Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (Programmes), P5, West Bank

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.
UNRWA Field Offices generally have two Deputy Directors reporting directly to the Director
of UNRWA Affairs. The Deputies will each manage a substantive portfolio of programme or
operations responsibilities. A programme portfolio will typically involve management and
oversight of the Agency’s programmes of education, health, relief & social services,
infrastructure and camp improvement and microfinance (as applicable) at Field level. The
operations portfolio will typically require management and oversight of finance, human
resources, procurement, logistics, IT, etc. Depending on field specificity, the Director of
UNRWA Affairs may split the portfolios in varying configurations to meet field needs. The
Deputy Director will contribute to the Field’s strategic and operational plans and budgets,
guide and direct specialist staff, respond to emerging needs, manage staff performance and
ensure optimal use of resources. Deputy Directors will liaise with external interlocutors
including UN country teams, host government representatives, the refugee community and
others. Deputy Directors may be assigned as Acting Director of UNRWA Affairs during the
absence of the Director of UNRWA Affairs and, as such, assume full responsibility and
accountability for the management of the Field.
Responsibilities
– Is responsible for the management of the Field programme cluster which includes education,
health, relief and social services, infrastructure and camp improvement and microfinance
(where applicable) and is the principal adviser to the Field Director on these functions;
depending on field specificity, the Director of UNRWA Affairs may split the portfolios in
varying configurations to meet field needs;
– In close collaboration with other senior staff in the Field, ensures the development,
preparation, coordination and monitoring of Field Plans (Strategic and Annual Operational)
and Budget, Medium-Term Strategy for the programmes and/or operations functions in
his/her Field, ensuring integrated approach to the management of programmes and exercising
decision-making authority over human and financial resources and capital assets of the Field,
in line with UNRWA regulatory framework and SPARE principle;
– Provides support and advice to the Director of UNRWA Affairs in implementing the
Agency’s reform plans; 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 promotes integration of cross-cutting issues into the field programme;
– Provides guidance and support to senior programme and/or administrative staff in his/her
own area; mentors and evaluates for training purposes, as necessary;
– Liaises with government and local authorities to ensure their cooperation in facilitating the
Agency’s operations; assists the Director of UNRWA Affairs in managing and promoting
inter-agency and donor relations;
– As assigned, acts for the Director of UNRWA Affairs during his/her absence, with full
responsibility for the management of the Field, 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, where available;
– Undertakes relieving assignments and performs other related duties as may be required by
the Director of UNRWA Affairs.
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.
– Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional
competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting
commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather
than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
remains calm in stressful situations.
– Leadership: Strong managerial/leadership skills; demonstrated flexibility in leadership by
performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex human resources, financial,
administrative or management policy and programme issues; proven record of building and
managing teams and creating an enabling environment, including the ability to effectively
lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and design training/skills enhancement
initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills; tact in negotiating skills; good
judgment and decision-making skills; demonstrated ability to provide leadership and
commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing.
– Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates
appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for
contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time
efficiently.
– Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and
decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear
to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to
accomplish a task and matches tasks to skills; monitors progress against milestones and
deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff;
encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the
development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
– Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links
between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates
broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction;
conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
– Communications: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly
interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and
exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to
match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people
informed.
– Technology Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability
and limitations of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to
appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
– Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits
input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places
team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group
decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for
team accomplishments and accepts; joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
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 one of the Agency’s
programme academic fields (such as political science, social science, public or business
administration or international relations) supplemented by studies in management.
Job Specific Qualifications
Work Experience
At least 10 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in programme management
is required.
At least 6 years of relevant work experience managing large-scale, multi-sector programmes
at managerial level in a large governmental or international commercial organization, working
at international level outside one’s home country is required.
Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least 2
continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the
country(s) of citizenship, is required.
Experience with United Nations administration/financial policies and practices is desirable.
Knowledge of Middle Eastern geo-political realities and its socio-cultural implications is
desirable.
Knowledge of activities of UNRWA operations and services is desirable.
Languages
Excellent command of spoken and written English.
Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
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 Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (Programmes) will be required to travel frequently
throughout the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East.
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.
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.
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 unacceptable combination.
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/