JOB DESCRIPTION

D

Non Family with Residential Location

Non Family with Residential Location

Bangkok, Thailand

PR4

Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-07-23

August 8, 2025

Senior Management Support Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Senior Management Support Officer is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the management support functions of UNHCR. This senior position will provide strategic leadership and support in the areas of Human Resources, Finance, Supply Chain, and Administration to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of operations.

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

Strategic Leadership in Management Support Coordination

• Lead and oversee the integration of management support functions (HR, finance, supply chain, and administration) to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and goals.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts to streamline support processes and optimize resource utilization across various functions.
• Provide strategic advice to senior management on management support efficiency, risk mitigation, and resource allocation.

Human Resources Leadership

• Take the lead in shaping and implementing HR strategies, including workforce planning, recruitment, and staff development, at a strategic level.
• Provide guidance on complex HR issues related to staff entitlements, performance management, and compliance with policies.
• Act as a key point of contact for senior management on HR matters, influencing the development of policies and practices that affect the overall workforce.

Financial Oversight and Strategic Management

• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and monitoring, making recommendations for adjustments to meet changing operational needs.
• Supervise the preparation and analysis of complex financial reports, and ensure the timely execution of financial transactions, audits, and donor reporting.

Supply Chain and Procurement Oversight

• Lead the strategic direction for procurement, supply chain planning, and logistics, ensuring compliance with UNHCR policies and efficiency in operations.
• Oversee complex procurement activities, large-scale contract management, and vendor relationships, ensuring transparency and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure alignment with operational goals through advanced supply chain management and logistical coordination across multiple regions.

Strategic Administrative and Operational Support

• Oversee the management of office facilities, travel, fleet, and general administrative support, ensuring compliance with organizational and financial policies.
• Lead the integration of digital tools and IT solutions to improve operational support across all functional areas, enhancing overall efficiency.
• Supervise the management of service contracts and relationships with external service providers.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

• Lead cross-functional teams and influence decision-making processes, providing technical advice on operational matters and ensuring alignment with organizational strategy.
• Foster collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including program teams, donors, and operational partners, to strengthen support systems.
• Lead the development and delivery of training and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring management support staff are equipped with the skills necessary to meet strategic goals.

Risk Management

• 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

Business Administration                     Finance                 Human Resources

Supply Chain Management                or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

Not specified.

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

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

Strong leadership and team management experience, with the ability to influence and guide decision-making at senior levels. Proven ability to manage large, complex projects, with expertise in multiple functional areas (human resources, finance, supply chain, etc.). Expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, with a track record of managing resources effectively in a global or multi-regional context. In-depth knowledge of procurement policies, supply chain logistics, and asset management. Extensive experience in risk management and operational oversight, with the ability to implement improvements and address challenges in real-time.

Desirable

Experience in an international organization or non-profit sector is highly desirable. Experience with Workday ERP, Oracle Cloud across multiple modules (Human Resources, Finance, Procurement) in a UN or international organization context.

Functional Skills

FI-General Financial Management

HR-Performance management methodologies and practices

SC-Supply Chain planning and strategy development

MG-Stakeholder Management

MG-Change Management

DM-Data governance, quality assurance and preservation

CL-Strategy Development and Monitoring

(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

Empowering & Building Trust

Judgement & Decision Making

Leadership

Managing Performance

Managing Resource

Strategic Planning & Vision

Cross-Functional Competencies

Stakeholder Management

Negotiation & Conflict Resolution

Political Awareness

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 ideal candidate for the position of Senior Management Support Officer in Myanmar is a results-driven, strategic leader with extensive experience managing integrated support functions in complex, high-risk environments. The candidate must have a solid background in coordinating human resources, finance, supply chain, and administrative services to ensure coherence with organizational priorities and operational goals. The candidate will be expected to lead process improvements across management support services, providing high-level strategic advice to senior management on resource allocation, efficiency, and risk mitigation. With demonstrated experience in workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, and staff development, the candidate will serve as a trusted HR advisor, capable of navigating complex personnel issues and shaping institutional HR strategies.

The candidate will oversee budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, and reporting, including the preparation of complex financial analyses and ensuring compliance with donor and audit requirements. The Candidate must also have deep knowledge of UNHCR financial systems and ERP tools, with the ability to lead digital transformation initiatives to enhance service delivery. Strong expertise in supply chain and procurement is essential, including experience with large-scale contracting, vendor management, and logistical coordination across geographically dispersed offices, ensuring transparency, cost-efficiency, and alignment with operational requirements.

The candidate must be adept at managing administrative functions such as travel, fleet, facilities, and IT solutions, particularly in fragile contexts with degraded infrastructure and shifting operational modalities. The ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams, provide technical guidance, and build strong internal and external partnerships is critical. The candidate should have a strong record in capacity building and training, ensuring teams have the necessary skills to meet evolving demands. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate a proactive approach to risk management by leading regular risk assessments, embedding mitigation strategies into operational planning, and ensuring the effective use and updating of risk registers. Previous experience in conflict-affected or post-conflict settings is vital, including the capacity to adapt to dynamic field conditions, and sanctions-related financial constraints, disrupted service delivery, and shifting government regulations.

The candidate must demonstrate strong capabilities in capacity building, team leadership, and digital transformation, especially in the context of the ongoing transition to UNHCR’s new Cloud ERP system, where proficiency across various modules is essential. Extensive field experience and strong management and coordination skills are prerequisites to effectively support and guide the Myanmar operation in this challenging context.

