Strategic and Advocacy Advisor

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. UNRWA's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development, and to protect their rights in accordance with law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law. The agency operates in five fields: Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, providing education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance. UNRWA employs approximately 30,000 staff members and is committed to the principles of neutrality, accountability, and transparency in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Strategic and advisor" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Advocacy Advisor position is a National UN Volunteer assignment with UNRWA Egypt, aimed at providing essential support to the agency's response efforts in light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The advisor will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Representative Office in Cairo (ROCA), which plays a crucial role in political, representational, and humanitarian spheres. The advisor will be responsible for gathering and analyzing information related to political developments in the Middle East and North Africa, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of events, and providing strategic advice to the Chief. This role is vital for enhancing UNRWA's positioning and response capabilities amidst existential challenges, requiring a seasoned professional with expertise in Middle Eastern politics and the Palestine refugee situation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Strategic and Advocacy Advisor include:

• Gathering information from various sources regarding developments in the Middle East and North Africa as they relate to UNRWA and its mandate, and providing regular updates.
• Maintaining current knowledge of political issues in the region and beyond.
• Monitoring and analyzing national and regional political developments to provide informed advice to the Chief.
• Preparing situational crisis updates and summaries for the supervisor, and responding to queries from external stakeholders.
• Contributing to the drafting of reports, notes, background papers, talking points, speeches, and other correspondence.
• Conducting research on issues pertinent to Palestine refugees and UNRWA's mandate.
• Assisting in the preparation and maintenance of presentations and communication materials.
• Establishing and maintaining working-level contacts with other UN agencies and member states to stay informed on relevant issues.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Chief.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in International Development, International Relations, Social or Political Sciences, Communications, Humanitarian Field, or a related area. Additionally, candidates should have 10 years of relevant professional experience at the national and/or international level, with a preference for those who have worked in the UN or other international development organizations. Expert knowledge of Middle Eastern politics, history, culture, and Palestine refugee issues is essential. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including drafting and reporting abilities, are required. Candidates should demonstrate accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing, as well as strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as International Development, International Relations, Social or Political Sciences, Communications, or any related area that equips the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional relevant work experience at the national and/or international level. Experience working in the UN or other international development organizations is considered an asset. Candidates should have a strong understanding of Middle Eastern politics and the specific challenges faced by Palestine refugees.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both languages, as effective communication is critical for the role.

Additional Notes:
This is a National UN Volunteer Specialist position based in Cairo, Egypt, with an expected start date of April 15, 202

• The assignment duration is 12 months, with the possibility of extension. Candidates must be nationals or legal residents of Egypt. The role is full-time and involves onsite work. The position emphasizes the importance of volunteerism as a mechanism for sustainable development, and qualified male candidates are highly encouraged to apply.