Deadline for Applications March 12, 2026 Hardship Level D Family Type Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay Residential location (if applicable) Budapest, Hungary Grade NOB Staff Member / Affiliate Type National Professional Officer Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2026-04-01 Standard Job Description Head of Field Unit Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The position is under direct supervision and guidance of the Representative/Head of Sub/Field-Office on issues concerning programme, protection, external relations, etc. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units at the Branch Office and from the Bureau at Headquarters. The incumbent represents UNHCR at the field level. S/he will persuade and obtain assistance of others on matters of non-routine significance. Contacts predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organizations programmes (e.g. counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments). While the functional responsibility of a Head of Field Unit will remain the same despite its grade level, the other parameters (therefore the depth and breadth of the competencies) such as the size of the forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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. The supervisor exercises regular oversight and provides guidance, direction and support to the incumbent. 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-a-vis the forcibly displaced and stateless persons to UNHCR within the AOR. – Advocate and promote UNHCR standards concerning the treatment of forcibly displaced and stateless persons . – Ensure that the basic needs of the forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 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 forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 ones own practice and deeds. – Prepare and submit regular reports, both verbally and written, to the UNHCR Representative/HoSO/HoFO. 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. – 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 local authorities in the AOR. – Enforce compliance with UNHCRs global protection, programme, finance, human resources and security policies and standards. – Submit project proposals for assistance to refugees and other forcibly displaced and stateless persons 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 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 *UN-UN/UNHCR Mandate and Global Strategic Priorities *IT-Computer Literacy *PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework (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 Essential Attributes – Field Operations Management Experience: Demonstrated experience managing field-based humanitarian operations, including oversight of programme implementation directly and through partners, with…