JOB DESCRIPTION

E (most hardship)

Non Family

Non FamilyDanger Pay

PR4

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-07-23

August 8, 2025

Senior Operations Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Senior Operations Officer normally works under the direct supervision of the Senior Operations Coordinator or Head of the Office and may have alternative reporting relationships depending on the structure and size of the Operation. S/he and will be the focal person responsible for liaising with Partners through sector meetings and other coordination mechanisms in the Area of responsibility (AoR). S/he will liaise with relevant sections at HQ/Region/Field on a wide range of issues concerning the operations such as protection, resource mobilization and allocations, human resources, budget, compliance, staff welfare and security matters. The incumbent may supervise professional and/or support staff. S/he will actively support the regional operational planning process, reporting and monitoring as well as mapping of areas where forcibly displaced and stateless people are currently located in the AoR. The incumbent will contribute to progress on issues such as negotiations on Partnership Project agreements, contractual service agreements, and management of Administrative Budgets related to the AoR.

Within UNHCR, the incumbent has regular contact with other sections/units at Headquarters and with field offices on issues related UNHCR’s programme in the operations/countries within the AoR. External contacts are with, UN agencies and NGOs on UNHCR’s programmes in the operations/countries covered under the AoR.

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

• Serve as the focal point for the operations within the AoR and follow up on situational realities, challenges and developments which may have an impact on the refugees, IDP situations, and other forcibly displaced and stateless people.
• Analyse information received concerning new refugee situations in the AoR and present coherent, consistent and credible proposals to address the emergency needs.
• Manage the process of gathering information, preparation of analytical papers and formulating recommendations for action for the operations within the AoR.
• Contribute to the preparation of action plans to address any operational/legal gaps that have been identified; and ensure advice/guidance is provided to field offices to improve the delivery of assistance of refugees and other forcibly displaced and stateless people.
• Provide guidance and support for communication, and sharing of best practices amongst countries/operations in the AoR as well as with other entities in the field and at Headquarters.
• Coordinate with field offices for provision of timely, coherent, consistent, quality information about their operations.
• In the bureaux, support senior staff in the preparation of the official submissions to the meetings of the Budget Committee and Contracts’ Committee, and advocate for resources required for the operations to meet their objectives, especially during Annual Planning Reviews, Mid-Year Reviews and ad hoc resource allocation consultations. Analyse Country offices’ requests concerning material requirements and staffing and initiate/coordinate appropriate action to provide Country offices with relevant and timely decisions and direction.
• In the field, coordinate and supervise the field activities in the areas of protection and programme in the AoR. Build the capacity of local partners and civil society through training and other initiatives. Liaise with local Government authorities and operational partners on issues relating to the protection and assistance of forcibly displaced and stateless people. Supervise and monitor the implementation of UNHCR projects.
• Monitor the implementation of programmes within the AoR through regular missions and participate in on-going needs assessments.
• Keep the various sections and technical units at the Bureau and HQ informed on issues related to the implementation of UNHCR’s programmes within the AoR.
• Maintain a wide range of external contacts with Permanent Missions, donors, and civil society organization.
• Provide administrative and operational support across a range of programme activities, including but not limited to processing field requests related to financial transactions, procurement actions, and documentation for internal review and approval processes (e.g., Committee on Contracts, Budget Committee), ensuring compliance with relevant procedures and timelines.
• 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 P4/NOD – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

Political Science;                              Economics;                         Social Science;

Business Administration;                  Law;                                    or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Programme Management;

(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Experience in field operations. At least 5 years of relevant experience in an international capacity. Understanding of UNHCR mandate and operations.

Desirable

Strong operational background and political awareness. Experience working with UNHCR; or other UN entities or partners preferably in the area of refugee or humanitarian operations. Proven track record in emergency preparedness, response and management.

Functional Skills

MG-Field Operations Management;

MG-Coordination;

(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.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

Accountability

Communication

Organizational Awareness

Teamwork & Collaboration

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

Judgement and Decision Making

Managing Resources

Empowering and Building Trust

Managing Performance

Cross-Functional Competencies

Analytical Thinking

Planning and Organizing

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

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.

• Proven experience in humanitarian Programme implementation and resource management, especially within UNHCR systems.
• Strong analytical skills to integrate protection into Programme design and advocacy, with keen political and contextual awareness.
• Demonstrated leadership of multi-functional teams and strategic resource management using a risk-informed approach.
• Hands-on experience in designing and implementing integration-focused programs and projects.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with government counterparts and a wide array of partners within politically sensitive and complex operational environments.
• Familiarity with supply chain management, cash-based interventions (CBIs), and technical standards related to infrastructure and emergency response standards.
• In-depth understanding of UNHCR’s strategic planning processes and recent reforms, especially in managing complex operations involving Programme, Supply, Shelter, and CBI at the country level.
• A strong track record of supporting large-scale field operations, including coordination with diverse external stakeholders.
• Strong political acumen and negotiation skills to align operations with national priorities and engage with key stakeholders.
• Strong operational leadership, strategic planning and operational oversight.

