Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs

Org. Setting and Reporting:

UNRWA Field Offices generally have two Deputy Directors reporting directly to the Director of UNRWA Affairs.

The Deputies will each manage a substantive portfolio of programme or operations responsibilities.

A programme portfolio will typically involve management and oversight of the Agency’s programmes of education, health, relief & social services, infrastructure and camp improvement and microfinance (as applicable) at Field level.

The operations portfolio will typically require management and oversight of finance, human resources, procurement, logistics, IT, etc. Depending on field specificity, the Director of UNRWA Affairs may split the portfolios in varying configurations to meet field needs.

The Deputy Director will contribute to the Field’s strategic and operational plans and budgets, guide and direct specialist staff, respond to emerging needs, manage staff performance and ensure optimal use of resources.

Deputy Directors will liaise with external interlocutors including UN country teams, host government representatives, the refugee community and others.

Deputy Directors may be assigned as Acting Director of UNRWA Affairs during the absence of the Director of UNRWA Affairs and, as such, assume full responsibility and accountability for the management of the Field.

Responsibilities:

Is responsible for the management of the Field programme cluster which includes education, health, relief and social services, infrastructure

and camp improvement and microfinance (where applicable) and is the principal adviser to the Field Director on these functions; depending on field specificity, the Director of UNRWA Affairs may split the portfolios in varying configurations to meet field needs;

In close collaboration with other senior staff in the Field, ensures the development, preparation, coordination and monitoring of Field Plans (Strategic and Annual Operational)

and Budget, Medium-Term Strategy for the programmes in his/her Field, ensuring integrated approach to the management of programmes and exercising decision-making authority

over human and financial resources and capital assets of the Field, in line with UNRWA regulatory framework and SPARE principle;

Provides support and advice to the Director of UNRWA Affairs in implementing the Agency’s reform plans;

leads the implementation of pertinent reform initiatives in his/her organizational cluster; coordinates the work of cross-functional teams to achieve field-wide outcomes and promotes integration of cross-cutting issues into the field programme;

Provides guidance and support to senior programme staff in his/her own area; mentors and evaluates for training purposes, as necessary;

Liaises with government and local authorities to ensure their cooperation in facilitating the Agency’s operations; assists the Director of UNRWA Affairs in managing and promoting inter-agency and donor relations;

As assigned, acts for the Director of UNRWA Affairs during his/her absence, with full responsibility for the management of the Field, and reporting to the Commissioner-General USG and/or Deputy Commissioner-General, ASG;

Where applicable, acts as the Field security focal point and liaises with the Agency’s Director of Security and Risk Management and the Office of Security and Risk Management in the Field, where available;

Undertakes relieving assignments and performs other related duties as may be required by the Director of UNRWA Affairs.

UN Core Values of Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. Default managerial competencies may apply.

• Professionalism:

Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

• Leadership:

Strong managerial/leadership skills; demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex human resources, financial, administrative or management policy and programme issues; proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and design training/skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills; tact in negotiating skills; good judgment and decision-making skills; demonstrated ability to provide leadership and commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing.

• Planning and Organizing:

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

• Managing performance:

Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches tasks to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

• Vision:

Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

• Communications:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Technology Awareness:

Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

• Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts; joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un. org/lbw/home.aspxviewtype=AYI

Education:

Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in one of the Agency’s programme academic fields (such as political science, social science, public or business administration or international relations), supplemented by studies in management.

Work Experience:

At least 10 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in programme management.

At least six years of relevant work experience managing large-scale, multi-sector programmes at managerial level in a large governmental or international commercial organization, working at international level outside one’s home country.

A minimum of 2 continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport, or a national identity number.

Experience with United Nations administration/financial policies and practices (desirable).

Knowledge of Middle Eastern geo-political realities and its socio-cultural (desirable). implications; Knowledge of activities of UNRWA operations and services desirable).

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English. – Working knowledge of Arabic (desirable)

Assessment:

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice:

Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension.

The Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (Programmes) will be required to travel frequently throughout the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East.

Applicants have to complete the Personal History Profile (PHP) in inspira in order to be considered.

The PHP should be completed with full relevant work experience as per the requirements in the Job Opening, in order to be considered.

A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for appointment to the same post or a similar post.

Equivalency: A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions.

The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live.

For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/United Nations