Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position
Hardship LevelB
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradePR4
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff memberโs country of nationality.
In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-10-13
Job Posting End DateNovember 9, 2023
Standard Job Description
Head of Field Office
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR Field Office (HoFO) 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 or Head of Sub-Office) 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 persons of concern to UNHCR), security (Physical security in relation to the UNCR staff and the persons of concern 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 Field Office to take the most appropriate course of action. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoFO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the UNHCR Representative fully informed.
While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field 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 Commissionerยฟs operations, he/she remain 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 UNHCRยฟs 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/HoSO.
- 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 oneยฟs 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.
- Represent UNHCR in inter-agency fora and with local authorities in the AOR.
- Enforce compliance with UNHCRยฟs 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
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
Human Resources Management;
Personnel Administration;
Law;
Political Science;
International Relations;
Economics;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Management Lrng Prg;
HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
In-depth knowledge in all aspects of UNHCRยฟs Field level operation. Applied experience 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.
Functional Skills
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
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.
Desired Candidate Profile Desirable Candidateโs Profile
Communication and negotiation skills
Field experience and Field protection
Management in UNHCR
Inter-agency coordination
Intervene with RTG authorities on issues related to protection and solutions.
Negotiate locally on behalf of UNHCR with local authorities on the border.
Decide priorities for reception, interviewing and counselling for groups or individuals.
Enforce compliance of staff and implementing partners with global protection policies and standards of professional integrity in the delivery of protection services.
Enforce compliance with, and integrity of, all protection standard operating procedures.
Donor relations. Ability to brief donor missions to the field, mobilize resources and inform advocacy efforts
UNHCR Protection Learning Programme
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Nature of Position:
Thailand is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and currently has no national legal framework for addressing refugee status or protection. UNHCR works in coordination with the Royal Thai Government (RTG), NGOs and CBOs to protect, assist and seek solutions for the approximately 90,000 refugees present in the nine camps along the Thai-Myanmar border.
Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Representative, the Head of Field Office (HoFO) provides all information on developments in relation to UNHCR's protection, registration and durable solutions activities, security (staff and POCs) and operational matters (program and admin) within its area of responsibility in a regular and timely manner.
The HoFO is expected to coordinate quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of the population of concern on the Thai-Myanmar border, ensuring that operational responses in all sectors mainstream protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards. S/he is required to liaise with all the relevant senior government officials, security organs in the area, the heads of various NGOs (national and international), civilian/refugee leaders/elders, local opinion makers and the local media network to ensure his/her assigned responsibilities are effectively and efficiently discharged.
In March 2019, based on experience at the time, the declining humanitarian funding, and the unlikelihood that large numbers of refugees will be able to return, UNHCR issued a solutions strategy presenting a multi-faceted package of solutions. This strategy has now been overcome by events with the change of circumstances inside Myanmar and the recent arrivals. The HoFO will therefore be required to work with all relevant actors on developing a revised protection and solutions strategy and actively contribute to strategy formulation and implementation.
In May 2023, UNHCR and the governments of the United States and Thailand announced a renewed opportunity for eligible Myanmar refugees in the nine border camps to be resettled to the US. A joint data verification exercise by UNHCR and Thailandโs Ministry of Interior is currently underway in the camps, after which eligible refugees can express their interest in resettlement. This group resettlement program is expected to last for a number of years and forms an integral part of a revised protection and solutions strategy for the camp population.
The 1 February 2021 coup in Myanmar has forced thousands of Myanmar nationals to flee their homes. In order to coordinate the preparedness and response efforts for this situation, an Inter-Sector Working Group (ISWG) was established with UNHCR as chair. The ISWG aims to ensure that there is a clearly articulated country 'level humanitarian response strategy based on the identification of needs and that the response is coordinated. As chair of the Field Inter-Sector Working Group, the incumbent needs to demonstrate ability to manage emergency response in a protection sensitive environment and to provide leadership and coordination for the inter-sector response at the provincial level. S/he should also supervise the sectors led by UNHCR, namely protection and non-food items, at the provincial level.
