Deputy Chief of Staff /Management Advisor to the DCG (Operational Support)
About UNRWA
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. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA's services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance.
Job Summary
UNRWA seeks a P-5 level Deputy Chief of Staff / Management Advisor to the Deputy Commissioner-General for Operational Support (DCG OS) at its Headquarters in Amman, Jordan. The incumbent will provide expert strategic advice and comprehensive support in the executive planning, formulation, and coordination of UNRWA’s management of operational support areas including Finance, Human Resources, Legal Affairs, Security & Risk Management, Central Support Services, Infrastructure, Digital Impact & Innovation, and neutrality. Key responsibilities include leading DCG (OS) initiated projects, coordinating Agency operations related to operational support, leading neutrality initiatives, supporting crisis management, serving in working groups/committees, leading Secretariat functions for internal governance bodies, and co-leading the day-to-day management of the Executive Office. This is a UN Regular Budget post with an initial 2-year contract and reports to the DCG (OS) and the Chief of Staff for specific duties.
Responsibilities
1. 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.
2. 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.
Applicants will be required to confirm any affiliations that could impact neutrality.
Languages
Excellent command of spoken and written English is required. Working knowledge of written and spoken Arabic is desirable.
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.
- The incumbent is called upon to exercise political and operational judgement in many aspects of his/her work.
- Applications must be fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system Inspira. Late applications will not be accepted.
- UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
- Equivalency: A first level university degree in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
United Nations Considerations: UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity and strongly encourages applications from qualified applicants from under-represented groups. 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.
UNRWA Considerations: UNRWA staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence, neutrality, impartiality and integrity. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.
HOW TO APPLY
Date Posted: June 4, 2025
Application Deadline: July 1, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (New York Time).
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 on the Inspira homepage.
No Fee: UNRWA does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
