Senior Operations Officer

Hardship Level

D

Family Type

Family

Family Type

Family

Residential location (if applicable)

Grade

PR4

Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

Target Start Date

2025-07-01

Deadline for Applications

July 3, 2025

Standard Job Description

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.

Desired Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate should have:
• Experience of working in large and complex operations with camp setting;
• Proven experience in managing Operational activities, such as shelter, site development, WASH, livelihoods and Health sectors in a refugee or IDP operation is essential;
• Experience in overseeing Programmatic activities is highly desirable.
• Strong coordination and communication skills, capable of defending and promote UNHCR’s interest in the inter-agency forum;
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management, including government, sister agencies and donors;
• Has strong command and understanding of UNHCR's programming and management systems, namely RBM, COMPASS, Cloud ERP.
• Capable of delivering results in highly demanding and stressful environment;
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to promote team spirit, ready to work with a diverse and multi-cultural team;
• Capable of managing teams in challenging operational environment with due consideration in duty of care, and,
• Unquestioned integrity and zero tolerance for SHA and SEA.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

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

Nature of Position:

As of April 2025, Bangladesh hosts more than 1 million Rohingya refugees, 52% of whom are female, and 51% of whom are under the age of 18. Most refugees live in 33 extremely congested camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf sub-districts of Cox’s Bazar, and 37,028reside on Bhasan Char, an island in the Bay of Bengal, 60 km from the Bangladesh mainland. August 2024 marked seven years since the Rohingya crisis when more than 700,000 Rohingya women, men, and children fled Myanmar to Bangladesh, joining hundreds of thousands who sought and found refuge in the country in previous years. Yet, comprehensive solutions for Rohingya refugees remain elusive. While voluntary repatriation constitutes the main durable solution, a return in significant numbers in the immediate future is highly unlikely due to the ongoing developments following the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 and the resurgence end 2023, of active armed conflict in Rakhine State where the million Rohingya refugees come from. Conditions in Myanmar are not presently considered conducive for the safe, voluntary, sustainable, and dignified return of Rohingya refugees.

With the escalation of the conflict in Northern Rakhine State since November 2023, the operation in Bangladesh has experienced the spill-overs in the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.  On the one hand, UNHCR and partners have been recording a significant increase in security incidents in the camps, including homicides and abductions. UNHCR has also seen an emerging trend of organised groups recruiting refugees to engage them in the armed conflict in Myanmar. The compromised civilian and humanitarian character of asylum in the camps has heightened risks for refugees, refugee volunteers (the backbone of the humanitarian response) and humanitarian workers. On the other hand, the operation has been recording new arrivals in the camps despite the Government’s closed-door policy at the border with Myanmar. New arrivals are extremely vulnerable, many have suffered injuries as they were fleeing; there are over 118,000 or more new arrivals as of April 2025. The government has authorized their assistance but without registration.

UNHCR Bangladesh maintains a rich network of refugee community structures and representation including Refugee Community Groups with structured interventions, including by youth leaders, elected refugee leaders, a unique Network of Religious Leaders, including Female Religious Teachers, as well as Community Member (COM) volunteers, the backbone of the Rohingya Refugee Response in Bangladesh. UNHCR also runs through its implementing partners a network of community centres across the 33 camps. The Rohingya Refugee Response has the additional and complex layer of the Mahjis, a system of representation established by the Government of Bangladesh. In a context where social cohesion between the refugee and host communities, active interactions with the host communities and their leaders around the 33 camps.

Reporting to the Head of Sub-Office Cox’s Bazar, the Senior Operations Officer will work in close collaboration with the Field, Programme/ Supply and Protection colleagues. The incumbent supervises the following teams: Public Health, Shelter/WASH, Energy, Environment, Livelihoods.

