Projects Support Consultant (P3 level)

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 Palestine refugees. The agency operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. UNRWA's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development, while providing them with essential services such as education, healthcare, and social services. The organization employs thousands of staff members across various countries, working tirelessly to support the needs of Palestine refugees and ensure their rights are upheld.

Job Overview:
The Projects Support Consultant will play a pivotal role in the Department of Planning's Strategic Project Management Office (SPMO) at UNRWA Headquarters in Amman. This position is crucial for the effective management of the Agency’s project portfolio, which involves advising on project prioritization and delivery to ensure alignment with UNRWA’s strategic framework. The consultant will be expected to apply project and portfolio management methods to align the Agency’s projects with its overall goals, support project teams in managing projects effectively, and oversee the Agency’s projects by reviewing and balancing the portfolio. The role also includes analyzing project data to track performance, preparing reports on project progress, and improving project tracking and reporting tools. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including colleagues from HQ, field offices, and the executive office, to strengthen project management capabilities throughout the Agency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: applying project and portfolio management methods to align projects with Agency goals; supporting project teams to manage projects effectively and deliver results on time; overseeing the Agency’s projects by reviewing and balancing the portfolio; preparing the annual priority list; checking project quality; promoting accountability; assisting with the rollout of the UNRWA Project Procedures Manual (PPM); analyzing project data to track performance and suggest improvements; preparing reports on project progress and flagging major issues; improving project tracking and reporting tools; supporting the maintenance and improvement of project governance systems; building a strong project management culture through training and updating standards; and carrying out other tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in management, international development, business administration, or a related field. An initial degree (bachelor or equivalent) plus two additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a post-graduate degree. Certification in project management, such as PRINCE2 or PMP, is highly desirable. Candidates should also have strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with proficiency in Arabic considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in management, international development, business administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted. Certification in project management methodologies such as PRINCE2 or PMP is highly desirable and will enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant project management experience within the United Nations, international organizations, or international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). Additionally, candidates must demonstrate experience in project, programme, and portfolio management methodologies and practices. A minimum of two years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside the country of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both orally and in writing, is required for this position. Fluency in Arabic will be considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The Projects Support Consultant will be employed full-time for an initial period of six months, with the possibility of extension based on needs, performance, and the availability of funds. The duty station for this position will be UNRWA Headquarters in Amman, Jordan. Remuneration will follow the UN international salary scale, with a P3-level salary of approximately USD 96,692 per year (all inclusive). It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Additionally, the UN does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.