Area Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their plight. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donors. UNRWA's services include education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. The agency is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the world's most vulnerable communities, and it actively seeks individuals who share this commitment to join its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Area Officer position at UNRWA is a critical role responsible for overseeing the agency's operations at the area level. The incumbent will report to the Director of UNRWA Affairs or the Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (Operations) and will directly supervise a team of professional and general services staff. The Area Officer is expected to represent UNRWA in their designated area, maintaining relationships with host government authorities, refugee community representatives, and various humanitarian organizations. This role involves leading community engagement efforts, coordinating with program chiefs and area program officers, and ensuring that UNRWA's operations address the needs of refugees in alignment with local political, social, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security contexts. The Area Officer will also be responsible for managing camp services, overseeing communication within the area, monitoring the operating environment, and leading inter-departmental coordination to implement cross-cutting themes such as protection and gender equality. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to take corrective measures as necessary to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of UNRWA's programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Area Officer include:

• Representing UNRWA at the area level and liaising with host government authorities, refugee community representatives, and humanitarian organizations to ensure the effective application of agency policies and programs.
• Leading community engagement efforts and coordinating with local authorities on program management matters.
• Planning, directing, and controlling administrative, finance, supply, distribution, transport, personnel, building maintenance, and camp services functions to meet the needs of refugees.
• Overseeing the management of area camp services, including solid waste disposal and food distribution processes.
• Ensuring effective communication within the area and disseminating information to team members and relevant stakeholders.
• Monitoring the operating environment, identifying risks, and advising the Field Director on security issues and emergency responses.
• Leading inter-departmental coordination to implement cross-cutting themes such as protection and gender equality.
• Supporting programs that enhance the protection of refugees and managing the monitoring of camp environments.
• Being accountable for the control and efficient allocation of financial and human resources in the Area Office. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Area Officer position include:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in management, business management, public administration, political science, sociology, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience in overseeing programs and operations management, with a minimum of five years in a senior-level position within a large governmental or international organization.
• Training and certification in management and leadership are required.
• Demonstrable experience in managing various aspects related to programs and operations management, including security, fleet, finance, and administration.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to persuade and influence others effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in a relevant field such as management, business management, public administration, political science, sociology, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of managing operations and programs within the context of UNRWA's mission and objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience in overseeing different aspects related to programs and operations management. This experience should include at least five years in a senior-level position within a large governmental or international organization. The role requires a strong background in managing complex operations and programs, as well as experience in providing briefings and developing management reports.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but for this job opening, candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in English (UN Level II) and Arabic (UN Level I) across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the agency and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Area Officer position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, including a one-year probation period, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The position is classified at Grade 20, and the monthly basic salary will be determined according to UNRWA's area staff salary scale. Additional benefits include a special occupational allowance, monthly provident fund contributions, dependency allowances (if applicable), compulsory medical insurance, and leave days in accordance with UNRWA's regulations. This vacancy is open to internal candidates only, and only those residing in the West Bank or Jerusalem with authorization to work in the duty station at the time of application are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates from underrepresented genders to support UNRWA's commitment to gender parity. The agency emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.