Field Office Mae Sot covers three camps. The incumbent needs to expect and be comfortable with undertaking regular missions within Thailand.
Working and living conditions:
Mae Sot is a district of Tak province situated in North-Western Thailand, which is about 520 kms (or about 6-hours drive) from Bangkok. Mae Sot is a Burmese-Chinese-Karen-Thai trading outpost that has become a small but simmering tourist destination. In addition, Mae Sot is a trading gateway to Myanmar where lots of economic activity takes place along the border. The town Burmese population is largely Muslim, while those living outside town are Buddhist and the Karen are mostly Christian. The Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge links Mae Sot with Myawadi and the highway west to Mawlamyine (Moulmein) and Yangon.
Infrastructure in Mae Sot is developing at a rapid pace due to its importance on the border. The best way to get around Mae Sot is by Taxi or Motor Cycle Taxi in which passengers need to call in advance. It is challenging for both local and international staff who doesnโt own any personal vehicle to move around in Mae Sot.
There is two high-end shopping centre and good accommodation for all budgets. Basic healthcare facilities are there in Mae Sot, with a few good private hospitals ie Mae Sot Ram hospital, and Nakorn Mae Sot International hospital. However, unlike hospitals in Bangkok, most of the medical service staff ie doctors and nurses do not speak English. The non-Thai speaking staff might face the language difficulty and interpretation assistance from local colleagues might be needed. Non-Thai speaking staff is recommended to travel to Chiangmai or Bangkok for very specialized medical care.
International schools are located in Chang Mai as the there are no recognized International schools in Mae Sot.
Temperatures in Mae Sot vary between 20 C in December and 38 C in April with the monsoon season from July to October. This does lead to severe flooding in many parts of Mae Sot and the rest of the country. Careful consideration must be given to the choice of residential location due to this factor.
Security Situation
Mae Sot is both a town and district of Tak province situated in North-Western Thailand, around 520 kms from Bangkok. It is a Burmese-Chinese-Karen-Thai trading outpost, a small yet sprawling border town. Mae Sot is a trading gateway to Myanmar and has a mixed population of different ethnicities and religions, which is reflected in the markets, food and different places of worship. The Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge links Mae Sot with Myawaddy and the highway west to Mawlamyine (Moulmein) and Yangon.
Infrastructure in Mae Sot developed at a rapid pace in recent years due to its importance at the border, although cross-border trade has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is one large shopping centre, several food markets and supermarkets, basic healthcare facilities and reasonable/good accommodation for all budgets. Staff will need to travel to Chang Mai or Bangkok for specialized health care. There are no recognized international schools in Mae Sot and the nearest international school is in Chiang Mai, around five hours away by road. Public transport exists in the form of taxis and scooters although availability has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no taxi apps and being able and willing to drive is recommended. English is not widely spoken which may affect day to day public transport, child and health care arrangements.
Temperatures in Mae Sot vary between 20 C in December and 38 C in April with the monsoon season from July to October. This can lead to severe flooding in parts of Mae Sot, hence careful consideration must be given to the choice of residential location.
Mae Sot is classified as a B, family duty station with a low security threat level. Access to the area from and to Bangkok is via road or air - with only one airline included on the Recommended Air Operator List for UNSMS Official Travel (Nok Air) and operating to and from Mae Sot International Airport. Road traffic accidents represent a significant hazard to UNHCR personnel in the district and Thailand generally. With regular road movements to the camps and weak road safety policing and enforcement, the risk of road involving UNHCR personnel is not negligible. The armed conflict currently taking place across the border in Myanmar has also been identified as a security threat that has had and is likely to continue to have collateral effect on UNHCR operations, personnel and assets.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsHR-Employee Relationship Management, MG-Field Operations Management
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Management, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Personnel Administration, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science
CertificationsHCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 - UNHCR
Work ExperienceAnnual 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: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Stateless
CompetenciesAccountability, 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 Bi-annual Compendium 2023 Part B - October 2023
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance