JOB DESCRIPTION

E (most hardship)

Family

Family

NOA

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-09-01

August 4, 2025

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 Organization’s 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 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. The Field Unit managed by the incumbent has no other professional position and less than 6 General Service positions. The supervisor exercises substantive oversight and provides regular 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-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 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 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 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.
– 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 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 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 P1/NOA – 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no 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
HCR Management Learning Prog; HCR Managing Operatns Lrng Prg;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Applied knowledge of protection principles, operational arrangements/standards in relation to protection, assistance, UNHCR office management and staff administration.

Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
*PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework
*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.

The Head of Field Unit (NOA) works under the supervision of the Representative or his/her designated alternate. The Head of Field Unit will lead a small team of UNHCR staff and is responsible for UNHCR’s field operations in the Mantapala settlement for refugees in Luapula Province. The UNHCR office covering this settlement is located in Kawambwa, Nchelenge District, Luapula Province.
The incumbent will oversee UNHCR’s work and partnerships with the objective of advancing the strategic direction of strengthening protection and solutions for refugees in Mantapala through inclusion in national services and promoting self-reliance. The incumbent will be responsible for cooperation with all partners, particularly government agencies, and building new partnerships with civil society and the private sector to achieve the strategic objectives noted above. He/she with the UNHCR team in Kawambwa will also monitor and support the implementation of UNHCR funded interventions both by partners and directly by UNHCR. This will require regular collaboration with the programme and protection units in Lusaka to ensure timely identification of gaps and accelerate response. The Head of Field Unit will also be responsible for the overall administration of the UNHCR Field Unit in Kawambwa with direct support from the Administration team in Lusaka.
In January 2024, the Government of the Republic of Zambia introduced a National Refugee Policy and Implementation Plan that encompasses significant commitments aimed at providing local, long-term solutions for the forcibly displaced population in the country. These commitments were already reflected in Zambia’s pledges to uphold the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) made during the 2023 Global Refugee Forum (GRF).
Collaborating with a wide array of partners, especially government agencies and development organizations within Zambia, the Head of Field Unit jointly leads the forced displacement response alongside the Refugee Officer from the Commissioner for Refugees and other relevant government ministries to support the operationalization of the National Refugee Policy and the Government’s 2023 GRF pledges.
He/she will work closely with local authorities and communities to improve protection for displaced individuals and team up with local officials and other partners to identify the needs of the population. This involves coordinating with implementing partners and local authorities to design, plan, execute, monitor, and assess projects.
The role entails close collaboration with refugees and host communities to promote social cohesion and joint efforts to develop opportunities and partnerships that will improve the socio-economic situation of everyone in the Mantapala settlement. The incumbent will identify and leverage opportunities that can lead to long term solutions for refugees, such as voluntary repatriation to their country of origin, third country solutions, and local integration.
The Head of Field Unit will work with partners on improving reception of new arrivals, registration, and provision of assistance to vulnerable individuals with the aim of achieving inclusion from the start. The incumbent is expected to negotiate with local authority counterparts, partners, and displaced persons on issues of concern, and to support the identification and management of risks. He/she will ensure decision making is risk-based and raise risks, issues, and concerns with relevant team leads in the country office. He/she will support the preparation of periodic reporting and year-end reports.
The incumbent will also lead efforts on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) and strengthen Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) through training for staff and partners, and support efforts to further enhance outreach counselling initiatives jointly with partners. These responsibilities will aim to identify vulnerable individuals and maintain safe and accessible spaces for community members to voice concerns, seek assistance, and provide feedback directly to refugees, UNHCR and partners.
The role demands coordination of quality, timely, and effective solutions-focused responses to the needs of forcibly displaced populations, but also the integration of protection safeguards across all operational sectors. The incumbent is expected to monitor and elevate protection standards, operational procedures, and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards.