The incumbent has a central role in leading efforts to improve and maintain established services and systems in the camps which is akin to a large city with such services including infrastructure maintenance, fecal sludge management, waste management and the like. S/he will also lead the Integrated Settlement Plan, which is a long-term strategy aiming to restructure and guide future development of the camps and surrounding areas towards a more sustainable and resilient environment. S/he will also lead further rationalization and realignment efforts in responsible manner within UNHCR and at the interagency front. S/he should have demonstrated technical expertise in project design, including preparation and review of BOQs/specifications and costing, as well as developing strategic documents and SOPs.

The position requires skills in building, guiding, and coaching a technical team as well as partners and excellent skills in overseeing the implementation of projects both through direct implementation (contractors) and by partners. S/he shall closely work with the authorities and the partner agencies including UN sister agencies, international and national NGOs to ensure coordinated responses in the Rohingya Refugee Responses at large. S/he is also expected to engage closely with donors and other stakeholders such as private/business sectors for effectively advocating for the favorable policy for refugees in Bangladesh. 

Living and Working Conditions:

Cox's Bazar is a beach city located in the southeastern corner of Bangladesh about 298 kilometers from Dhaka, the capital city.  It is classified as a category D family duty station with a 2-year Standard Assignment Length (SAL). Educational resources are limited, and international schools spanning primary to secondary levels are exclusively located in Dhaka. Health services are somewhat also limited in Cox's Bazar, with more reliable facilities accessible in Dhaka while excellent medical care is accessible in Bangkok, which is the R&R location. Throughout the year, there are prevalent risks of malaria and dengue necessitating recommended vaccinations against Japanese Encephalitis and Diphtheria. 

As a prominent tourist destination in Bangladesh, Cox's Bazar draws visitors due to its scenic location at the Bay of Bengal and its expansive beach stretching over 120km to the tip of the peninsula, with several hotels and restaurants. Leisure and recreational facilities generally focus on beach activities and hotel-based activities (swimming pools, gyms, restaurants). Despite its significance, the city's infrastructure and shopping options are quite basic, catering to its relatively small population of 250,000 individuals.  Vegetables, fruits, cereals and meat products (fish, chicken, mutton and beef) are available. International staff typically reside in privately rented or serviced apartments, meeting fundamental standards. 

The climate of Bangladesh is mostly determined by its location in the tropical monsoon climate region: high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and generally excessive humidity, with distinct seasonal variations. The annual average temperature in Cox's Bazar is a maximum of 30.1 °C (86.2 °F) and a minimum of 22.0 °C (71.6 °F). 

Rest and Recuperation (R&R) cycle in Cox's Bazar spans 8 weeks, with Bangkok, Thailand being the designated R&R location. Flights connecting Cox's Bazar to Dhaka operate daily but only during daylight hours. Flight from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar takes one hour. The main airlines serving the airport are Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair and  Air Astra. Banking facilities and ATM machines are available in Cox's Bazar, and credit/debit cards are generally accepted to withdraw only in local currency Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). However, for those considering bringing family members, especially young children, it is advisable to consult HR for comprehensive information since educational and medical facilities may not be sufficient. 

The workweek is from Sunday to Thursday and working hours from 8:00 to 17:00hrs with one hour lunch break.   

Health hazards in the duty station include road crash, work overload, natural disasters, mental health problems, substance use and abuse, heart disease, metabolic disease (diabetes), vector-borne disease, water and food-borne disease, SGBV, other infectious diseases and environmental hazards. 

The General Threat Assessment in Cox’s Bazar is level 3 moderate. Given the current situation in the area, All UN official movements should be completed during daytime hours (Sunrise to sunset). All international personnel should return to their homes before 2300 hours. Crowded local markets should be avoided. Security Clearance is required and can be requested via TRIP at https://dss.un.org. Requests for clearance should be submitted 7 days prior to travel

Additional Qualifications

Skills

MG-Coordination, MG-Field Operations Management

Education

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

Work Experience

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

UNHCR Salary Calculator

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

Compendium

Bi-Annual 2025 Compendium - Part B

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance