Director of UNRWA Affairs

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 Director of UNRWA Affairs reports to the Deputy Commissioner-General for Programmes and Partnerships (ASG).The incumbent supervises two Deputy Directors (Programmes and Operations) and a number of International and Area senior professional staff covering various programmatic, emergency and operational functional areas. Responsibilities-The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the provision of UNRWA core services and humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees in Gaza. The incumbent is required to abide by the roles and responsibilities as set out in UNRWA’s regulatory framework. He/she is responsible for fulfilling his/her duties as provided by the United Nations Security Management System and the UNRWA Security and Risk Management system. -Under the overall direction of the Deputy Commissioner-General (Programmes and Partnerships) and in consultation with all Headquarters Directors and Division Chiefs, the incumbent plans, manages, and oversees (including remotely) all aspects of UNRWA’s programmatic delivery and operational support functions in Gaza. The incumbent is responsible for the leadership and oversight of UNRWA’s programmes and operations, including in difficult, sensitive, and volatile political and operational situations and develops and maintains relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. -Leads the field office efforts to address the humanitarian needs, uphold the rights, and promote the human development of Palestine refugees, and mobilizes support for UNRWA locally, regionally, and globally: -Represents UNRWA and performs vital advocacy, public communication/media engagement, and resource mobilization functions, giving visibility to the conditions affecting Palestine refugees and promoting support for UNRWA and Palestine refugees with Member States, donor governments, the UN Country Team, the Humanitarian Country Team, civil society, and other relevant actors. -Builds effective partnerships with diplomatic missions, community leaders, UN agencies and NGOs, ensuring that UNRWA’s programme design and delivery is in line with and contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other UN global frameworks and commitments. Advocates with key partners and the broader public for the Agency’s programme, highlighting its critical importance, quality, and value. -Leads and oversees UNRWA’s programmatic delivery, including on education, health, relief and social services, infrastructure and microfinance, ensuring consistency and quality in programmes. Leads and oversees protection mainstreaming, programming and advocacy, promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment through the implementation of the UNRWA Gender Strategy; supports the implementation of the Disability Inclusion policy; ensures meaningful participation and accountability to affected populations; leads the field implementation of the UNRWA Environmental Sustainability Policy; and, ensures other crosscutting issues are duly considered and mainstreamed in UNRWA’s programmes and humanitarian operations. -Leads and oversees the Agency’s humanitarian/emergency response, ensuring that refugee needs are met as far as possible and that the services delivered meet Agency and international standards. -Leads, motivates and supervises a team of programme and operations managers and specialists, contributing to create an ethical, inclusive and empowering workplace in line with UN values. Builds an effective integrated service delivery capacity which is adapted to the needs of the refugee community and to the particular demands of a volatile environment; contributes to the modernization of the Agency, strengthening accountability internally and externally in line with the Agency’s management framework. -Advises the Commissioner-General on policy, programmatic, and operational matters in Gaza. -Is responsible for the identification and management of risks related to the Field Office and for ensuring accountability and rigor in financial and budget management and the maintenance of established internal controls and procedures, especially in a remote operating environment. -Participates in the Agency’s Senior Management Team, contributing to policy discussions and the overall strategic direction of the Agency. Represents UNRWA in the UN Country and Humanitarian Country Teams for the oPt. -Performs other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor. 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. Persuading and Influencing ii. Planning and Organizing iii. Relating and Networking Leadership i. Deciding and Initiating Action ii. Managing Complexity and Change EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in political science, social science, public or business administration, or international relations. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceAt least 15 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional and managerial experience, including at least ten years at an international level in a senior position in a large governmental or international development or humanitarian agency, particularly in conflict zones and/or complex emergencies, is required. Crisis management in complex security and political contexts is required. Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of citizenship are required Crisis communications and principled advocacy experience in polarized environments is desirable Early recovery experience 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. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no additional desirable languages specified. 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).