Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (OPS)

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 in five areas of operation, focusing on delivering education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance. The agency is committed to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development despite the challenging circumstances they face. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions, emphasizing its reliance on international support to fulfill its mission.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (OPS) plays a crucial role in managing the Field operations cluster, which encompasses finance, administration, human resources, procurement, logistics, and other essential functions. This position serves as the principal adviser to the Field Director, ensuring that operations are aligned with the agency's strategic goals. The Deputy Director is responsible for leading the development, preparation, coordination, and monitoring of Field Plans, including Strategic and Annual Operational Plans and Budgets. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the integrated management of operations services and the ability to exercise decision-making authority over human and financial resources. The Deputy Director also supports the Director of UNRWA Affairs in implementing reform plans and initiatives, coordinates cross-functional teams, and promotes the integration of cross-cutting issues into the operational framework. Additionally, the Deputy Director acts on behalf of the Director during their absence and may serve as the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Field security focal point, liaising with relevant security management offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the Field operations cluster, including finance, administration, human resources, procurement, and logistics.
• Advise the Field Director on operational functions and ensure alignment with UNRWA's regulatory framework.
• Lead the development and monitoring of Field Plans and Budgets, ensuring an integrated approach to operations management.
• Support the implementation of the Agency’s reform plans and lead relevant initiatives within the organizational cluster.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to achieve field-wide outcomes and promote integration of cross-cutting issues.
• Provide guidance and support to senior administrative staff and mentor them for training purposes.
• Liaise with government and local authorities to facilitate the Agency’s operations.
• Assist in managing inter-agency and donor relations.
• Act for the Director of UNRWA Affairs during their absence, taking full responsibility for Field management. 1
• Serve as the Field security focal point, coordinating with the Agency’s Director of Security and Risk Management.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business or public administration, international relations, law, finance, human resources management, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in operations management.
• Minimum six years of professional experience managing large-scale, multi-sector operations teams at a managerial level in an international, large governmental or non-governmental organization.
• At least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside the country of citizenship, unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System.
• Knowledge of UNRWA’s operations and services is desirable, as well as familiarity with Middle Eastern geopolitical realities and socio-cultural implications.
• Experience with United Nations administration/financial policies and practices is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in relevant fields such as business or public administration, international relations, law, finance, or human resources management. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of operations management within the context of UNRWA's mission and objectives.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in operations management, with a strong emphasis on managing large-scale, multi-sector operations teams at a managerial level. Candidates should have a proven track record of leadership in international settings, particularly within governmental or non-governmental organizations. Additionally, candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside of 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 is required, with a minimum level of proficiency at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, with a minimum proficiency at UN Level I. Familiarity with French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is for one year, with the possibility of further extension. The incumbent will be required to travel regularly within and outside the Field, as assigned, throughout the Agency’s area of operations. Applications must be fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and late applications will not be accepted. The Personal History Profile (PHP) must include full work experience and all relevant university degrees. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and strongly encourages applications from qualified female candidates and candidates with disabilities. A roster may be created from the selection exercise, allowing successful candidates to be eligible for appointment to the same or similar posts when the need arises.