Field Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Field Officer is normally supervised by the Senior Field Coordinator 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 normally supervises some support staff and may supervise lower grade professional staff. 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

• Prepare project proposals; draw up plan of operation for implementation, including institutional arrangements for budgets.
• Assess refugee needs in the various fields of assistance and make recommendations for the establishment of projects, adjustment or discontinuation of existing projects and advise the Head of Office accordingly.
• Closely monitor the implementation of projects under the geographical area of responsibility and ensure the provisions under the agreements signed with the implementing partners are being adhered to.
• Regularly prepare written reports on the implementation of projects and the situation in the sites.
• Maintain good working relations with local government officials, implementing partners and other agencies in the area.
• Report immediately on any security problems that may occur affecting programme, beneficiaries and the smooth running of the operation.
• Provide assistance to UNHCR Technical advisers and consultants as well as visitors visiting project sites.
• Represent UNHCR in the Field.
• Negotiate with local authority counterparts, partners and populations of concern.
• Approve expenditures within the DOAP.
• 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

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
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
Field experience.

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

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
PG-UNHCR's Programmes
(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.

Essential Attributes
- Operational experience in large refugee camps/settlements or reception centers, particularly those receiving continuous new arrivals, where rapid coordination is essential.
- Demonstrated strong field coordination skills working alongside government officials, local district authorities, partners, and community leaders to ensure smooth settlement operations.
- Demonstrated understanding of protection risks, CBI modalities, and community dynamics is essential, especially in areas affected by administrative disputes and competition over limited services.
- The candidate must also be well versed in CRRF/GCR frameworks as applied at field level, including approaches that strengthen inclusion, support government systems, and promote community-driven solutions.
- Additionally, the role requires excellent situational awareness, the ability to identify early warning signs of tension, and the capacity to escalate issues affecting protection access.
- Good stakeholder awareness and competencies in relation to inter-agency coordination and sectoral coordination.

The role requires frequent travel to remote locations, often with little notice.

Desirable Attributes
- Experience in hardship areas or large camps will be added advantage.
- Previous experience in a similar, complex refugee response.