JOB DESCRIPTION

Deadline for Applications

September 13, 2025

Grade

NOC

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

National Professional Officer

Reason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment

Hardship Level

B

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Target Start Date

2025-10-01

Target End Date

2025-12-31

Standard Job Description

Head of National Office

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
Head of a UNHCR National Office is a senior managerial position within a given country operation. The incumbent acts under delegated authority of the UNHCR Regional Representative (or the Deputy Regional 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 to the UNHCR Regional Representative (or Deputy) on a regular and timely manner. Subject to the specific legal or socio economic or security developments in the Area of Responsibility (AOR), the Regional Representative 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 Regional Representative 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 UNHCR Regional/Deputy Regional Representative fully informed.

As the most senior UNHCR staff member within the given geographical area, s/he is required in consultation with the Regional Representative 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 1951 Refugee Convention responsibilities and international obligations of the national authorities vis-a-vis the population of concern to UNHCR within the given geographical area; based on the situations/developments make appropriate recommendation to the UNHCR Regional Representative/Deputy Regional Representative. Request regional support as appropriate.
– Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of asylum seekers, refugees and returnees as well as IDPs and stateless persons, where applicable.
– 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 rigorous monitoring of identified assistance activities, specifically on integration and self-reliance measures.
– Ensure, through the subordinate staff, that deadlines for monitoring and reporting of UNHCR operational activities (i.e. include assistance as well as Administrative) 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, where 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. Support the UN Designated Official and represent UNHCR in the regular meetings of the Security Management Team.
– 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 Regional/Deputy Regional Representative.
– Participate in the deliberations and work of the UN Country Team and promote UNHCR”s issues of concern.
– Any other responsibilities/functions deemed necessary or as delegated by the UNHCR Regional Representative in order to meet the level of the services in the organization.
– Represent UNHCR in inter-agency fora and with national authorities.
– 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 P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Economics; International Relations; Law;
Management; Political Science; Personnel Administration;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
– In-depth knowledge in 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.
Desirable
– Working experience in the Field.

Functional Skills
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
*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

CONTEXT
Dans le contexte de la reconfiguration de la présence du HCR dans les pays côtiers et de la transition vers des bureaux nationaux allégés, le HCR met en place une nouvelle structure au Bénin pour assurer la continuité de son mandat de protection et de recherche de solutions. Celle-ci fonctionnera de manière agile, favorisant une réponse plus localisée et souveraine. La nouvelle structure orientera son action stratégique vers l”appui-conseil au Gouvernement en matière d”asile, la mise en œuvre d”activités de protection ciblées, la promotion de solutions d”inclusion socio-économique avec les partenaires de développement, et une contribution active au Dialogue de Lomé.
Le Bénin accueille une population de réfugiés et demandeurs d”asile principalement originaires du Burkina Faso, du Mali et du Niger, avec des mouvements significatifs dans les départements frontaliers de l”Atacora, de la Donga et de l”Alibori. Le pays maintient une politique d”accueil progressive mais fait face à des défis croissants de pression migratoire et de cohabitation communautaire. Le Bénin a renforcé son cadre juridique avec l”adoption de la loi sur l”asile en 2018 et s”efforce de mettre en place des procédures RSD efficaces malgré des capacités opérationnelles limitées.
Ce poste de Head of National Office (HoNO) est la plus haute fonction du HCR au Bénin et assure la représentation nationale sous l”autorité du Bureau régional (RBWC) à Dakar. Il/Elle garantit la cohérence opérationnelle, la conformité aux politiques du HCR, la gestion efficiente des ressources, et le pilotage des partenariats étatiques et non étatiques, avec un focus particulier sur le renforcement des capacités nationales et la prévention des tensions communautaires.

DCP
Expérience de travail avec les autorités gouvernementales et les partenaires institutionnels ; expérience en coordination inter-agences et avec le système des Nations Unies ; expérience en gestion de programmes dans des contextes de ressources limitées ; connaissance du droit international des réfugiés et de son application dans différents contextes ; expérience en gestion d”équipe et leadership dans un environnement multiculturel.
Fully Bilingual in communications (Written, spoken). Given the nature of this position, it is mandatory that the incumbent of the position clearly demonstrate fluency in some national local dialects of Benin.

Functional Clearance

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance

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

French

,

English

,

Desired languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, MG-Office Management, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework

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

Programme Management (PM) 1 – UNHCR

Work Experience

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Other information

N/A

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements