Head of National Office

March 3, 2026

B

FamilyFamily

NOB

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-06-01

Head of National Office

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR National Office acts under delegated authority of the UNHCR Representative (or the Deputy Representative), who exercises supervisory managerial responsibility over the position. The position reports and provides 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 UNHCR 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 (AOR) to the UNHCR Representative (or Deputy) on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the AOR, the supervisor will direct and guide the Head of National Office (HoNO) to take the most appropriate course of action. The Head of UNHCR National Office will on request serve as a designated member of the UN Country Team, participating in relevant meetings including monthly UNCT meetings, engaging the involvement and advocacy of the supervisor as may be appropriate. S/he will also advise the UN Resident Coordinator in regard to UNHCR's issues of concern. The Head of the UNHCR National Office will also support the UN Designated Official as a member of the Security Management Team. Concerning overall physical security concerns, HoNO will liaise directly with the competent UN security coordinator while keeping the supervisor fully informed.

As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, s/he is required in consultation with the supervisor to liaise with relevant government officials, security organs in the area, Non-Governmental Organisations (both national and international which are based in the area), local opinion makers and the local media.

As the extended field representative of UNHCR at the front line of High Commissioner's operations, s/he remains as the effective advocate and assistant to the local authorities to ensure that the respective government authorities in the area implement their responsibilities emanating from the 1951 Convention 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-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 government and/or the competent implementing partners and/or UNHCR itself and its UNCT partners.
- 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 Regional/Deputy Regional Representative.
- 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 national 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 Regional 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

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant 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
Programme Mgmt
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Knowledge 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.

Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
*IT-Computer Literacy
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
*MG-Office Management
*HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits
(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 Head of National Office should have experience in representing UNHCR or another UN agency with external audiences. S/he should have strong advocacy skills and a good awareness of the geo-political environment that impacts refugee issues in Nepal. Experience in managing an office or staff will be a strong asset. S/he should have a good knowledge of refugee protection policies and normative frameworks as well as relevant experience in working on durable solutions in refugee, and/or IDP/ Statelessness situations, and/or in coordination work with humanitarian partners and/or inter-agency work.

The candidate should have acute political awareness, and the ability to navigate around politically sensitive issues. S/he should have demonstrated experience in advocacy and applying protection principles in a practical fashion to maximize protection dividends, including in complex political environments where ideal outcomes may not be fully achievable. S/he should be able to pro-actively address problems and propose solutions.

The candidate should have the ability to analyse and use data to make sound judgements, to articulate complex issues in a simple and convincing manner to internal and external stakeholders, and to draft in a clear and concise manner on such issues.

The candidate should have demonstrated the ability to work successfully and respectfully in a diverse team.

A graduate qualification in law, management or other relevant areas of expertise is desirable. The position will require strong oral and written communications skills in English. Therefore, it is essential that the candidate has excellent English writing and drafting skills.


Remuneration:
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances, and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at: http://icsc.un.org.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or any other fees).
UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. UNHCR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behavior and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. Any concerns or suspicions about a possible case of SEA should be reported immediately to the Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at inspector@unhcr.org through the online complain form at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.

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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:

The Head of National Office reports to the Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific. S/he will manage a small operation and have supervisory responsibility for two staff at G6 level (protection and program). S/he will oversee refugee issues and will work to ensure refugees’ protection and welfare and find sustainable solutions to their protracted situation.

The Head of National Office will undertake advocacy activities and work at enhancing the protection of refugees and their communities in Nepal, ensuring respect for the principle of non-refoulement and non-penalization of asylum issues. In advocating, s/he will engage the support of the Refugee Core Group, composed of key diplomatic missions. S/he will closely follow up on the implementation of the 2021 Cabinet decision related to solutions for the Bhutanese refugees and help coordinate activities related to documentation issues and solutions for all refugees, particularly those in a very protracted situation. S/he will look for synergies and opportunities with the Government of Nepal, UN agencies, I/NGOS, and other stakeholders for the inclusion of refugees in services, programs and social protection schemes. Together with her/his staff and UNHCR’s partner LWF, s/he will help reinforce the capacity of refugee communities to become self-reliant through community-based interventions. S/he will also assist refugees who found solutions through legal pathways or wish to return home, by providing adequate information to make an informed choice, and ensuring they are granted exit from Nepal without having to pay for heavy visa fines.

The incumbent will continue to implement the multi-year comprehensive protection strategy and will represent the organization externally on protection doctrine and policy. S/he also ensures that refugees are meaningfully engaged in the decisions that affect them and support program design and adaptations that are influenced by the concerns, priorities and capacities of forcibly displaced and stateless persons.

The Head of National Office will coordinate with key partners, including government, UN agencies, Refugee Core Group members and I/NGOs on refugee issues. S/he will undertake advocacy, managerial, liaison, coordination and other relevant functions.

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, MG-Office Management, 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

Programme Management - Other

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