Desired Candidate Profile
The incumbent should have extensive knowledge and demonstrated experience in managing field operations that require understanding complex environments, preferably in development and/or humanitarian organizations.
The incumbent must have demonstrated leadership skills, with experience in managing field units and/or teams, fostering collaboration with stakeholders, liaising with authorities, and guiding teams in implementing activities in a dynamic context. In addition, the incumbent will be expected to have extensive experience in coordination, negotiation in community development and/or humanitarian response situations.
The candidate must possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and be adept at communicating with different audiences in a jargon free manner. The incumbent should be capable of drafting reports, assessments, and concept notes, as well as be able to provide technical support and guidance to UNHCR field staff and partners to ensure effective delivery of the programme. Finally, the ideal candidate should have a proven record of working with community-based structures in development or humanitarian setting.
He/she should possess knowledge of the work of the UN broadly and an understanding of forced displacement in Zambia. A strong knowledge of Zambia’s administrative and governance structures at the district level is needed.
The incumbent should exhibit proven ability to analyse complex situations, identify key issues, and develop innovative solutions. He/she should have the ability to represent UNHCR effectively at the field level, advocating for the rights and needs of forcibly displaced persons and ensuring compliance with international protection standards.
The incumbent must understand and be able to use risk-based approaches to work, particularly fraud mitigation and prevention. He/she must have demonstrated experience in reporting suspicions of fraud, exploitation, as well as document suspected or reported incidents of fraud by clients, colleagues, partners, or third parties. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to make timely and sound decisions in rapidly changing situations, the ability to uphold the highest ethical standards, and exhibit a high level of awareness of and respect for cultural diversity and be able to work effectively in a multi-cultural and multiethnic environment.

Operational Context
UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to support States to ensure that everyone forced to flee can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).
In Zambia, UNHCR supports the Government of Zambia to provide an enabling protection environment that allows asylum-seekers, refugees and former refugees to be protected, be self-reliant and achieve durable solutions. UNHCR has been present in Zambia since 1967. UNHCR in Zambia has three field offices/units (one in Solwezi, one in Kawambwa, one in Kaoma) and a Representational Office in Lusaka.
Zambia is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, reaffirming its commitment to international refugee protection standards. The country”s asylum and refugee response are governed by the Refugees Act of 2017, which provides the legal framework for refugee status determination, rights, and obligations of refugees, as well as their access to protection and assistance in Zambia. In addition, Zambia”s National Refugee Policy and its Implementation Plan provide a structured approach to refugee management, promoting self-reliance, inclusion in national systems, and durable solutions in line with international and regional commitments.
As of 30 June 2025, Zambia hosts some 111,262 forcibly displaced persons (82,017 refugees; 11,159 asylum seekers and 18,086 former refugees and others of concerns) in three refugee settlements and other urban areas including Lusaka. The vast majority live in the three refugee settlements, namely Mayukwayukwa (27,051), Meheba (45,973), Mantapala (9,480), and some (28,757) have settled in urban locations. The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) coordinates asylum and refugee management through the office of the Commissioner for Refugees (COR) in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security and in close collaboration with other government departments and the inter- governmental steering committee established for this purpose, with the direct support of UNHCR.UNHCR in Zambia has three field offices/units (one in Solwezi, one in Kawambwa, one in Kaoma) and a Representational Office in Lusaka.
Zambia has adopted a comprehensive refugee response approach as envisioned in the New York Declaration of 2016, which guides the country’s refugee management. The National Refugee Policy and its associated Implementation Plan (launched in 2024) aims to explicitly include refugees in government plans and services, transform refugee settlements into economic hubs, and enable refugees’ access and contribution to markets in refugee-hosting districts. Zambia is taking a whole-of-government approach to put this into action. Integrated local area development plans include forcibly displaced people in two refugee hosting districts (Kaoma and Kalumbila). Refugees have access to land and public services like education and health and have some level of access to the national social protection system (e.g., social services, health insurance and some labor market interventions) in line with the 8th National Development Plan. The recently approved $30 million World Bank Zambia Refugee and Host Communities Project will further support legal and policy harmonization, inclusion in a new national digital identity management system, infrastructure, and economic opportunities at Meheba settlement in Kalumbila district. As part of this effort, the project supports the rollout of new national ID cards for refugees across all three refugee-hosting districts, promoting legal recognition and inclusion within national systems. This inclusive approach, and the progressive National Refugee Policy, are enabling factors to advance Sustainable Responses to Forced Displacement in refugee and host communities and move away from piecemeal humanitarian interventions.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

 

Additional Qualifications

Skills

HR-Administration of Staff Contracts and Benefits, IT-Computer Literacy, MG-Office Management, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, 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

HCR Management Learning Program – UNHCR, Programme Management (PM) 1 – UNHCR

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

The position is open for all nationalities; however, candidates must demonstrate a proof of residency and work permit for Zambia in order to be considered for the post.

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance