Director of UNRWA Affairs

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, established to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. With over 30,000 staff members, UNRWA operates across five areas of operation, focusing on delivering essential services and humanitarian aid to one of the most vulnerable communities in the world. The agency is committed to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face.

Job Overview:
The Director of UNRWA Affairs plays a crucial role in overseeing the provision of core services and humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees in Gaza. Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner-General for Programmes and Partnerships, the incumbent is responsible for managing and supervising various programmatic and operational functions. This position requires strong leadership skills to navigate complex political and operational environments, ensuring that UNRWA's programs align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Director will also engage in advocacy and resource mobilization efforts to support UNRWA's mission and enhance visibility for the conditions affecting Palestine refugees. The role demands a commitment to promoting gender equality, disability inclusion, and environmental sustainability within UNRWA's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will oversee all aspects of UNRWA’s programmatic delivery and operational support functions in Gaza, including education, health, relief and social services, and infrastructure. Key responsibilities include leading the humanitarian response to meet refugee needs, managing risks related to the Field Office, and ensuring accountability in financial and budget management. The Director will also represent UNRWA in various forums, build partnerships with stakeholders, and advocate for the agency's programs. Additionally, the role involves supervising a team of program and operations managers, fostering an inclusive workplace, and contributing to the strategic direction of the agency.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in political science, social science, public or business administration, or international relations. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional and managerial experience is required, including at least ten years in a senior position within a large governmental or international development or humanitarian agency, particularly in conflict zones. Experience in crisis management and communications in complex security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security contexts is essential, along with a commitment to UN values and principles.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution is required. A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. All relevant university degrees must be clearly stated in the application.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 15 years of relevant professional experience, with a significant portion of that time spent in senior roles within international organizations, particularly in challenging environments. Experience in crisis management and humanitarian response is crucial, as is a demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex operations effectively.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but no additional desirable languages are specified for this role.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is for 2 years, with the possibility of extension. The incumbent may be required to travel frequently throughout the Agency's area of operations in the Middle East. Applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and only fully completed applications will be considered. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. The agency does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a non-smoking work environment.