Job Vacancies United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), November 2010

Job Vacancies United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
UNRWA is the largest United Nations programme in the Middle East. It provides education, health care, relief assistance and social services to 4.6 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Position: Director, UNRWA Representative Office, New York
Closing Date: Monday, 10 January 2011
Location: United States of America (the) – New York

Under the direct supervision of the Commissioner-General, the incumbent is responsible for matters affecting the Agency at UN Headquarters and in North America. Close, mutually supportive working relations with the Director, External Relations and Communications, is essential.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
* As required by the Commissioner-General, represent and promote UNRWA’s interests, engaging actively with the Member States on a bilateral and multilateral basis, including with regional groupings, with UN agencies and with relevant decision-making bodies of the United Nations and the UN General Assembly, to increase financial and political support for UNRWA and Palestine refugees in key intergovernmental fora in UN Headquarters in New York;
* Work closely with the Director of Executive Office, represent the Agency in senior inter-agency fora at UN Headquarters in New York, and in coordination with the relevant Departments of the UN Secretariat, on issues of direct concern to UNRWA’s operations and mission, including UN biennium budget and audit matters, protection of civilians and Palestine refugees, and gender issues. Engage with the Secretariats of other international organizations based in New York on matters of mutual concern, to strengthen synergies where possible and enhance support for UNRWA and Palestine refugees; reports frequently to the Commissioner-General;
* Represent the Agency vis-à-vis the US and Canadian Governments, engaging them regularly to ensure that the US State Department, and relevant Canadian Government Departments are briefed fully regarding UNRWA’s mandate, mission and requirements in the context of the regional issues of the Middle East; perform the same vis-à-vis interlocutors in US and Canadian legislatures, in line with principles of neutrality; report frequently to the Commissioner-General;
* Under the direction of the Director, External Relations and Communications and in coordination with the UNRWA Spokesperson, support the implementation of UNRWA’s resource mobilization and strategic communications frameworks across North America. Regularly disseminates information to UNHQ-based media in New York as well as civil society organisations, respond to queries from media and other organisations, give interviews and fulfils speaking engagements concerning Agency affairs;
* Represent UNRWA, prepare and present statements on behalf of the Agency at meetings of the General Assembly and its committees and regular and ad hoc inter-agency meetings in New York, and elsewhere, as instructed by the Commissioner-General;
* Under the direction of the Director, External Relations and Communications, and in coordination with the UNRWA Spokesperson, build and sustain partnerships with international organisations, the private sector, national and local charitable institutions, and high value individuals, amongst others; maintain awareness and support through special events requiring dedicated support, speaking engagements and informational outreach;
* Inform the Commissioner-General on developments of relevance to UNRWA in the UN, both within the Secretariat and within intergovernmental bodies, the UN system and in North America;
* Supervise the administration functions carried out by the Office.
Professional Knowledge and Experience
* Advanced university degree in political science, public or business administration or related field;
* At least fifteen years experience in political or administrative affairs of which at least ten years should have been in a large governmental or international organization, including eight years in a senior capacity and at least five years in, or in close association with, a United Nations organization.
* Excellent command of spoken and written English.

Competencies
* Positive attitude and strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills, such as required in UN organisational and inter-governmental settings and in promoting relations with partners;
* Proven ability to exercise the initiative and resourcefulness necessary for simultaneously
pursuing multiple tasks and achieving positive outcomes;
* Excellent communication in both spoken and written English, including demonstrated ability in
public speaking, the ability to draft/edit a variety of texts, and the ability to articulate ideas in a clear and concise style;
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a team
environment, with senior officials and diplomats, and with people of diverse backgrounds, culture and nationalities;
* Sound judgment on political, media and diplomatic matters, including on high profile issues of
international policy and the capacity for rigorous respect for confidentiality;
* The ability to handle media relations competently and effectively.

Desirable Qualifications
* Working knowledge of written and spoken Arabic;
* Familiarity with political affairs in the Middle East;
* Knowledge of United Nations political, budgetary and administrative procedures;
* Knowledge of the Middle East history and Palestine refugee issues.

Additional Information
The incumbent will occasionally travel to the Agency Headquarters and to its area of operations in the Middle East.

Conditions of Service
UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $ 101,674 net tax free with dependants or $ 93,979 single, plus post adjustment of 63.5% (subject to change without notice). Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance and 6 weeks annual leave. Amman is a family duty station. Initial contract is for one year, 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 at http://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.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.

General Information
UNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced women.
UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.
UNRWA is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for human rights, for diversity, and for non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNRWA staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs.

Reference Code: RW_8BBDPG-14




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