Manager Performance and Development

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 working across five areas of operation, UNRWA aims to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under challenging circumstances. The agency is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity at all staffing levels and creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect.

Job Overview:
The Manager Performance and Development will report directly to the Chief of HR Management Services Division. This position is crucial for designing and managing the Agency's Performance Management system, which supports the overall strategy and approach to human resources management and development. The role involves ensuring the smooth implementation of the performance process across all headquarters departments and field offices, evaluating the quality of the process, and proposing necessary improvements. The Manager will also be responsible for identifying and analyzing staff development needs across the Agency, facilitating the implementation of staff development interventions, and monitoring the efficiency and impact of these HR development interventions. Additionally, the Manager will provide expert advice on talent management models, develop guidelines for senior and middle management, and prepare substantial reports on performance management and staff development activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and manage the Agency's Performance Management system to align with HR management strategies.
• Evaluate the quality of the performance management process and propose improvements.
• Conduct comprehensive learning needs assessments to identify staff development needs Agency-wide.
• Design and facilitate staff development interventions and capacity-building initiatives.
• Coordinate with Field Performance Management and Staff Development Officers for effective implementation of HR development processes.
• Monitor the efficiency and impact of HR development interventions.
• Provide expert advice for the conceptualization and implementation of a talent management model.
• Develop guidelines to prepare senior and middle management for performance management processes.
• Prepare the programme budget for performance management and HR development, seeking financial and technical support as needed. 1
• Manage compliance with mandatory learning requirements and develop strategies to strengthen compliance. 1
• Contribute to policy frameworks and align budgetary instructions with staff development needs. 1
• Supervise and create a motivating working environment within the Division, providing coaching and guidance to staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in public or business administration, human resources management, adult learning, instructional design, educational technologies, relevant social sciences, or a related discipline. A coaching/training certification is desirable. Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience in designing, managing, and implementing performance management systems and staff development programs. Solid knowledge of the full learning cycle, including instructional design, development, delivery, evaluation, and redevelopment, is required. Candidates must also have a declaration regarding any affiliations that could impact their neutrality in the role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in relevant fields such as public or business administration, human resources management, adult learning, instructional design, educational technologies, or social sciences is required. A coaching/training certification is considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in performance management systems and staff development programs. Additionally, candidates who are not currently serving as international staff members in the UN Common System must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside of UNRWA and their country of citizenship. This experience should encompass a comprehensive understanding of the learning cycle and the ability to design and implement effective training programs.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but English is the primary language required for this job opening.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Regular Budget post with a contract duration of 2 years, with the possibility of extension. Applications must be fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and late applications will not be accepted. Candidates must provide accurate information regarding their work experience and educational background. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. The agency does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a non-smoking work environment.