Deputy Chief of Staff / Management Advisor to the DCG (Operational Support)

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 working across five areas of operation, UNRWA is dedicated to helping Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under challenging circumstances. The agency is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual contributions. UNRWA's mission is to provide education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to Palestine refugees, ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld. The organization is committed to gender parity and diversity in its workforce, actively encouraging applications from under-represented groups and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Chief of Staff / Management Advisor to the DCG (Operational Support) plays a crucial role in supporting the Deputy Commissioner-General for Operational Support (DCG (OS)). This position involves providing expert strategic advice and comprehensive support in the management of operational support functions, including finance, human resources, legal affairs, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and risk management, and technology. The incumbent will lead various projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment and timely delivery among stakeholders. They will also analyze agency operations and develop recommendations to ensure conformity with UNRWA's goals. The role requires a strong focus on maintaining neutrality and managing risks across all agency operations. The Deputy Chief of Staff will co-lead the Executive Office's day-to-day management and support financial and administrative functions, making this position integral to the agency's operational success.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent's responsibilities include providing strategic advice to the DCG (OS), leading projects related to operational support, coordinating the implementation of decisions across the agency, analyzing operations and developing recommendations, overseeing the neutrality unit, supporting crisis and risk management strategies, serving on working groups and committees, and managing the Executive Office's daily operations. They will chair the Agency Headquarters Committee on Procurement and ensure effective communication and collaboration with other management advisors. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters’ or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, public administration, social sciences, law, or a related field. They should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in political, social, civil, humanitarian, or legal affairs, with a minimum of 5 years of international exposure supporting senior leadership. Experience in UN field operations related to operational support is essential. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to neutrality and objectivity in their professional conduct.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters’ or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in relevant fields such as political science, international relations, international economics, public administration, social sciences, law, or any related subject is required. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of the role and the operational environment of UNRWA.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant areas, including political, social, civil, humanitarian, and legal affairs. A minimum of 5 years of international experience working with senior leadership and managing interdisciplinary teams is required. Additionally, candidates must have experience in a managerial capacity within UN field operations related to operational support. This level of experience is necessary to navigate the complexities of the role effectively and to provide the required strategic support to the DCG (OS).

Languages:
Excellent command of spoken and written English is mandatory, while working knowledge of written and spoken Arabic is desirable. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication within the agency and with external stakeholders, particularly in the context of operational support and crisis management.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Regular Budget post with a contract duration of 2 years, which may be extended. The incumbent is expected to exercise political and operational judgment in various aspects of their work. 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 neutrality and integrity in its hiring process, and candidates with past affiliations that could impact their objectivity may be disqualified. UNRWA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.