Special Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner-General, P4, HQ Amman, Jordan

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 a highly committed Special Assistant wishing to make a change. If you are ready for an exciting challenge, in a context where no day is the same and are seeking to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you.

As part of this post, you will work in one of the most dynamic regions globally, supporting the Deputy Commissioner- General directly in her oversight of programmes and operations in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the West Bank and the Gaza strip. The post is based in Amman but will require frequent missions and support to the field. Your work will contribute to one of the UN’s largest Agency’s in terms of staffing, in a challenging context that is influenced by the latest local, regional and global developments that do not impact merely UNRWA but the region as a whole. The Special Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner-General reports to the Deputy Commissioner-General. Responsibilities – Ensures optimal preparation for and follow up from Deputy Commissioner-General’s (DCG) contacts with internal and external interlocutors; Provides advice and assistance on organizational and managerial effectiveness and efficiency.

– Undertakes research and writing (including presentations, taking points, speeches, minutes, and notes for the record) on a wide range of general administrative, financial and operational issues of concern to the office of the Commissioner-General.

– Drafts, for review and signature by the Deputy Commissioner-General, correspondence on matters of concern to the Commissioner-General’s Office, including letters to high-ranking State officials and senior staff of UN and other international bodies.

– Follows-up as required on the implementation of decisions and on other matters referred by the Commissioner-General and the Deputy Commissioner-General to departments and offices at headquarters and the Fields and contributes to optimal flow of information to, from and within the Executive Office.

– Conducts administrative support including but not limited to the organization of internal meetings, calendar management and coordination vis-à-vis other Special Assistants. acts as secretary for specific meetings. – Maintains contacts and liaison with UN offices, specialized agencies, non-governmental organizations and other external UNRWA interlocutors. – Represents the Office of the Commissioner-General and/or UNRWA at meetings and conferences.

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. – Delivering Results – Engaging and Nurturing – Planning and Organizing – Analyzing – Persuading and Influencing Other Competencies – Proven excellence in drafting, particularly in analytical writing, report writing and written communication on policy, operational and organizational development matters. – High level of political and organizational awareness.

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 public or business administration, social sciences, law or any related subject.

Job Specific Qualifications Work Experience A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience is required.

A minimum of three years of international professional experience is required.

A minimum of 2 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.

Excellent knowledge of and experience with the use of new digital tools and the full range of IT- platforms is required. Knowledge of UN Rules and Directives, and of the sources from which they are compiled is desirable. Familiarity with programme and budget management and resource mobilization is desirable.

Working knowledge and experience of the Agency’s operations in the Middle East, and knowledge of Middle Eastern culture is desirable.

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English. Command of Arabic or French or other UN languages 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 Special Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner-General will be required to reside in Amman and to travel within UNRWA area of operations in the Middle East ((Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, West Bank and Gaza). 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 relevant 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/