CONSULTANCY - TERMS OF REFERENCE
UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. 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. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East with more than 30,000 staff. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions
Special Assistant to the Director of UNRWA Operations/Jordan (SA/DUO/J)
BACKGROUND
The Agency’s decision to strengthen its Field Offices was driven by the Organizational Development initiative launched in 2006. To ensure better achievement, the Agency decided to support the Director with a Special Assistant for Programmes. In addition to achieve better results, measure impact of its programmes and projects, and ensure the Agency delivers better services to Palestine refugees.
The necessity of this position is to ensure focused, integrated and systematic approach to effectively run the office of the Director of UNRWA Operations (DUO/J), which will consequently contribute to the efficiency of operations and programmes implemented by the Jordan Field departments. The incumbent will be working under the supervision of the Director of UNRWA Operations; who will provide general guidelines within which the incumbent will operate with a level of independence while reverting for advice and guidance when required. The SA/DUO/J’s planning and input, within the context of UNRWA strategic and programme framework will assist the Front Office in the direction and coordination of the programmes in the field. The Special Assistant to the DUO will provide advice and assistance to the Director and across the UNRWA Jordan field departments.
Description of Duties and Responsibilities
● Provide assistance and advice to the DUO/J on various regional political and social issues, and Field related operational and policy matters. (and other areas identified by the DUO/J);● Assist the DUO/J in developing background material and reporting related to Jordan Field’s services delivery, programme planning and operations;
● Provide substantive support to the DUO/J in preparation for internal and external meetings on a wide range of issues; including Management Meetings, UN Country Team Meetings and Donors Meetings;
● Keep abreast of key issues facing UNRWA and Palestine refugees in Jordan and advise the DUO/J of possible causes of action;
● Oversee the preparation of various regular and ad-hoc reports issued by Jordan Field Office for submission to UNRWA Headquarters including monthly reports;
● At field level provide substantive support to visiting and resident missions in the preparation of background material, reports and documentation on issues related to humanitarian assistance and development assistance to Palestine refugees in Jordan;
● Accompany the DUO/J at inter-Agency and multi-lateral donor forums in Jordan;
● Perform any other duties as may be required by the DUO/J.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
● Advanced university degree from an accredited educational institution in political or social sciences, or other related field;
● 2 years of prior professional work experience in the specific area of responsibility or related areas, at the international level.
Competencies
● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
● Positive attitude and strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills;
● Ability to independently plan and prioritize own work, work well under tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent activities;
● Proven ability in drafting, particularly in analytical writing, report writing, and written communication on policy, operational and organizational development matters;
● Proven ability to exercise the initiative and resourcefulness necessary for prioritizing multiple activities;
● Ability to develop clear goals and identify priority activities and assignments;
● Proficiency in computer applications including internet, word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
● Working knowledge of Arabic language;
● Knowledge of contemporary political and social issues of the Middle East.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
· The duration of the consultancy will be for one year subject to a probation period of one month;
· Remuneration for this consultancy will be 3,500 to 4,000 USD per month depend on the qualifications and experience of the candidate;
· The incumbent is expected to be based in Amman and will be required to travel within the Jordan Field area;
· Possession of a valid driving license.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or UN Personal History Form demonstrating clearly the knowledge and experience required to meet the consultancy requirements via indicating the title of this consultancy “Special Assistant to the Director of UNRWA Operations/Jordan” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 28 December 2014 (late applications will not be considered).
UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both women and men. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified and experienced female candidates. Only those applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted. UNRWA is a non-smoking environment.