Acts as the senior operational leader responsible for planning, coordinating and managing UNRF's field programmes in a designated country or region. The FOD ensures high-quality, accountable humanitarian assistance in line with UNRF's strategic plan, donor requirements and UN cluster frameworks.

Supports the design, implementation and quality assurance of UNRF's health programmes in crisis-affected settings. The SHPO works directly with clinical staff, community health workers and the UN Health Cluster (co-led by WHO) to ensure that lifesaving medical services are accessible, appropriate and evidence-based.

Leads UNRF's emergency education response in newly affected areas, rapidly establishing temporary learning environments that provide children with safety, structure and quality education. Works within the UN Education Cluster (led by UNICEF) to coordinate with government, UN agencies and local education partners.

Leads prevention and response to gender-based violence in UNRF's areas of operation, within the Global Protection Cluster (co-led by UNRF and UNHCR). Manages Women and Girls Safe Spaces, provides survivor-centred case management and leads community mobilisation to prevent violence and support survivors.

Designs, constructs and maintains water supply and sanitation systems in UNRF's operational areas. Works within the UN WASH Cluster (co-led by UNICEF and WHO) to ensure that displaced communities have access to safe water and adequate sanitation in line with SPHERE standards and SDG 6.

Provides comprehensive resettlement and integration services to newly arrived refugees and other eligible immigrants across one of UNRF's 29 US offices. Operates under the US State Department's Reception and Placement Programme in partnership with UNHCR to ensure safe, stable and dignified pathways to self-sufficiency.

Deploys within 72 hours to new or escalating humanitarian crises worldwide to lead UNRF's emergency response. Operates within OCHA's Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) emergency coordination framework, conducting rapid needs assessments and establishing life-saving operations alongside UN agencies and government authorities.

Manages UNRF's engagement with United Nations bodies, member state missions and intergovernmental processes. The UAO leverages UNRF's ECOSOC accreditation to advocate for refugee rights, humanitarian funding and policy reforms at the UN General Assembly, Security Council and ECOSOC — representing over 32 million people served globally.

Maintains direct contact with community leaders, beneficiaries and local partners to ensure UNRF's assistance is accessible, culturally appropriate and accountable to affected populations (AAP) — in line with the UN Grand Bargain's commitments on community engagement and participation.

Manages UNRF's donor grants portfolio at country level, ensuring timely, accurate and high-quality reporting to institutional donors including USAID, FCDO, EU ECHO, UNHCR and WFP. Works closely with programme and finance teams to maintain donor compliance, manage proposal development and build new funding partnerships.