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 mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and relying almost entirely on voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donors. UNRWA is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it is committed to gender balance and inclusivity in its workforce, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Chief Field Health Programme is a pivotal role within UNRWA, responsible for directing and supervising the Agency’s Health Programme in the Gaza Field. This position entails ensuring that a comprehensive range of medical care services, including disease prevention and control, family health, mental health, oral health, laboratory services, pharmaceutical services, physical rehabilitation, and hospital services, are delivered effectively. The incumbent will work closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (Programmes) and the Director of Health (HQ) in Amman to align health services with professional, policy, and technical standards. The role also involves establishing and maintaining positive relationships with local governments, NGOs, and UN institutions to foster a safe and healthy environment for UNRWA stakeholders. The Chief will oversee administrative matters related to the Health Programme, ensuring efficient personnel management, budget control, and the smooth operation of health services. Additionally, the incumbent will coordinate multi-sector activities with other departments and local universities to enhance health service delivery and implement health projects in collaboration with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief Field Health Programme will be responsible for the following duties:

• Directing and supervising the Health Programme to ensure alignment with the family health team approach across various medical services.
• Establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with host governments and health institutions to ensure a supportive environment for health initiatives.
• Overseeing administrative functions related to the Health Programme, including personnel management and budget oversight, to ensure seamless health operations.
• Coordinating multi-sector activities with other departments to enhance the efficiency of health services.
• Collaborating with local universities on health-related training to continuously improve service delivery.
• Managing the implementation of health projects in conjunction with the Field Infrastructure and Camp Improvement Programme.
• Performing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor, which may include strategic planning and programmatic adjustments based on evolving health needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in medicine from an accredited institution, including a minimum of twelve months of internship experience. An advanced degree in public health is required, and a specialty in Family Medicine is desirable. Additionally, candidates must hold a valid license to practice medicine in the country of duty station. The role requires a strong commitment to the UN's core values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, as well as competencies in communication, teamwork, and results-driven performance.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a university degree in medicine from an accredited institution, which must include an internship of at least twelve months. An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in public health is also required. A degree in Family Medicine Specialty is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least ten years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in public health systems, with a minimum of five years in a supervisory capacity. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of health program management and the ability to lead health initiatives effectively. Candidates are also required to declare any affiliations with NGOs, academic institutions, or political organizations that may impact their neutrality and objectivity in their role with UNRWA.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory, with a minimum UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The role is classified at Grade HL11, with a monthly basic salary of $3,437.80, plus a senior professional officer allowance of 90% of the basic salary. Other benefits include a Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, and generous leave entitlements, including 30 days of annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave. The incumbent may be required to travel frequently within the Agency’s operational areas and must possess a valid driving license. This vacancy is open to internal candidates only, and applicants must reside in the Gaza Strip and have authorization to work in the duty station at the time of application. UNRWA emphasizes gender parity and encourages applications from registered Palestine refugees and underrepresented genders. The agency has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and conducts thorough background checks on all candidates.