requiring careful navigation. Similarly continued political sensitivities and increasing constraints in the operational environment in Tunisia Algeria Morocco and Mauritania demand high levels of diplomacy and sensitive engagement.

Within this context the Deputy/Head of Protection and Solutions plays a dual role: serving as principal Deputy to the Bureau Director with delegated authority across key operational and managerial domains and providing strategic leadership on regional protection and solutions priorities.

As Deputy Director the incumbent is responsible for providing strategic direction across the Bureaus functions ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and guided by a keen awareness of regional political developments and their intersection with UNHCRs mandate and operations. This includes maintaining up-to-date knowledge of political security and economic developments in the region including through proactive engagement with internal and external stakeholdersfrom UN partners and donors to regional bodies and national authorities.

The Deputy provides direct supervision of senior managers across technical areas quality assurance over country offices and plays a vital role in supporting field operations in navigating political sensitivities and operational risks. This includes providing analysis and advice on political developments across the region making recommendations on possible strategies and measures mindful of operational implications.

The incumbent also serves as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Bureau Director ensuring continuity in regional oversight institutional leadership and strong representation in a range of fora. The incumbent further plays a vital role in reinforcing a regional culture of results accountability and inclusion.

As the Bureaus lead on protection and solutions the incumbent drives the development and coherence of regional strategies on asylum systems statelessness legal protection community-based approaches gender equality child protection GBV resettlement local integration and complementary pathways. The role includes oversight of regional efforts to embed protection across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus with a growing emphasis on climate-responsive programming digital inclusion and partnerships with development actors private sector and civil society.

To succeed in this role the Deputy/Head of Protection and Solutions must combine expertise in protection and durable solutions with strong political acumen regional insight and sound operational judgment. The role demands a forward-leaning leader who incorporates an integrated approach that includes protection considerations alongside political awareness and conflict prevention sensitivity. They must also be able to champion innovation foster cross-functional collaboration and steer strategic engagement across the full spectrum of UNHCRs mandate in a region undergoing complex transformation.

Living and Working Conditions:

Jordan has a total population of 9.4 million people. Amman houses 42% of Jordans population 4.008 million making it the populous city in the country. Amman is categorized as (A) duty station. Several International airlines operate daily flights from Amman (Queen Alia International Airport). The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar and the exchange rate is fixed and equivalent to ( 1 JOD0.71 USD) Money traders and good local banking system are available.

Jordan is visa free for UNLP holders; however appointed staff must obtain a residency permit. Residency permits and other local protocol remain a challenge due to governmental procedures subject to frequent changes. The process of obtaining residency in Jordan may vary depending on nationality of applicant type of contract offered and its length.

Staff members assigned to Amman are residing in private accommodation. Rent in Amman can vary depending on the size of the property itself number of bedrooms and the area of Amman in which it is located. Renting a 3-bedroom apartment can range fromUSD per month.

Food and other commodities are widely available in the local shops and markets.

Amman tends to have a Mediterranean climate; summers are mildly hot winter usually starts around the end of November and continues until mid-March there is occasional snowfall.

The medium for teaching in international schools is English however there are a few French language schools as well. There is a plethora of institutions for children of all ages from pre-school to high school as well universities.

The majority of international educational institutions are in Amman.

Amman is the home to many top-end hospitals and clinics. Due to Jordanian healthcares international appeal nearly all doctors and many support staff speak English. Healthcare here is also very accessible and affordable.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

PR-Age Gender and Diversity (AGD) PR-Comprehensive Solutions Framework PR-Developing Strategic Protection Framework PR-Gender Based Violence (GBV) Coordination PR-Protection-related guidelines standards and indicators

Education

Bachelor of Arts: International Human Rights Law Bachelor of Arts: International Public Law Bachelor of Arts: International Refugee Law Bachelor of Arts: International Relations Bachelor of Arts: Political Science Bachelor of Arts: Refugee and Forced Migration Studies

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 Political awareness Stakeholder management Strategic planning & visions Teamwork & collaboration

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Additional Information

This position doesnt require a functional clearance