Social Worker

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 offering a wide range of services including education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donors. The organization is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the world's most vulnerable communities, and it actively seeks individuals who are passionate about contributing to this mission.

Job Overview:
The Social Worker position at UNRWA involves providing essential support to Palestine refugees through the Social Transfer Assistance program, which is part of the Social Safety Net Programme (SSNP) and Emergency Programmes. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting desk studies and home visits to assess the socio-economic status of refugees applying for assistance. This role requires the collection of relevant data to determine eligibility for support and conducting periodic reassessments for active recipients. The Social Worker will maintain accurate records of families receiving assistance, ensuring that all documentation and data entries are up-to-date. Additionally, the incumbent will identify refugees facing protection risks and refer them to the appropriate social work supervisors for further assistance. The role also includes recommending eligibility for short-term emergency assistance and ensuring the timely delivery of approved aid to families in need. The Social Worker will participate in community surveys and workshops to enhance their professional skills and knowledge, which they will then share with colleagues. Overall, this position is crucial for implementing UNRWA's mission to support and empower Palestine refugees in their communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct desk studies and home visits to assess refugees applying for Social Transfer Assistance, collecting socio-economic data to determine eligibility for assistance.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on families receiving social transfer assistance, including documentation and data entry/modifications in the relevant database.
• Identify and refer refugees facing protection risks or requiring additional social work assistance to the Area Social Work Supervisor.
• Recommend eligibility for short-term emergency assistance for families in crisis after conducting initial site assessments.
• Ensure the timely delivery of approved cash and/or in-kind assistance to eligible families and follow up with families that fail to collect their assistance.
• Participate in surveys and studies within the refugee community to analyze socio-economic trends.
• Attend workshops and meetings to improve professional knowledge and skills relevant to social work and share this knowledge with other Relief Workers.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an accredited institution in social work, sociology, psychology, guidance and counseling, social anthropology, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in providing social work, psycho-social support, or counseling within development or humanitarian programs, preferably in governmental, non-governmental, or NGO settings. The role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to apply technical expertise, and a commitment to continuous learning and research.

Educational Background:
A university degree from an accredited university in social work, sociology, psychology, guidance and counseling, social anthropology, or another related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively support and assist Palestine refugees in their social and economic challenges.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in providing social work, psycho-social support, or counseling in development or humanitarian programs. This experience should ideally be gained in governmental, non-governmental, or NGO organizations, demonstrating the candidate's ability to work effectively in challenging environments and with vulnerable populations.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required. English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in both reading and writing. Arabic is essential for effective communication with the refugee population. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, including a one-year probation period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The grade for this position is Grade 10, with a monthly basic salary of USD 1,050.20, payable in Jordanian Dinar at the UN monthly exchange rate. Additional benefits include a Provident Fund contribution, dependency allowances (if applicable), 30 days of annual leave, compulsory medical insurance, sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave. The incumbent will be required to travel within the field and must be willing and capable of driving an Agency vehicle. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, but only those residing in the West Bank or Jerusalem and authorized to work in the duty station at the time of application are eligible. Preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates who can assist the Agency in achieving gender parity. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.