NOA

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2026-04-01

Assistant Field Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Field Officer is normally supervised by the Senior Field Coordinator or Field Officer or Head of Sub-Office/Field Office depending on the structure of the Office. S/he may receive indirect guidance from other sections and units relevant to the country/regional programme(s). UNHCR Manual, programme and protection objectives, Operations Plans, UN and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the incumbent.
The incumbent does not normally have any direct supervisory role. S/he has daily contacts with staff in the various field offices and with the functional units at the Country/Regional Office. S/he also has close liaison with a range of local civilian and military authorities and counterparts in NGOs and UN agencies to discuss matters of common interest.

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
- Assess the needs of persons of concern in the AoR and formulate project submissions in collaboration with district authorities and implementing partners.
- Promote and monitor the implementation of assistance projects.
- Report regularly on rate of flow of new arrivals and estimate expected influx based on interviews with persons of concern.
- In co-ordination with implementing partners, assist with the reception, registration and provision of assistance to persons of concern to UNHCR.
- Keep track of cases of detention; register applicants for voluntary repatriation and family reunion.
- Assist in the preparation of monthly sectoral reports and submit material for preparation of periodic project monitoring reports and year-end reports.
- Submit recommendation for protection interventions to the designated officer.
- Negotiate with local authority counterparts, partners and populations of concern.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
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
Law

Political Sciences

or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
UNHCR Operations Management Learning Programme
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
Field experience.
Knowledge of refugee law.
Good knowledge of UNHCR's programmes.

Functional Skills
PG-UNHCR's Programmes
PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate)
PG-Resource planning
IT-Computer Literacy
BU-PeopleSoft EPM/Budget
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards)
PG-Results-Based Management
(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.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client oriented.
• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organisational rules and regulations.
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in the area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in the work environment.
• Planning and organising: effective organisational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organisational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operation.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

The Bidi Bidi settlement, one of the largest refugee settlements in the world, spans approximately 250 square kilometres and is home to a diverse population. In light of its vastness and the complexity of humanitarian needs, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), has divided the settlement into five strategically designated areas referred to as Zones. This division is intended to facilitate effective coordination and swift responses to the multifaceted challenges faced by the refugee population. Each Zone has zonal focal points assigned by UNHCR, its implementing partners (IPs), and OPM to streamline communication and enhance operational efficiency.

The Assistant Field Officer position in Yumbe is of utmost importance for providing direct, hands-on support and protection to refugees and other vulnerable persons of concern in this challenging environment. The responsibilities of this position encompass a wide range of critical functions, including coordinating and supervising field activities, effectively managing and guiding staff, building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring the delivery of essential services in a complex, often difficult landscape.

The Assistant Field Officer will play a vital role in overseeing the implementation of UNHCR's mandate in the field, ensuring that refugees and other persons of concern receive the necessary assistance and protection they require. This includes but is not limited to providing access to safe shelter, healthcare services, and basic necessities. The position calls for strong leadership qualities and exceptional coordination skills to manage a diverse team that may include specialists in protection, administration, and field operations.

A significant aspect of this role will involve building and maintaining robust relationships with local government authorities, communities, and other humanitarian organisations. Effective collaboration is critical to addressing the pressing needs of the displaced population. In Yumbe District, there are unique challenges related to displacement, including the critical need for advocacy programs that promote refugee inclusion in local systems—such as education, health services, and livelihood opportunities.

Therefore, a dedicated Assistant Field Officer is essential to champion these specific issues, ensuring that refugees are integrated into local systems and have equitable access to vital services and opportunities. This advocacy work will involve engaging with local authorities and stakeholders to promote the inclusion of refugees, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in decisions that affect their lives. Establishing this role is not just about logistical oversight; it’s about empowering refugees and meeting their fundamental needs sustainably.

Living and Working Conditions:

UNHCR staff in Yumbe, Uganda, generally enjoy decent living conditions, especially since the completion of new office and accommodation facilities in 2019. These facilities, built within the same compound, have significantly improved the staff's working and living environments. However, ensuring staff welfare, including access to adequate healthcare and emergency evacuation options, remains a priority in this operational area. The organisation emphasises maintaining satisfactory working and living conditions for its staff despite the constraints of the operational area.

UNHCR ensures that all security measures for office and residential compounds are up to date, and any security breaches are reported immediately to the UN security coordinator. It is crucial to maintain current information on local healthcare facilities and evacuation options for staff welfare, especially during medical emergencies.

While the new facilities represent a positive development, the overall operational area in Yumbe, including the large Bidibidi refugee settlement, poses unique logistical and resource management challenges. Although UNHCR staff in Yumbe have benefited from improved living conditions, ongoing efforts are necessary to address broader operational challenges and ensure the well-being of both the staff and the refugee population they serve. Yumbe is classified as a Category E family duty station.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

BU-PeopleSoft EPM/Budget, FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), IT-Computer Literacy, PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards), PG-Resource planning, PG-Results-Based Management, PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate), PG-UNHCR's Programmes