Senior Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (Programmes), D1, Gaza At UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

Org. Setting and Reporting
UNRWA, 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 Senior Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (Programmes) reports to the Director of
UNRWA Affairs.
Responsibilities
– Performs leadership, management and co-ordination tasks relating to the field’s programmes,
ensuring optimal use of resources, streamlined processes, taking into account staff and
refugee needs and responding to emerging circumstances.
– Guides and provides oversight as well as performance management, in accordance with the
Agency’s regulatory framework, to the heads of the main programmes including Education,
Health, Relief and Social Services, Infrastructure and Camp Improvement, Job Creation, and
Microfinance.
– Guides and provides oversight on key cross -cutting initiatives, including protection and
neutrality, gender mainstreaming and related initiatives; acts as the principal adviser to the
Director of UNRWA Affairs on these functions.
– Translates the Medium Term Programme Strategy into operational reality by developing and
fine-tuning, in consultation with senior managers, the Field Plans and Budget; leads the
implementation of pertinent reform initiatives in his/her organizational cluster; coordinates
the work of cross-functional teams to achieve field-wide outcomes and the effectiveness of
the field’s activities, services and commitments to constituencies in conjunction with HQ
Directors ensuring an integrated approach to the management of programmes and exercising
decision-making authority over areas under her/his responsibility.
– Provides guidance and support to senior programme and/or administrative staff in his/her
own area and in the continuous improvement of programmes and services; mentors and
evaluates for training purposes, as necessary.
– Provides leadership to the development of innovative and/or change management
programmes.
– Liaises with government and local authorities to ensure their cooperation in facilitating the
Agency’s programmes/operations; assists the Director of UNRWA Affairs in managing and
promoting inter-agency and donor relations; coordinates with the Area Staff Union
chairperson and Education, General Services and Manual Workers sector chairpersons to
resolve issues and disputes between staff, the staff union and field management; Building
consensus and inspiring others to form alliances for concerted actions.
– As assigned, acts for the Director of UNRWA Affairs during his/her absence, with full
responsibility for the Field programmes/operations, and reporting to the Commissioner-
General (USG) and/or Deputy Commissioner-General, (ASG).
– Where applicable, acts as the Field security focal point and liaises with the Agency’s
Director of Security and Risk Management and the Office of Security and Risk Management
in the Field.
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.
— Planning and Organizing
– Relating and Networking
– Analyzing
– Leading and supervising
– Delivering Results
For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un.
org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational
institution in social sciences, political science, public or business administration, international
relations or economics, supplemented by studies in management, where applicable.
Job Specific Qualifications
Work Experience
At least 15 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience is
required.
At least eight years of professional work experience at international managerial level
managing large-scale, multi-sector programmes in a large governmental or international
organization, outside one’s home country is required.
Senior level experience in emergency planning and response and/or humanitarian operations;
significant experience in managing large teams 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 is required.
Knowledge of activities of UNRWA operations and services is desirable.
Knowledge of Middle Eastern geo-political realities and its socio-cultural implications is
desirable.
Experience with United Nations administration/financial policies and practices is desirable.
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational
institution in social sciences, political science, public or business administration, international
relations or economics, supplemented by studies in management, where applicable is
required.
Languages
Excellent command of written and spoken English.
Working knowledge of 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.
Gaza is a non-family duty station.
The Senior Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs will be required to reside in the field of
assignment and to travel regularly inside and outside the Agency’s area of operations.
Applicants have to complete the Personal History Profile (PHP) in inspira in order to be
considered. The PHP should be completed with full relevant work experience as per the
requirements in the Job Opening, in order to be considered.
UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become
eligible for appointment to the same post or a similar post.
Equivalency:
A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying
experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
NB: work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not
considered an acceptable combination.
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/