Associate Donor Relations and Project Support Officer

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, including Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. The agency's mission is to help 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 is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Associate Donor Relations and Project Support Officer (ADRPSO) plays a crucial role in supporting the project manager to ensure the effective delivery of all components of the REPAC project, which includes the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure, as well as addressing the environmental and social impacts of the project. The ADRPSO is responsible for identifying potential problems or constraints related to budget, plans, and timelines that could hinder the timely delivery and quality of project goals. This position requires conducting frequent monitoring visits to field locations to ensure adherence to project activities and quality assurance. The ADRPSO will also develop and enhance communication strategies for the project, create communication materials to raise community awareness and donor visibility, and organize outreach meetings with community stakeholders. The role involves close coordination with relevant HQ Departments to ensure compliance with donor requirements and maintain quality assurance throughout the project cycle. Additionally, the ADRPSO will contribute to project management and planning, track project results against targets, and compile data for internal and external reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Donor Relations and Project Support Officer include:

• Supporting the project manager in the day-to-day delivery of all REPAC project components.
• Identifying and anticipating problems or constraints regarding budget, plans, and timelines, and recommending improvements.
• Conducting frequent or ad-hoc monitoring visits to field locations to ensure project activities adhere to quality standards.
• Reviewing and developing communication strategies for the project and leading the creation of communication materials.
• Planning and organizing outreach meetings with community stakeholders to manage expectations.
• Liaising with external factors, including relevant PA line ministries and departments.
• Coordinating with relevant HQ Departments to ensure compliance with donor requirements and maintain data consistency.
• Contributing to project management and planning to improve deliverables and tracking project results against targets.
• Compiling data and drafting reports for internal and external stakeholders, including progress and ad-hoc reports. 1
• Identifying best practices and areas for improvement using UNRWA monitoring and evaluation tools.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Associate Donor Relations and Project Support Officer position include:

• A university degree from an accredited educational institution in project management, engineering, business administration, social sciences, international relations, communications, or other relevant disciplines.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in program management, project management, monitoring and evaluation, administration, or a related field.
• At least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside the country of citizenship.
• Experience in managing multi-programmatic, infrastructure, shelter, or similar construction and labor-intensive projects is desirable.
• Working experience with UN agencies, NGOs, and civil societies in the field of refugees and/or IDPs operations is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an accredited educational institution in project management, engineering, business administration, social sciences, international relations, communications, or other relevant disciplines. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and donor relations in the context of UNRWA's operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in program management, project management, monitoring and evaluation, administration, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside their country of citizenship. This experience is crucial for understanding the international context in which UNRWA operates and for effectively managing projects that address the needs of Palestine refugees.

Languages:
For this position, English is required at UN Level III proficiency, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Arabic is desirable at UN Level I proficiency. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a Temporary Appointment for 9 months. The incumbent may be required to travel within 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) should include full work experience as per the job requirements. UNRWA personnel must ensure that their contract type and grade level are included in their applications. Given the large pool of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and strongly encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. A roster may be created from this selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for appointment to the same or similar posts when the need arises.