Consultant for UNRWA Ethics Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to a population of over 5 million registered Palestine refugees. The agency operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development, and it employs approximately 30,000 staff members across various sectors, including education, health, and social services. UNRWA is committed to upholding the rights and dignity of Palestine refugees and works to provide them with essential services and support.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide expert support to the UNRWA Ethics Office in managing complaints and cases related to protection against retaliation (PaR). This role involves ensuring compliance with UNRWA and UN policies and procedures while contributing to capacity building, policy strengthening, and awareness-raising efforts. The consultant will be responsible for conducting preliminary assessments of complaints, drafting reports and recommendations, and developing training materials to enhance understanding of PaR among staff. The position requires a strong understanding of organizational ethics and the ability to navigate complex cases with confidentiality and impartiality.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Case Management and Advisory: Conduct preliminary assessments of complaints and reports of retaliation in accordance with UNRWA’s Policy on Protection against Retaliation for Reporting Misconduct. Draft reports, memoranda, and recommendations for each case, including communications to complainants and review of investigation reports.
• Capacity Building and Awareness: Collaborate with Ethics Office colleagues to develop training materials and communications to increase awareness of PaR. Contribute to internal and external messaging on PaR, including presentations and outreach materials.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Liaise with relevant UNRWA departments and external stakeholders while ensuring confidentiality and impartiality.
• Policy Review and Technical Advice: Provide technical advice on the implementation of UNRWA’s PaR policy and identify areas for improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, ethics, social sciences, organizational behavior, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in organizational ethics, investigations, legal analysis, or related areas, preferably within the UN or international organizations. Candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship. Demonstrated experience in handling retaliation, whistleblower protection, or workplace misconduct cases is essential. Experience in policy review, training, and capacity building is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as law, ethics, social sciences, or organizational behavior. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of organizational ethics and the legal frameworks surrounding workplace misconduct and retaliation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to organizational ethics, investigations, or legal analysis. Candidates should have substantial experience working within the UN or international organizations, particularly in handling cases of retaliation and workplace misconduct. Experience in policy review and capacity building is also highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset but is not a requirement. The ability to communicate effectively in English is essential for drafting reports and engaging with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a home-based consultancy position expected to last for 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The consultant may be required to travel as necessary, subject to UNRWA policies. Payment will be made monthly, equivalent to the P-4 level, contingent upon satisfactory delivery of agreed outputs. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates must maintain strict confidentiality and impartiality throughout their assignment.