Chief, Representative Office

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 education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance. The agency is committed to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under challenging circumstances. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. The organization emphasizes gender balance and inclusivity in its workforce, encouraging applications from under-represented groups and qualified candidates with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Chief of the Representative Office plays a crucial role in representing UNRWA with various stakeholders, including the League of Arab States (LAS), the UN Country Team, and key national and international partners in Egypt. This position involves active engagement with Member States, LAS, and other organizations to support the rights and well-being of Palestine refugees while mobilizing support for UNRWA's initiatives. The incumbent will manage relationships with the Government of Egypt and key Egyptian entities, ensuring they are informed about the needs of Palestine refugees. Additionally, the Chief will contribute to the implementation of UNRWA's resource mobilization strategy in Egypt, fostering relationships with stakeholders and exploring advocacy and cooperation opportunities. The role requires close coordination with the Protection Division to facilitate services for Palestine refugees and monitor protection gaps. The Chief will also keep abreast of political, social, and economic developments affecting Palestine refugees in Egypt, providing timely analysis and strategic advice to UNRWA's leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent UNRWA with the League of Arab States, UN Country Team, and key partners in Egypt, engaging with various stakeholders to support Palestine refugees.
• Manage and leverage the Agency's relationship with LAS, ensuring they receive updates on UNRWA's work and priorities.
• Maintain relations with the Government of Egypt and key national entities, promoting strong partnerships and ensuring they are informed about Palestine refugees' needs.
• Contribute to the implementation of UNRWA's resource mobilization strategy in Egypt, developing relationships with stakeholders and exploring advocacy opportunities.
• Coordinate with the Protection Division to facilitate services for Palestine refugees and monitor protection gaps, advocating for their rights with relevant stakeholders.
• Stay informed about political, social, and economic developments in Egypt affecting Palestine refugees, providing analysis and strategic advice to UNRWA leadership.
• Manage the Representative Office in Cairo, overseeing finance, human resources, and administrative functions to ensure compliance and efficient operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, public or business administration, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in administration, public information, diplomacy, political affairs, law, or external relations is required. Additionally, four years of relevant work experience at a senior managerial level, particularly in the Middle East region, is essential. Candidates must also have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship, unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System. Knowledge of the Middle East history and the Palestine refugee issue is desirable, as is familiarity with the UN system and the League of Arab States.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in political science, international relations, public or business administration, or any other related field is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree combined with additional years of qualifying experience may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires at least ten years of progressively responsible and relevant experience working for an international organization in areas such as administration, public information, diplomacy, political affairs, law, and/or external relations. Candidates must have four years of relevant work experience at a senior managerial level, with substantial practical experience in the Middle East region, particularly in Egypt or related issues. Additionally, candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship, unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, with a minimum level of proficiency according to the UN Language Framework. Candidates must demonstrate their ability in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages at UN Level III. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a UN Regular Budget post with a contract duration of 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. Applications must be fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and late applications will not be accepted. Candidates are required to declare any current or past affiliations that could impact their neutrality or objectivity in performing their duties. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates and candidates with disabilities to apply. A roster may be created from this selection exercise, and successful candidates may be eligible for appointment to similar posts when the need arises. UNRWA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.