UNRWA/Chief Area Officer

UNRWA is the largest United Nations programme in the Middle East. It provides education, health care, relief assistance and social services to Palestine
refugees. UNRWA is currently inviting applications from qualified men and women for the following opening in our West Bank Field Office in Jerusalem:

1- PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION
The incumbent of this post is responsible to the Field Director. He/she liaises and coordinates with Field Department Heads on operational and administrative matters. The post is an essential management layer in the Field organization structure and brings a comprehensive perspective to Area level issues that cut across a wide range of programme and support service functions.
2- FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
In accordance with Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent represents the Agency at the area level and liaises with Host government authorities, refugee community representatives and humanitarian organizations on the general application of Agency policies and programmes as well as other issues of interest to the Agency in particular the security situation likely to affect UNRWA operations, or incidents affecting the humanitarian situation of Palestine refugees; leading an area management team and in close collaboration with responsible managers in the Field Office, coordinates the work of the Area Programme Officers; plans, directs and controls administrative, finance, supply, distribution, transport, personnel, building maintenance and camp service function in his/ her Area to ensure that the Agency’s operations and programmes address the needs of refugees within the context of the local political, social and security situations, and reports on their effectiveness and efficiency accordingly to supervisor; assists in and advises on the integration of programmes and support service activities; where necessary, takes corrective measures within his/her authority as outlined by DUO/DUA; is responsible for effective communication in his/her Area; disseminates information collected through regular meetings with relevant interlocutors to his/her team members, the Front Office, Heads of Programme and Support Departments; monitors potential situation in his/her area, identifies risks and issues, brings together key staff to address problems and advises the Field Director accordingly; in situations of acute emergencies and critical incidents, as declared by Field Director, is responsible for the Agency’s emergency response and has the authority over all staff and assets in the designated Area; coordinates such matters with responsible staff at Field Office level; is accountable for control and disbursement of funds allotted to the Area Office by Expending Officers; ensures that all programme activities include cross-cutting themes such as protection, gender equality and PCM initiatives; where applicable, ensures protection issues affecting Palestine refugees in the area of responsibility are brought to the attention of the Field Protection Coordinator and are adequately addressed by Programmes and/or other relevant Departments; is responsible for training of Agency staff assigned to his/her Area with particular emphasis on training Area staff in their area of expertise and broader issues including cross-cutting themes; performs such other duties as may be assigned.
3- IMPACT OF INCUMBENT’S WORK
-Importance of decisions and proposals made by the incumbent
Decisions made by the incumbent have an important impact on work and directly affect a wide range of the Agency’s activities. Recommendations/proposals are very important as they aim at maintaining the smooth running of the Agency’s operations and services to the benefit of Palestine refugees as well as ensuring good relation and cooperation with official and non-official authorities and NGO’s.
- Possible consequences of involuntary errors made by the incumbent As the incumbent is the Agency’s representative with government authorities and the refugee community, any erroneous recommendations or proposals on his/her part could negatively impact the Agency’s operations and relations with the community and with official and non-official authorities.
4- INDEPENDENCE OF WORK
- Application of guidelines
The incumbent applies Agency policies and procedures. However, significant departures from guidelines may be required in certain situations.
- Supervisory control over work of incumbent
The Field Office Director provides general supervision and guidance and discusses with the incumbent the general objectives and expected outcomes which are periodically reviewed for attainment of these objectives.
5- MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
-Academic and professional qualifications
Advanced university degree in business, public administration, political science, sociology or other related discipline.
- Experience
At least ten years of relevant experience of which five years should have been in a large governmental or international organization at a senior level.
- Language
An excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic.
-Competencies
High level of interpersonal, supervisory and managerial skills; proven negotiation skills with the community and organizational players including at progressively higher levels; proven experience in dealing with sensitive situations including areas of specific security concerns; ability to present information and data in a clear and instructive manner; creativity and ability to take initiative; sound judgment on importance, priority and confidentiality of issues; ability to work under pressure.
6- CONDITIONS OF SERVICE :
UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including gross monthly salary starting at JD 1198.3 (net tax free) + 45% 45% of basic salary as SPOA.
The Agency also contributes 15% of basic salary as the Agency’s share of Provident Fund. Other fringe benefits may include dependency allowance for married staff, annual leave, provident fund, health insurance. Initial contract is for 3 years; the first year is considered as probationary period, and the contract is extendable for further periods depending on the performance of the incumbent.
7- DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION
Thorough knowledge of the Agency and of his/her area; Possession of a valid driving license.
8- EQUIVALENCY:
Candidates with an equivalent combination of relevant academic qualifications, professional training and progressive work experience may also be considered
9- HOW TO APPLY
-Applicants are required to create a profile and complete UN Personal History form (P11) at http://unrwajobs.org or http://jobs.unrwa.org. Please note that only applications received through this site will be considered. No applications will be considered beyond this date.
-For further information, please call 054-216-8658 during working hours (7:15am – 14:45pm) – Monday through Friday.
- Appointment to this post is subject to probationary period of one year. Upon satisfactory completion of this period, appointment will be confirmed subject to continuing need for the post.
- Only candidates under serious considerations will be contacted.
- UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer.