Result of ServiceUNRWA seeks to strengthen background checking, screening, and vetting of area staff and complementary personnel across its five fields of operation and headquarters. This project is aligned with the Colonna Report recommendations and will directly reinforce the Agency’s principles of neutrality, accountability, and integrity. This project will further strengthen UNRWA’s ability to demonstrate neutrality and the fulfillment of the highest ethical standards, to safeguard its reputation, and to increase levels of trust in its workforce. The outcome from the project is to have streamlined verification processes, and enhanced compliance across the Agency. Related administration will as far as is possible be digitalized through a system that will improve efficiency and accuracy. Work LocationAmman Expected duration6 months until 31 March 2026 Duties and Responsibilities- Scope of work 1. Start-up – Planning and establishing the Background Verification Unit and connecting its work to the Agency’s existing activities. 2. Strengthening Defined Screening and Vetting – According to UNRWA policy, implementing uniform and robust background checks for all personnel categories, including expanded pre-employment declarations, conflict of interest forms, and reaffirmation of ethics commitments. 3. Digitized Verification Processes – Assess the benefits of a process management system to automate workflows, including secure handling of sensitive data, tracking of real-time progress, and reduction in manual errors. 4. Policy Compliance – Driving agency-wide adherence to neutrality and conflict of interest policies, ensuring that staff appointments and promotions align with UNRWA’s principles. 5. Capacity Building – Training HR personnel and Managers in the application of new tools and procedures, thereby embedding a culture of continuous vetting and ethical compliance. 6. Evaluation and reporting – Assessing the impact of the focus on screening and vetting activity, systems and process, and measurable outcomes, and extracting key performance indicators, resource requirements, and other recommendations. - Specific Outputs/Tasks include but not limited to: • Lead the unit team and oversee the digitization of system/tool for implementation of background verification and vetting for all UNRWA personnel. • Lead on thorough background checks on job candidates to ensure their qualifications and credentials align with the claims made during the hiring process. The process is to verify educational qualifications, employment history, criminal records, and other relevant data to ensure a safe and compliant hiring process. • Handle complex case management. Conduct thorough background checks on candidates, including verifying educational backgrounds, work history, criminal records, and references using various tools and databases. • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements for background checks to ensure compliance with UNRWA rules, regulations and policies. • Analyze background check results, compile findings into comprehensive reports, and present them to relevant stakeholders. • Work closely with HR and recruitment teams Agency-wide to understand hiring needs and develop background check processes that align with UNRWA’s policies. • Conduct additional research when discrepancies arise during the verification process and communicate findings to relevant stakeholders. • Keep accurate records of background checks, ensuring that sensitive information is handled confidentially. • Advise HR on best practices for background verification and how to handle candidates with adverse findings. • Ensure SOPs are established for implementation. • Establish a workplan and tools in place for monitoring and reporting. • Conduct workshops to HR staff Agency-wide on implementation and reporting. • Handover all established processes and tools to HRD focal points at HQs and the Fields. Qualifications/special skills- Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in human resources, Criminal Justice, Law, public or business administration or a related behavioral science field. - At Least five years of general experience including 2-4 years of experience in background verification, HR, or compliance roles. Previous experience in recruitment or investigation is highly desirable. - Familiarity with background verification tools and databases. - At least 2 years of relevant international experience, outside one’s home country is desirable. - Certifications: Background screening or compliance certifications is a plus. LanguagesExcellent command of written and spoken English Additional Information- The Consultant may be required to travel to the Agency’s areas of operation. - Schedule: Full-time, normal UNRWA working hours and may be required to work beyond normal working hours. - Remuneration: Equivalent to the P-3 level. Competencies: • Leading and Supervising • Coping with Pressure and Setbacks • Relating and Networking • Analytical skills • Applying Technical Expertise • Attention to Detail: Meticulously review information and identify discrepancies in candidates' backgrounds. • Strong Analytical Skills: Proficiency in analyzing background check results and making informed decisions based on findings. • Knowledge of Compliance Regulations: Familiarity with laws and regulations surrounding background checks, including data protection and privacy laws. • Problem-Solving Abilities: Proactive approach to resolving discrepancies or issues that may arise during the verification process. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.