Deputy Director of UNRWA Operations (Programmes)

UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East with more than 30,000 staff. UNRWA seeks the services of a seasoned and innovative professional, highly motivated to provide skilled leadership in the position of: 

Deputy Director of UNRWA Operations (Programmes)

Primary Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Deputy Director will contribute to the Field’s strategic and operational plans and budgets, guide and direct specialist staff, respond to emerging needs, manage staff performance and ensure optimal use of resources. Deputy Directors will liaise with staff representatives, as well as with external interlocutors including UN country teams, host government representatives, the refugee community and others. Deputy Field Directors may be assigned as Acting Field Director during the absence of the Field Director and, as such, assume full responsibility and accountability for the management of the Field. The Jordan Field Office employs over 7,000 staff and has an annual operational budget of approximately 130 million dollars. In accordance with the established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent will:

• Be responsible for the management of the Field programmes (education, health, relief and social services, microfinance, TVET infrastructure and camp improvement) and is the principal adviser to the Field Director on these functions;
• In close collaboration with other senior staff in the Field, ensure the development, preparation, coordination, implementation, communication, revision and monitoring of Field Implementation Plan, Biennium Budget, Mid-Term Strategy for the programmes and for UNRWA’s Jordan humanitarian response plan;
• Ensure integrated approach to the management of programmes and exercise decision-making authority over human and financial resources and capital assets of the Field, in line with UNRWA regulatory framework and SPARE principle (strategy, policy, accountability, results and envelopes);
• In co-ordination with the Field Director and Public Information Office, oversee and support programme communication activities to ensure initiatives are properly understood by stakeholders;
• Provide support and advice to the Field Director in implementing the Agency’s reform plan for comprehensive programme and management reform; lead the implementation of pertinent reform initiatives; coordinate the work of cross-functional teams to achieve field-wide outcomes and promote integration of cross-cutting issues into the field programme;
• Provide guidance and support to senior programme and administrative staff in his/her own area; mentor and evaluate for training purposes, as necessary;
• Liaise with Jordan government and local authorities to ensure their cooperation in facilitating the Agency’s operations; assist the Field Office Director in managing and promoting inter-agency and donor relations;
• As assigned, act for the Director of UNRWA Operations, Jordan during his/her absence, with full responsibility for the Field operation, and reporting to the Commissioner-General USG and/or Deputy Commissioner-General, ASG;
• Undertake relieving assignments and perform other related duties as may be required by the Field Director.

Professional Knowledge and Experience

• Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in political science, social science, public or business administration, or international relations;
• At least 10 years of experience in programme management including at least six years managing large-scale, multi-sector programmes in a large governmental or international organization, working internationally outside one’s home country;
• Significant experience in managing large teams;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations;
• Leadership:  Strong managerial/leadership skills; demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex human resources, financial,  administrative or management policy and programme issues; proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and design training/skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills; tact in negotiating skills; good judgment and decision-making skills; demonstrated ability to provide leadership and commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing;
• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently;
• Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly;
• Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Additional Information

The incumbent will be required to travel frequently throughout the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East.

Conditions of Service 

UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at$86,904 net tax free with dependants or $80,734 single, plus post adjustment of 47.4%(subject to change without notice). Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance and 6 weeks of annual leave. All UNRWA duty stations (with the exception of Gaza and Syria) are family duty stations. Initial contract is for two years, with the possibility of further extensions subject to the availability of funds and the continuing need for the post.

How to Apply

To start the application process, applicants are required to register athttp://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Please note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.orgwill be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.

Deadline for Applications

27 September 2013