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. UNRWA is primarily funded by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. The organization emphasizes the importance of neutrality, impartiality, and integrity in its operations, ensuring that its staff uphold the highest standards of efficiency and competence while respecting human rights and diversity.

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 a team that includes two Deputy Directors and various senior professional staff. This position requires strategic planning, management, and oversight of UNRWA's programmatic delivery and operational support functions in Gaza, particularly in sensitive and volatile political situations. The Director is expected to lead efforts to address humanitarian needs, uphold the rights of refugees, and promote human development, while also mobilizing support for UNRWA at local, regional, and global levels. The role involves significant advocacy, public communication, and resource mobilization to raise awareness about the conditions affecting Palestine refugees and to garner support from various stakeholders, including Member States and civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent's responsibilities include overseeing the delivery of UNRWA's programs and operations, ensuring consistency and quality in services provided, and leading the agency's humanitarian response efforts. The Director is tasked with building effective partnerships with diplomatic missions, community leaders, UN agencies, and NGOs to align UNRWA's design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The role also involves advocating for gender equality and women's empowerment, implementing the UNRWA Gender Strategy, and ensuring the inclusion of crosscutting issues in humanitarian operations. The Director must manage risks related to the Field Office, maintain accountability in financial management, and contribute to the strategic direction of the agency as part of the Senior Management Team. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for motivating and supervising a diverse team, fostering an ethical and inclusive workplace, and advising the Commissioner-General on policy and operational matters.

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, with at least ten years in a senior position within a large governmental or international development agency, particularly in conflict zones or complex emergencies. Experience in crisis management, crisis communications, and principled advocacy in polarized environments is essential. Candidates must also declare any affiliations that could impact their neutrality and independence in performing their duties for UNRWA.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited institution in relevant fields such as political science, social science, public or business administration, or international relations is required. A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires at least 15 years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on international experience in senior roles within large organizations, particularly in challenging environments. Candidates should have a proven track record in crisis management and experience working in complex security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and political contexts. At least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside of UNRWA and the candidate's country of citizenship are also required.

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

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is two years, with the possibility of extension. The incumbent will be based in Amman and 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 also emphasizes the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. UNRWA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.