Deputy Chief of Staff / Management Adviser to the DCG (Programmes and Partnerships)

UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. The Deputy Chief of Staff / Management Adviser to the Deputy Commissioner-General (Programmes and Partnerships) reports to the Deputy Commissioner-General (Programmes and Partnership) (DCG(PP)), (ASG). The incumbent manages a range of professional and general services staff and/or other personnel. S/he coordinates and provides strategic, technical and administrative guidance to HQ Departments and Field Offices on a broad range of the Agency’s strategic, programmatic, partnership (i.e. external relations and communication) and administrative functions under the supervision of and within the portfolio of the DCG (PP).

Provides expert strategic advice and comprehensive support to the DCG PP in the executive planning, formulation and coordination of UNRWA’s programmes and partnerships (including Education, Health, Relief and Social Services, Microfinance, Planning, Protection, External Relations and Communications, Representative Offices and Fields of operations), by: Leading special DCG (PP) initiated projects, initiatives and priorities with a particular focus on UNRWA’s programmes and partnerships, ensuring alignment, coordination and timely delivery among multiple internal and external stakeholders, under the DCG (PP) overall supervision and guidance. Coordinating and/or following up, as required/needed, on the preparation and implementation of decisions and on other matters referred by the DCG (PP) across the Agency, ensuring timely and effective action. Analysing Agency operations, activities and information submitted by the Fields, Representative Offices and HQ departments on Agency-wide issues and policies related to programmes and partnerships, and developing recommendations for the attention of the DCG (PP) in terms of their conformity with the overall goals and priorities of UNRWA. Strengthening inter-departmental cooperation and collaboration to ensure that cross-cutting issues, including protection, gender, disability and environmental sustainability are adequately integrated and addressed Agency-wide. Leading the EO reporting function and coordinating the preparation and/or clearing of internal and external reports across all programmatic and partnership activities, submissions to the UN and public communications by the EO, working in close collaboration with other EO colleagues. Supporting DCG (PP) crisis and risk management roles, ensuring effective preparedness and response strategies across the Agency as relevant to the assigned portfolio. Serving as a member of various working groups and/or committees and representing the DCG (PP), as required. Leading the Secretariat functions of the internal governance bodies, including the Executive Advisory Group and Senior Management Team, with regards to matters within the remit of the DCG (PP)’s portfolio, in close collaboration with the Deputy Chief of Staff / Management Advisor (OS). Working closely and collaboratively with the Deputy Chief of Staff/ Management Advisor DCG (OS) and the Special Assistants to DCG (OS) and DCG (PP) to ensure overall coordination of the work of the Executive Office and optimal information flow. Under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, the incumbent: Co-leads the day-to-day management of the Executive Office in close coordination and cooperation with the Deputy Chief of Staff/ Management Advisor to DCG(OS). Supports CoS led political engagement in support of the Agency, including drafting of papers, communications and position notes. Supports the CoS in the management of UNRWA independent Offices (including the Department of Internal Oversight Services, the Ethics Office and the Ombudsman Office).

UN Core Values of integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default. Default managerial competencies may apply. Functional: i. Coping with Pressure and Setbacks ii. Deciding and Initiating Action iii. Analyzing iv. Formulating Strategies and Concepts v. Persuading and Influencing Leadership: i. Engaging and Nurturing ii. Delivering Results Other Competencies Excellent communications and drafting skills.

An advanced university degree (Masters’ or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in political science, international relations, international economics, public administration, social sciences, law or any related subject.

Not available.

At least 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in areas of political, social, civil, humanitarian, legal affairs, public sector policy roles is required. At least five years of international exposure working with and/or supporting senior leadership and management functions, high-level coordination of interdisciplinary teams is required. Experience serving in a managerial and/or advisory capacity in United Nations field operations in areas related to programmes and partnerships is required. Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, a candidate for an international post must have at least two 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 is required. Working knowledge of other official language(s), particularly French or Spanish is desirable. Knowledge of historical and geo-political contemporary issues of the Middle East is desirable. Candidates are required to make a declaration as to whether they have any current or past affiliations with non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, political organisations, military, or have/are engaged in activities or have made any public statements, that could be seen to impact their neutrality, objectivity or independence in the performance of their duties for the UN / UNRWA. Any declaration will not necessarily disqualify candidates from consideration for this post. For UNRWA internal staff: Do you currently hold a contract of 1 year or more with UNRWA? If yes, please confirm whether you have completed your mandatory probation period. This is required.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French

or

Arabic

or

Spanish is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

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Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

Desirable Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

French

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Arabic

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Spanish

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

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

This is a UN Regular Budget post. Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. Only applications that have been fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system Inspira will be considered, and no late applications will be accepted. The Personal History Profile (PHP) should be completed with full work experience under the experience tabs as per the requirements in the Job Opening. All university degrees must also be stated, where applicable. UNRWA personnel must ensure adding their contract type and grade level. Given the large pool of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Providing incorrect or misleading information on an application form will result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate. Advertisements published in English will only accept applications in English, other language submissions will not be considered. UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. 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, when the need arises. Equivalency: A first level university degree in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. NB: work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered an acceptable combination. The Agency disqualifies applicants whose name appears on the UN Sanctions List or a UN database of staff separated for reason of misconduct or of staff who separated while a misconduct process was pending. UNRWA shares investigation and misconduct information with other UN Agencies, and past and prospective employers about staff members who have been separated for misconduct, or who have separated while an investigation and/or disciplinary process for misconduct is underway; and those individuals may be prohibited from employment with the United Nations. 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/

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Commissioner-General of UNRWA and to assignment by him or her. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity at all levels of staffing under the current UN-wide gender agenda and strongly encourages applications from qualified applicants from under-represented groups. At UNRWA, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. UNRWA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. UNRWA Considerations UNRWA staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence, neutrality, impartiality and integrity. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. Candidates will not be considered for employment with UNRWA if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. The Agency may disqualify applicants who have separated for reason of misconduct, who left a UN Agency while misconduct processes were pending, or who appear on the UN Sanctions List. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

THE UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST (UNRWA) DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE OR REQUEST MONEY FROM CANDIDATES AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT AND ONBOARDING PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING, ONBOARDING). UNRWA DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.