Deputy Chief of Staff / Management Adviser to the DCG (Programmes and Partnerships)

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. The Deputy Chief of Staff / Management Adviser to the Deputy Commissioner-General (Programmes and Partnerships) reports to the Deputy Commissioner-General (Programmes and Partnership) (DCG(PP)), (ASG). The incumbent manages a range of professional and general services staff and/or other personnel. S/he coordinates and provides strategic, technical and administrative guidance to HQ Departments and Field Offices on a broad range of the Agency’s strategic, programmatic, partnership (i.e. external relations and communication) and administrative functions under the supervision of and within the portfolio of the DCG (PP). ResponsibilitiesProvides expert strategic advice and comprehensive support to the DCG PP in the executive planning, formulation and coordination of UNRWA’s programmes and partnerships (including Education, Health, Relief and Social Services, Microfinance, Planning, Protection, External Relations and Communications, Representative Offices and Fields of operations), by: Leading special DCG (PP) initiated projects, initiatives and priorities with a particular focus on UNRWA’s programmes and partnerships, ensuring alignment, coordination and timely delivery among multiple internal and external stakeholders, under the DCG (PP) overall supervision and guidance. Coordinating and/or following up, as required/needed, on the preparation and implementation of decisions and on other matters referred by the DCG (PP) across the Agency, ensuring timely and effective action. Analysing Agency operations, activities and information submitted by the Fields, Representative Offices and HQ departments on Agency-wide issues and policies related to programmes and partnerships, and developing recommendations for the attention of the DCG (PP) in terms of their conformity with the overall goals and priorities of UNRWA. Strengthening inter-departmental cooperation and collaboration to ensure that cross-cutting issues, including protection, gender, disability and environmental sustainability are adequately integrated and addressed Agency-wide. Leading the EO reporting function and coordinating the preparation and/or clearing of internal and external reports across all programmatic and partnership activities, submissions to the UN and public communications by the EO, working in close collaboration with other EO colleagues. Supporting DCG (PP) crisis and risk management roles, ensuring effective preparedness and response strategies across the Agency as relevant to the assigned portfolio. Serving as a member of various working groups and/or committees and representing the DCG (PP), as required. Leading the Secretariat functions of the internal governance bodies, including the Executive Advisory Group and Senior Management Team, with regards to matters within the remit of the DCG (PP)’s portfolio, in close collaboration with the Deputy Chief of Staff / Management Advisor (OS). Working closely and collaboratively with the Deputy Chief of Staff/ Management Advisor DCG (OS) and the Special Assistants to DCG (OS) and DCG (PP) to ensure overall coordination of the work of the Executive Office and optimal information flow. Under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, the incumbent: Co-leads the day-to-day management of the Executive Office in close coordination and cooperation with the Deputy Chief of Staff/ Management Advisor to DCG(OS). Supports CoS led political engagement in support of the Agency, including drafting of papers, communications and position notes. Supports the CoS in the management of UNRWA independent Offices (including the Department of Internal Oversight Services, the Ethics Office and the Ombudsman 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. Functional: i. Coping with Pressure and Setbacks ii. Deciding and Initiating Action iii. Analyzing iv. Formulating Strategies and Concepts v. Persuading and Influencing Leadership: i. Engaging and Nurturing ii. Delivering Results Other Competencies Excellent communications and drafting skills. EducationAn advanced university degree (Masters’ or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in political science, international relations, international economics, public administration, social sciences, law or any related subject. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceAt least 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in areas of political, social, civil, humanitarian, legal affairs, public sector policy roles is required. At least five years of international exposure working with and/or supporting senior leadership and management functions, high-level coordination of interdisciplinary teams is required. Experience serving in a managerial and/or advisory capacity in United Nations field operations in areas related to programmes and partnerships is required. Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, a candidate for an international post must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a national identity number is required. Working knowledge of other official language(s), particularly French or Spanish is desirable. Knowledge of historical and geo-political contemporary issues of the Middle East is desirable. 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. For UNRWA internal staff: Do you currently hold a contract of 1 year or more with UNRWA? If yes, please confirm whether you have completed your mandatory probation period. This is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Arabic or Spanish is desirable. 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).