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. 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 operations cluster which includes finance,
administration, human resources, procurement & logistics, and/or other functions 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 operations functions in his/her Field, ensuring
integrated approach to the management of operations services 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 operation service
framework;
Provides guidance and support to senior administrative 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.
Competencies
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:
Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision
into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and
maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support.
Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for
change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take
unpopular stands.Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender
perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in
staffing.
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.
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 task 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.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited educational
institution in one of the Agency's operations academic fields (such as Business or Public
Administration, International Relations, Law, Finance, or Human Resources Management or
related areas) supplemented by studies in management;
Job Specific Qualifications
Work Experience
At least 10 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in operations management.
At least six years of professional experience managing large-scale, multi-sector operations 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.
Knowledge of activities of UNRWA operations and services (Desirable)
Knowledge of Middle Eastern geo-political realities and its socio-cultural implications
(Desirable)
Experience with United Nations administration/financial policies and practices (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 incumbent will be required to travel frequently throughout the Agency's area of
operations in the Middle
East.
Competencies:
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 decisionmaking
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.
Gaza is a non-family duty station.
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.
This vacancy is archived.