Chief, Representative Office, Cairo

Org. Setting and ReportingUNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Commissioner-General (Programmes and Partnerships (DCG/PP)), the Chief, Representative Office works closely with the Executive Office, Department of External Relations and Communications, Relief and Social Services Department, and the Protection Division. The incumbent also coordinates closely with other Directors, particularly the Director of the Gaza Field Office on issues of common interest. ResponsibilitiesRepresents UNRWA with the League of Arab States (LAS), the UN Country Team and key national and international partners in Egypt, and actively engages with various Member States, LAS and other international and regional organisations, as well as UN agencies, NGOs, academia and think tanks to support the rights and well-being of Palestine refugees and to mobilise support for UNRWA; Manages and leverages the Agency's relationship with LAS, ensuring the LAS secretariat receives necessary updates on UNRWA's work, priorities and needs, and identifies and engages with relevant LAS bodies and mechanisms to strengthen political and financial support for the Agency; Manages relations with the Government of Egypt as well as key Egyptian national entities (such as the Egyptian Red Crescent Society), engaging them regularly to ensure that they are fully informed about the needs of Palestine refugees and the situation of the Agency, while promoting and consolidating strong and strategic partnerships between UNRWA and key Egyptian institutions; In close coordination with the Department of External Relations and Communications, contributes to the implementation of UNRWA's resource mobilisation strategy in Egypt, developing and nurturing close relationships with relevant stakeholders and exploring potential advocacy, resource mobilisation and cooperation opportunities in the region; In close coordination with the Protection Division, ensures coordination and facilitation of services to Palestine refugees in Egypt through third party partners, strengthens monitoring of protection gaps affecting Palestine refugees in Egypt, and advocates for the protection and fulfilment of their basic rights with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in close cooperation with other relevant stakeholders; Keeps abreast of political, social and economic developments in Egypt affecting Palestine refugees and monitors discussions and developments of interest to UNRWA both in Egypt and within the League of Arab States, informing the Agency's Principals of key developments and providing timely analysis and strategic advice as appropriate; in coordination with relevant HQs Department(s), provides input on relevant projects and programmatic engagements, including joint initiatives with other UN agencies; Effectively manages the Representative Office in Cairo, including finance, human resources and administrative functions in close coordination with their peer Departments/ Divisions at HQs, to ensure compliance with the relevant regularity frameworks and efficient running of the office. CompetenciesUN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. Default managerial competencies may apply Deciding and Initiating Action Relating and Networking Persuading and Influencing Planning and organizing Leading and Supervising Creating and Maintaining Impact and Partnership Engaging and Nurturing Demonstrated track record in senior level diplomatic engagements, representation and public relations, and in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with senior officials and diplomats. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in political science, international relations, public or business administration, or any other related field Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceAt least ten years of progressively responsible and relevant experience working for an international organisation in administration, public information, diplomacy, political affairs, law, and/or external relations is required, Four years of relevant work experience at senior managerial level, with substantial practical experience in the Middle East region, especially in Egypt or working on issues related to Egypt is required. Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least two continuous years of relevant international experience should be outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of citizenship is required. Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in political science, international relations, public or business administration, or any other related field is required. Candidates are required to make a declaration as to whether they have any current or past affiliations with non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, political organisations, military, or have/are engaged in activities or have made any public statements, that could be seen to impact their neutrality, objectivity or independence in the performance of their duties for the UN / UNRWA. Any declaration will not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration for this post. Knowledge of the Middle East history and the Palestine refugee issue is desirable Knowledge of the UN system, the League of Arab States, and/or Egypt is desirable Previous experience in a similar role with the United Nations or other international organisation is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).