The united nations high commissioner for refugees (unhcr), the un refugee agency, has announced a critical and high-impact vacancy for a senior operations associate (unops lica7) based in tapachula, mexico. This full-time position sits at the heart of one of the most complex asylum and mixed-movement contexts in the world and offers a unique opportunity for experienced operations professionals to contribute directly to large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure initiatives.with a target start date of 1 march 2026 and an application deadline of 5 february 2026, this role is ideal for candidates with strong operational leadership, project coordination, and financial monitoring experience, particularly in humanitarian or development settings.senior operations associate at unhcr tapachula: a strategic operations role at the frontline of refugee response in mexicocontext: why tapachula mattersmexico is currently facing one of the most challenging asylum and mixed-movement situations globally, with tapachula serving as the primary entry point and processing hub for asylum seekers and refugees. In response, the mexican commission for refugee assistance (comar), supported by unhcr and unops, is implementing a large-scale institutional response to strengthen access to asylum procedures, protection services, and socio-economic integration.a flagship initiative within this response is the centro multiservicios de tapachula (cms). Phase i of cms construction has already been completed, and phase ii represents a major expansion involving additional government actors, expanded integration services, and significant construction works. Alongside this, unops is implementing a dedicated integration project aimed at improving systems, coordination, and service delivery for refugees and other populations in need of international protection.given the scale, political sensitivity, and operational complexity of these initiatives, unhcr requires a highly capable senior operations associate to provide strong field-level operational leadership.purpose of the rolethe senior operations associate will serve as the primary operational focal point at field level for both the unops integration project and cms phase ii construction project. The role involves overseeing daily operational, financial, administrative, and reporting functions to ensure projects are implemented efficiently, compliantly, and on schedule.this position demands a high degree of autonomy, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex coordination environments involving construction workflows, multiple funding streams, government counterparts, and donor requirements.organizational setting and collaborationbased in tapachula, the incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the head of sub-office, while coordinating closely with unhcr programme, supply, and protection units, as well as unops project management teams.regular collaboration will include:unops engineering, procurement, and finance teamscomar leadership and technical unitsunhcr colleagues at comex and other relevant officesother un agencies and partners operating within the cms frameworkthe role may also involve guiding support staff or consultants assigned to cms phase ii and integration project activities.key duties and responsibilitiesproject coordination and executionthe senior operations associate will coordinate and monitor the full project lifecycle, ensuring that construction and operational activities align with approved scopes, budgets, timelines, and quality standards. A key responsibility is ensuring cms phase ii infrastructure works support effective service delivery.financial monitoring and reportingthe role includes close monitoring of expenditures, commitments, and burn rates, as well as preparing accurate and timely financial and narrative reports. Identifying financial risks and proposing corrective actions is a critical function.stakeholder liaison and coordinationacting as the primary operational interlocutor with comar and other authorities, the incumbent will facilitate coordination between construction teams and operational actors, while also supporting high-level meetings, donor visits, and technical discussions.compliance, risk, and quality assuranceensuring compliance with unhcr, unops, and donor policies is essential. The role contributes to risk identification, mitigation planning, audits, and internal reviews.planning and strategic supportthe senior operations associate will provide analytical inputs, briefing notes, and operational updates to senior management, while supporting sustainability, transition, and capacity-transfer planning to government counterparts.required qualifications and experienceeducationhigh school diploma with at least 4 years of relevant experience, orbachelor’s degree (or higher) with 2 years of relevant experiencefields such as business administration, economics, political science, law, engineering, or architecture are considered assets.experience and skillsstrong background in financial monitoring, reporting, and coordinationexperience in humanitarian or development contexts is essentialexposure to construction projects and work with government counterparts is highly desirablelanguagesproficiency in english and spanish (minimum b2 level) is required.eligibility and remunerationthis vacancy is open to mexican nationals or candidates with permanent residency or a valid work permit in mexico. Proof of work authorization must be attached at the time of application.unhcr offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including salary, applicable allowances, comprehensive medical insurance, and participation in the un pension scheme.why consider this opportunity?This role offers a rare chance to operate at the intersection of humanitarian response, infrastructure development, and government coordination. You will play a direct role in strengthening asylum systems and integration pathways for refugees while working in a diverse, inclusive, and mission-driven un environment.
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