Programme Manager - Early Recovery and Livelihoods

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 to vulnerable communities. 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. The organization emphasizes gender balance and inclusivity in its workforce, encouraging applications from under-represented groups and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Programme Manager for Early Recovery and Livelihoods will play a crucial role in leading the planning, coordination, and implementation of the Early Recovery and Livelihoods portfolio. This position involves managing workplans, implementation schedules, and beneficiary pipelines to ensure that all activities are delivered within approved targets, timelines, and budgets. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that livelihood activities are integrated and effectively linked to outreach, eligibility screening, vulnerability assessments, and business support. The role requires close collaboration with various teams, including TVET, Microfinance, and Area Offices, to ensure effective linkages between training pathways and enterprise support. The Programme Manager will also monitor implementation progress, maintain accurate project documentation, and prepare reports for donors and stakeholders, ensuring that all project activities align with accountability and risk management standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Manager include leading the day-to-day operations of the Early Recovery and Livelihoods portfolio, ensuring that all activities are planned and executed effectively. This includes managing the operational cycle of small business grants, coordinating beneficiary outreach and field verification processes, and preparing necessary documentation for decision-making. The incumbent will monitor implementation progress, maintain comprehensive project records, and prepare monthly and ad hoc reports. Additionally, the Programme Manager will ensure that project implementation adheres to standards of accountability, protection, and inclusion, while also managing relationships with various stakeholders and supporting the Senior Technical Specialist in consolidating updates and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in development studies, economics, business administration, social sciences, or a related field. They should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian or development programme management, with a focus on livelihoods, early recovery, and economic recovery. Experience in market-based livelihoods, entrepreneurship development, and local economic recovery is essential, along with familiarity with donor-funded programming. Candidates should also have experience working in fragile or conflict-affected settings, particularly in the Middle East, and must demonstrate knowledge of the Palestine refugee situation and the political context of the region.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in development studies, economics, business administration, social sciences, livelihoods, project management, humanitarian affairs, international development, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. All relevant university degrees must be stated in the application.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in humanitarian or development programme management, with at least three years specifically in livelihoods, early recovery, or related programming. Experience should include managing grants, conducting vulnerability assessments, and implementing donor-funded projects. Additionally, candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside of their country of nationality, unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Arabic is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I. Familiarity with French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary appointment for six months, and the incumbent will be required to travel within Syria and to field locations as necessary. Applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and only fully completed applications will be considered. The agency emphasizes the importance of providing accurate information in applications, as misrepresentation can lead to disqualification. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages applications from female candidates and individuals with disabilities. A roster may be created from this selection process, allowing successful candidates to be considered for similar positions in the future.