Associate Coordination Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting is associated with UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Established in 1949, UNRWA provides essential services to approximately 4.7 million Palestine refugees across the Middle East, including Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank. The agency focuses on delivering education, healthcare, relief and social services, community support, and emergency assistance. UNRWA operates 711 elementary and preparatory schools, nine secondary schools, eight Vocational Training Centres, and two Education Science Faculties, adhering to UN principles and humanitarian standards. The agency's mission is to support the development and empowerment of Palestine refugees through quality education and social services, contributing to stability and sustainable development in the region. UNRWA's Strategic Plan for 2026-2028 emphasizes the importance of inclusive and equitable quality education as a fundamental human right, aligning with global education goals.

Job Overview:
The Associate Coordination Officer position is designed to support the Director of Education and Deputy Directors in managing the structural and programmatic aspects of UNRWA's education programme. The role is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of quality education while maintaining neutrality and effective resource mobilization. The officer will be responsible for drafting and coordinating documentation on operational and policy issues, preparing briefings, and providing substantive support for meetings with various stakeholders, including donors and UN partners. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse range of educational initiatives and contribute to the development of educational policies that impact Palestine refugees. The JPO will gain exposure to UNRWA's operations and learn about the complexities of managing educational programs in a humanitarian context, enhancing their skills in communication, program management, and evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Coordination Officer include:

• Supporting the Director of Education in managing the Education Department's work, including the delivery of educational programs and resource mobilization efforts.
• Drafting and coordinating documentation on operational and policy issues, providing written and oral briefings as needed.
• Assisting in the preparation for internal and external meetings, ensuring that all relevant information is available for discussions with stakeholders.
• Coordinating proposal writing and tracking priority needs related to neutrality in education.
• Addressing educational programmatic issues, including the implementation of recommendations from the Colonna report.
• Following up on the implementation of decisions made in meetings and overseeing the preparation of reports for submission to UNRWA HQ and Field Offices.
• Establishing and maintaining contacts with education stakeholders, including UN agencies, to ensure compliance with education standards.
• Monitoring the flow of documents and ensuring timely reviews and approvals.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in education, development studies, or a related discipline. In exceptional cases, candidates with a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of four years of relevant working experience may be considered. The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience for those with a Master's degree or four years for those with a Bachelor's degree. Experience within the UN system should not exceed one year, including internships and consultancies. Proven relevant internship and voluntary work will be considered an asset in the recruitment process.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in education, development studies, or a related field. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree may be considered if they have significant relevant work experience. The educational qualifications must be from recognized institutions, and candidates are required to provide copies of their educational degrees as part of the application process.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of relevant working experience after obtaining their first university degree, which should be in an international organization or setting. For those with a Bachelor's degree, a minimum of four years of relevant experience is necessary. Experience within the UN system is limited to one year, including any paid internships or consultancies. All relevant work experience since obtaining the Bachelor's degree will be considered, and proven internship and voluntary work will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communication and documentation will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is exclusively open to nationals of the Netherlands. The maximum age limit for candidates is 32 years as of December 31 of the year of application. The JPO position includes a Duty Travel and Training Allowance (DTTA) of $4000 per year for learning activities related to the assignment and career development. The role is full-time and may involve travel within the region. UNDP is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in its workforce, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background.