Deputy Chief of Staff/Management Advisor to the DCG, P-5

UNRWA - United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

Amman, Jordan

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. The Deputy Chief of Staff /Management Advisor to the DCG (Operational Support) reports to the Deputy Commissioner-General for Operational Support (DCG (OS)), (ASG) and will be performing specific duties (listed in para-2 below) under the supervision of the Chief of Staff.

Responsibilities

The incumbent provides expert, strategic advice and comprehensive support to the DCG(OS) in the executive planning, formulation and coordination of UNRWA’s management of operational support including, Finance, Human Resources, Legal Affairs, Security and Risk Management, Central Support Services, Infrastructure and Camp Improvement, Digital Impact, Technology and Innovation, and neutrality, by:
- Leading DCG (OS) initiated projects, initiatives and priorities with a particular focus on operational support and neutrality, ensuring alignment, coordination and timely delivery among multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinating and/or following up, as required/needed, on the preparation and implementation of decisions and on other matters referred by the DCG (OS) across the Agency, ensuring timely and effective action.
- Analysing Agency operations, activities and information submitted by the Fields, Representative Offices and HQs Departments on Agency-wide issues and policies related to operational support matters, and developing recommendations in terms of their conformity with the overall goals and priorities of UNRWA.
- Leading Agency-wide initiatives, responsive actions and policy related work aimed at maintaining the application of and adherence to neutrality and related risks across all Agency operations, including overseeing the work of the neutrality unit in the executive office.
- Supporting DCG (OS) crisis and risk management role, ensuring effective preparedness and response strategies across the Agency as relevant to the assigned portfolio.
- Serving as a member of working groups and committees and representing the DCG (OS), as required.
- Leading the Secretariat functions of the internal governance bodies, including the EAG and SMT, with regards to matters within the remit of the DCG (OS)’s portfolio, in close collaboration with the Deputy Chief of Staff/Management Advisor to DCG (Programmes and Partnerships).
- Working closely and collaboratively with the Deputy Chief of Staff/ Management Advisor to DCG (PP) and Special Assistant to 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 (PP).
- Supports financial, administration, and staff management functions in the Executive Office in coordination with the DCG (OS).
- Chairs the Agency Headquarters Committee on Procurement.

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;
Leadership:
- Engaging and Nurturing;
- Delivering Results Functional;
- Coping with Pressure and Setbacks;
- Persuading and Influencing;
- Deciding and Initiating Action;
- Analyzing;
- Formulating Strategies and Concepts;
- Excellent communication and drafting skills.

Education

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 is required.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas of political, social, civil, humanitarian, legal affairs, public sector policy roles is required. At least 5 years of international exposure working with and/or supporting senior leadership and management functions, with high-level coordination of interdisciplinary teams is required. Experience serving in a managerial capacity in United Nations field operations in areas related to operational support 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 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 is required. 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.
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 is required.