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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:

The Senior Management Support Officer reports to the Deputy Representative and plays a critical strategic role in leading and coordinating the full spectrum of management support functions, including human resources, finance, supply chain, administration, and ICT, for UNHCR’s Myanmar operation. This includes the Representation in Yangon and seven field locations operating under highly complex and fluid conditions. The operational landscape in Myanmar is marked by intensified conflict, volatile security, office relocations, temporary closures, and reliance on alternate work modalities, all of which demand adaptive and strategic leadership in support delivery.

Financial and logistical operations are further challenged by international sanctions (U.S. and FATF), rapid currency depreciation, degraded banking infrastructure, and unstable internet connectivity. The role therefore requires a seasoned professional with demonstrated experience in high-risk and fast-changing environments, with the capacity to proactively manage risks, maintain compliance, and deliver uninterrupted support services despite external disruptions. The candidate is expected to provide timely, practical solutions to complex administrative, financial, and operational challenges, while maintaining alignment with UNHCR regulations and organizational goals.

The Candidate leads a multidisciplinary Management Support Unit based in Yangon, composed of international and national staff covering Finance, HR, ICT, Supply/Logistics, and General Administration (including fleet and facilities). The Unit provides technical guidance and operational support to all field locations, working closely with admin and finance focal points and field-based managers. Close coordination with the Liaison Office in Nay Pyi Taw is essential, especially in navigating shifting government protocols, such as visa issuance and travel authorizations.

A key aspect of the role involves regular field missions to train staff, monitor compliance, address capacity gaps, and implement UNHCR’s evolving policies and procedures.

Living and Working Conditions:

After the military take-over in February 2021 and the ensuing conflict, almost all locations in Myanmar, including Yangon, were classified as high-risk. As of June 2025,  non-family status has been maintained in all duty stations.  The R&R cycles vary between four to six -weeks, and Danger Pay is applicable in some locations. Martiallaw and curfews are imposed in many parts of the country. The curfew for Yangon is from 01.00 am until 03.00 am. Furthermore, Yangon is currently a Category D duty station.

All staff members who apply to positions in Myanmar are encouraged to attend the duty of care webinars during which security, medical, and staff welfare issues are explained and where they have opportunity to ask questions. The applicants have a possibility to withdraw the application following the duty of care webinar.

The current political turmoil, coupled with sanctions imposed by the USA and several western governments, is impacting supply chains, banking systems and markets. Commodity prices (food, petrol, construction materials) have risen across the country, with significant increases for some basic commodities such as rice and oil. The Banking system is reasonably working in Yangon and larger cities such as Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw but there are limitations in smaller cities due to frequent electricity and internet disruption. Also, there is shortage of hard currency in the country: even if staff open USD accounts, they will not be able to withdraw USD but rather get local currency at an exchange rate lower than the UN Exchange Rate. Staff are, therefore, encouraged to bring enough hard currency before coming to the country and also has the option of getting a portion of their salary locally in USD .

The current situation has also impacted UNHCR partners’ abilities to implement humanitarian activities. Communication and access to information are increasingly challenging, and frequent internet disruptions and electricity cuts continue across the country including Yangon.

The city has some reasonable hospitals but generally the medical services remain patchy, and many expatriates travel to nearby Bangkok for treatment. Availability of health services and access to medical professionals, health facilities and pharmaceuticals has been negatively affected by the current security situation. Incumbent therefore is required to be in good health condition given the general lack of medical facilities in the country.

Cyclones and flooding are a regular occurrence in many parts of Myanmar including Yangon. Myanmar is also prone to earthquake. Other health hazards include injuries from road traffic accidents; food and water-borne diseases (such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A, as well as vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever). Yangon has hot and dry weather from October to May and hot and humid weather from June to September.

Getting visa for Myanmar is a challenge. In normal circumstances, the visa process takes 8 weeks to several months due to the changing procedures and requirements of the counterpart ministries and general political climate. In most cases, the incumbent will be required to start his/her assignment under a teleworking arrangement pending the issuance of the visa – either from his/her home leave location or the previous duty station. Staff reassignment entitlements associated with this position will be released to staff only after his/her arrival at the duty station. The salary calculation will be kept at the level of previous duty station or the place of home leave until they reach the duty station. The incumbent requires abilities to effectively manage teams remotely, work independently and in a different time zone, respecting Myanmar’s official working hours. As per the new Policy on Flexible Work, teleworking outside the country of the official duty station could impact salaries/benefits and applicants need to get clear information about the related entitlements prior to applying.

Although the designated Residential Location for staff assigned in Myanmar is Bangkok, it is important to note that the Thai Government does not permit the installation of staff and their eligible family members who are not directly assigned to Thailand. Therefore, UNHCR office is not in the position to facilitate the visa processing for Thailand. If colleagues are interested in settling with their family members in Bangkok, they can privately explore alternative options such as obtaining a student and guardian visas.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Strategy Development and Monitoring, DM-Data governance, quality assurance and preservation, FI-General Financial Management, HR-Performance management methodologies and practices, MG-Change Management, MG-Stakeholder Management, SC-Supply Chain planning and strategy development

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Finance, Bachelor of Arts: Human Resources, Bachelor of Arts: Supply Chain Management

Certifications

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, 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