Org. Setting and Reporting
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.
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Commissioner-General (Programmes and Partnerships (DCG/PP)), the Chief, Representative Office works closely with the Executive Office, Department of External Relations and Communications, Relief and Social Services Department, and the Protection Division. The incumbent also coordinates closely with other Directors, particularly the Director of the Gaza Field Office on issues of common interest.
Responsibilities
Represents UNRWA with the League of Arab States (LAS), the UN Country Team and key national and international partners in Egypt, and actively engages with various Member States, LAS and other international and regional organisations, as well as UN agencies, NGOs, academia and think tanks to support the rights and well-being of Palestine refugees and to mobilise support for UNRWA; Manages and leverages the Agency’s relationship with LAS, ensuring the LAS secretariat receives necessary updates on UNRWA’s work, priorities and needs, and identifies and engages with relevant LAS bodies and mechanisms to strengthen political and financial support for the Agency; Manages relations with the Government of Egypt as well as key Egyptian national entities (such as the Egyptian Red Crescent Society), engaging them regularly to ensure that they are fully informed about the needs of Palestine refugees and the situation of the Agency, while promoting and consolidating strong and strategic partnerships between UNRWA and key Egyptian institutions; In close coordination with the Department of External Relations and Communications, contributes to the implementation of UNRWA’s resource mobilisation strategy in Egypt, developing and nurturing close relationships with relevant stakeholders and exploring potential advocacy, resource mobilisation and cooperation opportunities in the region; In close coordination with the Protection Division, ensures coordination and facilitation of services to Palestine refugees in Egypt through third party partners, strengthens monitoring of protection gaps affecting Palestine refugees in Egypt, and advocates for the protection and fulfilment of their basic rights with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in close cooperation with other relevant stakeholders; Keeps abreast of political, social and economic developments in Egypt affecting Palestine refugees and monitors discussions and developments of interest to UNRWA both in Egypt and within the League of Arab States, informing the Agency’s Principals of key developments and providing timely analysis and strategic advice as appropriate; in coordination with relevant HQs Department(s), provides input on relevant projects and programmatic engagements, including joint initiatives with other UN agencies; Effectively manages the Representative Office in Cairo, including finance, human resources and administrative functions in close coordination with their peer Departments/ Divisions at HQs, to ensure compliance with the relevant regularity frameworks and efficient running of the office
Competencies
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
Deciding and Initiating Action
Relating and Networking
Persuading and Influencing
Planning and organizing
Leading and Supervising
Creating and Maintaining Impact and Partnership
Engaging and Nurturing
Demonstrated track record in senior level diplomatic engagements, representation and public relations, and in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with senior officials and diplomats
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in political science, international relations, public or business administration, or any other related field
Job Specific Qualifications
Work Experience
At least ten years of progressively responsible and relevant experience working for an international organisation in administration, public information, diplomacy, political affairs, law, and/or external relations is required, Four years of relevant work experience at senior managerial level, with substantial practical experience in the Middle East region, especially in Egypt or working on issues related to Egypt is required.
Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least two continuous years of relevant international experience should be outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of citizenship is required.
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in political science, international relations, public or business administration, or any other related field is required.
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.
Knowledge of the Middle East history and the Palestine refugee issue is desirable Knowledge of the UN system, the League of Arab States, and/or Egypt is desirable Previous experience in a similar role with the United Nations or other international organisation is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. 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).
Required Languages
Language
Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III
Arabic UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
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 is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 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/
United Nations Considerations
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.
No Fee 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
More Information
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