Deputy Chief, Field Health Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees. UNRWA operates in five areas: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, focusing on helping these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their plight. The agency is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. UNRWA's services include education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. The agency is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it actively encourages applications from individuals who share this vision.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Chief of the Field Health Programme plays a crucial role in supporting the Chief of the Field Health Programme in planning, developing, managing, and supervising all health programme activities. This position involves providing direct supervision to professional and general services staff members, ensuring the effective implementation of health programme activities, and making recommendations to enhance the quality and efficiency of these programmes. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the technical functions of Division Heads, managing the day-to-day administration of the Field Health Programme, and providing technical guidance to ensure compliance with Technical Instructions. Additionally, the Deputy Chief will oversee the implementation, supervision, and evaluation of Medical Care Services, which include general clinic services, medical supply operations, oral health services, laboratory services, and more. The role also involves planning and directing in-service training for health staff, managing the health programme budget, and maintaining good working relationships with various stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental health institutions. The Deputy Chief will act on behalf of the Chief in their absence and contribute to identifying areas for improvement in health projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advise and assist the Chief Field Health Programme in planning, programme development, management, and supervision of health programme activities.
• Make recommendations to improve the quality of health programmes and organizational efficiency.
• Coordinate, integrate, and oversee technical functions of Division Heads.
• Manage the day-to-day administration of the Field Health Programme.
• Provide technical guidance to ensure effective implementation of Technical Instructions.
• Finalize all Health Programme reports.
• Implement, supervise, and evaluate Medical Care Services, including general clinic services, medical supply operations, oral health services, laboratory services, and referral services.
• Plan and direct in-service training for health staff.
• Ensure proper management of medical supply and equipment operations at health centres. 1
• Manage the budget preparation for the Field Health Programme. 1
• Coordinate with HR on staffing issues, including finalization of staff medical boards. 1
• Direct the implementation and management of assigned projects through coordination with the Programme Support Office and other departments. 1
• Maintain good working relations with officials in governmental, non-governmental, and contracted health institutions. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned, including acting for the Chief in their absence.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in public health.
• A university degree in medicine from an accredited institution, including a twelve-month internship.
• A valid license to practice medicine in the country of duty station.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in public health administration, with a minimum of three years in a supervisory health position.
• Candidates must disclose any close relatives working for UNRWA and any current or past affiliations with NGOs, academic institutions, or political organizations that could impact their neutrality in UN duties.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in public health and a university degree in medicine from an accredited institution, which includes a twelve-month internship. A valid medical practice license in the country of duty station is also required.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in public health administration, with at least three years in a supervisory role. This experience should be relevant to the duties and responsibilities outlined for the position.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Arabic. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, with specific levels outlined according to the UN Language Framework. English is required at UN Level II, while Arabic is required at UN Level I.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, including a one-year probation period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The salary for this position starts at USD 2,934.27 per month, which includes a basic salary, a special occupational allowance, and a supplementary allowance. Additional benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and various types of leave for maternity and paternity. The incumbent may be required to travel frequently within the Agency's operational areas. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, but only those residing in Lebanon and authorized to work there may apply. UNRWA is committed to gender balance and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. A roster may be created for future vacancies, and all applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online recruitment system.