Director UNRWA Representative Office At UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

Org. Setting and Reporting For a small, dedicated team of highly qualified professionals we are looking for a creative leader with empathy for European political diversity, and communication skills.

If you are passionate about advocacy for human development, the United Nations, and making a difference for Palestine refugees, then UNRWA would like to hear from you. In this position you will be responsible for representing the Commissioner-General and the strategic goals and mandate of the Agency with regards to political support, advocacy, resource mobilization, partnerships, visibility and interaction with relevant agencies and entities in Europe, including governments, EU institutions and Geneva-based organisations and UN member states at large. You will among others

(i) actively pursue new and innovative avenues of cooperation in support of the Agency;

(ii) develop and implements an outreach strategy for key countries with the aim of creating a solid base of support in European capitals;

(iii) ensure good communication and visibility of UNRWA’s continue relevance and strategic contribution to stability in a volatile region. The Director UNRWA Representative Office Europe reports to the Commissioner-General or the Deputy Commissioner-General (as applicable) Responsibilities The Director UNRWA Representative Office Europe is responsible for representing Executive Office and promoting the interests of the Agency and Palestine refugees (i) in the European Union, its organs and institutions, its Member States, and, (ii) in Brussels, Geneva and Europe at large.

Discharging these functions requires close, mutually supportive working relations with, among others, the Directors of External Relations and Communications and Strategic Communications, the Executive Office, Fields and Programmes. The incumbent is required to ensure and enhance the achievements of UNRWA’s strategic goals in Europe as regards to political support, advocacy, representation in relevant fora, resource mobilization, partnerships, visibility and interaction with relevant agencies and entities.

Represents the Executive Office and the interests of Palestine refugees and the Agency; actively promotes UNRWA’s mission and strategic goals as regards to political support, advocacy, representation in relevant fora, resource mobilization, partnerships, visibility and interaction with relevant agencies and entities in Europe, including governments, EU institutions and organs such as Council of Ministers, the Parliament, the Commission, EU Member States, Permanent Missions and Geneva-based institutions at large; actively pursues new and innovative avenues of cooperation in support of the aforementioned roles. Develops and implements an outreach strategy for key countries (national European parliaments, governments, Civil Society Organizations, Think Tanks, media, etc.) with the aim of creating a solid base of support for UNRWA in European capitals. Coordinates and provides monitoring and reporting by the representative office on relevant meetings, discussions, contacts with relevant interlocutors, and on developments and events of relevance to UNRWA within the UN, the EU and Europe at large; identifies emerging issues of Agency interest, analyzes implications, makes proposals and recommendations and provides advice on possible strategies and action to the Executive Office and senior management; ensures coordinated action when necessary, with members of the Agency’s Management Committee; guides and assists staff on these issues. Manages effectively and efficiently the human and financial resources of the Representative Office in compliance with Agency regulations and standards, priorities and set achievement indicators; ensures goal setting, prioritisation, appropriate controls for monitoring and reporting, performance management, and providing guidance, support, supervision, and motivation of staff. Prepares and presents statements as well as supporting positions and information papers at meetings and other gatherings at which Palestine refugee issues or UNRWA and its mission are on the agenda, including meetings and gatherings of the United Nations system and European Union institutions and organs, as required.

Ensures effective and targeted dissemination of public information throughout the EU, its Member States, institutions and organs; leads responses to queries relating to UNRWA’s mission and Palestine refugees; leads and manages relations with media, including through interviews and press releases coordinated with Strategic Communications; fulfils speaking engagements concerning Agency affairs.

Organizes and participates in visits of the Commissioner-General, Deputy Commissioner General, and senior UNRWA staff as required. Leads on behalf of UNRWA and assists in negotiating agreements with the EU and its institutions and organs, as well as with other government and entities in Europe, as required, and in coordination with relevant Agency departments. Supports the Executive Office on special projects and assignments, such as missions within Europe as may be required. Competencies

UN 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 – Managing Complexity and Change – Persuading and Influencing – Relating and Networking – Planning and Organizing

For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un. org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI Education Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in political science, public or business administration or a related field.

Job Specific Qualifications

Work Experience

At least fifteen years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in political or administrative affairs in a large governmental or international organization is required.

At least five years of professional experience in a senior capacity is required. At least five years of professional experience in close association with a United Nations organization is required.

A minimum of 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. Good knowledge of the European Union and its political and administrative procedures is required. Knowledge of Middle East context and the Palestine refugee issue is desirable. Languages Excellent command of written and spoken English. Good command of written and spoken French and German. Knowledge of written or spoken Arabic.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension.

The incumbent will occasionally be required travel to UNRWA’s area of operations and various venues in Europe as required. Only applications that have been fully completed in UNRWA’s online e-recruitment system inspira will be considered and no late applications will be accepted.

The Personal History Profile (PHP) should be completed with full work experience under the experience tabs as per the requirements in the Job Opening.

A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for an appointment to the same post or a similar post.

UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live.

For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/