,

,

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

UNHCR and WFP have contracted IQARUS international to provide medical interventions under the AFMAT clinics in Kabul and Field Offices. Staff members on special prescription should travel with sufficient quantity of medication. Medical facilities for referral in Kabul include German Clinic, French Medical Institute for Mothers & Children (FMIC) and Blossom Health Center. Seasonal air pollution occurs in Afghanistan and contributes to comorbidities that are known to worsen outcomes among those infected with COVID-19, and who has respiratory issues.

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

Nature of Position:

Reporting to the Representative, the Senior Operations Officer oversees and coordinates Programme delivery across the operation and serves as the Planning Coordinator for the operation. The role includes strategic planning, resource management, and ensuring effective partnerships to meet basic needs and support functions. The incumbent leads the Programme, Shelter, Supply, and CBI units and manages day-to-day programmatic engagement with the de facto Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, ensuring alignment with UNHCR’s mandate and strategic objectives across all provinces. The incumbent represents UNHCR with partners and de facto counterparts, advocating for principled, pragmatic protection responses and solutions through Partnership Agreements and other mechanisms.

The incumbent provides timely managerial support and fosters coordination across UNHCR offices, HQ, regional and neighboring operations, and stakeholders to mitigate reputational risks. S/He advise the Representative and Deputy Representative on operational matters, support strategic direction, and promote coherence and sustainability across the Afghanistan operation.

Afghanistan continues to experience a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale, exacerbated by the critical economic regression, the aftermath of over forty years of conflict, and recurring environmental and natural disasters. In a context marked by mass forced returns—with over 1 million Afghans returned from Pakistan since September 2023, including almost 50,000 deported in 2025 alone, and more than 600,000 returned from Iran in 2025, with almost 400,000 deported —the incumbent ensures cohesive operational coordination across UNHCR offices, HQ, regional and neighboring operations.

The operation is also focusing on protection and solutions for the more than 2 million Afghan refugees still outside the country and the more than 3.4 million conflict-induced IDPs. The de facto authorities (dFA) have implemented some restrictions in 2022; this includes the restriction on girls’ education above grade 6 and the renewed directives issued by the de facto Ministry of Economy banning Afghan females from working in national and international NGOs and the United Nations. The UN Leadership and I/NGOs continue to negotiate with the de facto authorities to rescind these restrictions, and in the meantime to obtain exemptions for lifesaving sectors, including UNHCR activities in the country to ensure that internally displaced people (IDPs), refugees and returnees, and host communities are provided with lifesaving assistance and access to basic services, to create conditions conducive to return or to mitigate the risk of perilous onward movement. UNHCR also continues to manage an enhanced scrutiny process by the Donor Partners, which requires regular report writing, leadership and coordination, and high-level presentations to key donor partners. Against this backdrop and in the continuous needs of urgent humanitarian and protection assistance, the Senior Operations Officer plays a critical role in leading the operational response. This includes overseeing the implementation of protection and assistance programs, ensuring compliance with humanitarian principles, and maintaining strong coordination with partners and stakeholders. The incumbent also supports strategic planning, resource mobilization, and advocacy efforts to ensure that the needs of displaced populations are met effectively and sustainably.

Living and Working Conditions:

Afghanistan is a high-risk country with a very complex operational environment, characterized by uncertainty and frequent security incidents. Movement by all personnel is restricted, coordinated and monitored by the security officers. UNHCR in Kabul is located within the ICON Compound on the Supreme Road of the Police District 9. It occupies 40 MOSS-compliant rooms for staff accommodation, with each room having its own washroom and other facilities. Offices are within the ICON compound. No visits except in UN compounds and Embassies, which is frustrating and stressful to cope with.

 

Outdoor air quality is a health concern in Kabul. The degree of exposure and concentration of air pollutants can be detrimental to breathing problems, the development of chronic diseases, and the deterioration of health status in individuals with chronic diseases. The office provides air purifiers both in the office and in the accommodation.

The security situation is unstable, volatile, and unpredictable, with a rise since 2022-2023. A daily radio check is mandatory. All movements are strictly by Armoured Vehicle or by air. A 6-week R&R cycle is applicable for the duty station, and staff are highly encouraged not to delay. Considering the serious restrictions on staff movement, it is crucial to demonstrate a record of maintaining a positive attitude whenever confronted with adversity and restraints in social life. Curfews are in place throughout the country, and mission travel must be authorized by the Representative or designated managers, subject to completing the mandatory BSAFE, SSAFE, and IFAK training and security clearance procedures.

Staff interested in the position should be mentally, psychologically, and physically fit and ready to adjust to living in a compound setting surrounded by a barbed-wired wall with the presence of 24/7 armed security and dogs patrolling within the compound premises. Applicants should be aware of the possibility of being put on lockdown in bunkers due to security threats. Therefore, applicants need to have strong coping mechanisms and be highly adaptable.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

MG-Coordination, MG-Field Operations Management

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

Programme Management – Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration

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

Compendium

Add. 2 to the Bi-Annual 2025 Compendium – Part B

Additional Information

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance