Chief Area Office

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES In accordance with Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent:   (A)     Represents the Agency at the area level and liaises with Host government authorities, refugee community representatives and humanitarian organizations on the general application of Agency policies and programmes as well as other issues of interest to the Agency in particular the security situation likely to affect UNRWA operations, or incidents affecting the humanitarian situation of Palestine refugees;   (B)     Leading an area management team and in close collaboration with responsible managers in the Field Office, coordinates the work of the Area Programme Officers; plans, directs and controls administrative, finance, supply, distribution, transport, personnel, building maintenance and camp service function in his/her Area to ensure that the Agency’s operations and programmes address the needs of refugees within the context of the local political, social and security situations, and reports on their effectiveness and efficiency accordingly to supervisor; assists in and advises on the integration of programmes and support service activities; where necessary, takes corrective measures within his/her authority as outlined by DUO/DUA;   (C)     Is responsible for effective communication in his/her Area; disseminates information collected through regular meetings with relevant interlocutors to his/her team members, the Front Office, Heads of Programme and Support Departments;   (D)     Monitors potential situation in his/her area, identifies risks and issues, brings together key staff to address problems and advises the Field Director accordingly. In situations of acute emergencies and critical incidents, as declared by Field Director, is responsible for the Agency’s emergency response and has the authority over all staff and assets in the designated Area; coordinates such matters with responsible staff at Field Office level;   (E)     Is accountable for control and disbursement of funds allotted to the Area Office by Expending Officers;   (F)      Ensures that all programme activities include cross-cutting themes such as protection, gender equality and  PCM initiatives;   (G)     Where applicable, ensures protection issues affecting Palestine refugees in the area of responsibility are brought to the attention of the Field Protection Coordinator and are adequately addressed by Programmes and/or other relevant Departments;   (H)     Is responsible for training of Agency staff assigned to his/her Area with particular emphasis on training Area staff in their area of expertise and broader issues including cross-cutting themes;   (I)        Performs such other duties as may be assigned.           PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES [SEE BELOW “IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING EQUIVALENCY”] A.    Academic and Professional        Advanced university degree in business, public administration, political science, sociology or other related discipline.   B.    Experience        At least ten years of relevant experience of which five years should have been in a large governmental or international organization at a senior level.   C.    Languages:        Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic.   D.    Competencies: i)           High level of interpersonal, supervisory and managerial skills; ii)          Proven negotiation skills with the community and organizational players including at progressively higher levels; iii)        Proven experience in dealing with sensitive situations including areas of specific security concerns; iv)         Ability to present information and data in a clear and instructive manner; v)          Creativity and ability to take initiative; vi)         Sound judgment on importance, priority and confidentiality of issues; vii)       Ability to work under pressure.   DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS A)      Thorough knowledge of the Agency and of his/her area; B)      Possession of a valid driving license.   CONDITIONS OF SERVICE: Salary: Monthly basic salary L.L. 3,012,077.- PLUS 66.39% SOA. Contract Duration: Fixed term-Three years Holidays: 30 days annual leave Dependency allowance: Dependent spouse: L.L 60,000 per month     Dependent child: L.L 33,000 per month Pension:  Provident Fund contribution   EQUIVALENCY Candidates with an equivalent combination of relevant academic qualifications, professional training and progressive work experience may also be considered.                IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING EQUIVALENCY The Agency’s standard practice is not to consider persons on the grounds of ‘equivalency’ if there are sufficient numbers of candidates who hold the minimum qualifications and experience listed above.  However, given that the Agency has failed to identify a suitable candidate for the post of Chief Area Office, Saida, in several successive recruitment exercises, the Agency will be applying equivalency rules in this exercise.  Accordingly, candidates who do not meet one of the minimum criteria listed above will be considered if they possess an equivalent combination of other qualifications, training or experience.   RECRUITMENT PROCESS: The Recruitment process is based on the Agency’s strategy to obtain the best qualified and suitable employees through a competitive recruitment process. After the deadline for receiving applications, all applications will be reviewed by Human Resources and the Hiring Department. Short-listed candidates who fully meet the required criteria shall undergo technical and practical tests. For all posts, the weight allocated for the combined technical & practical tests is 60% and for the interview is 40%. The final recommendation for selection is based on the combined test results, interview assessment, Agency priorities and needs and the candidate’s profile.    GENERAL INFORMATION 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. UNWA is a non-smoking working environment.                 الأونروا هي منظمة تابعة للأمم المتحدة، وهي منظمة تفترض من موظفيها الالتزام بأعلى معايير الاستقامة والحياد والنزاهة. ويشمل ذلك احترام مبادئ حقوق الإنسان واحترام التنوع وتبني الوسائل غير العنيفة في حل كافة أشكال النزاعات.  المتوقع من موظفي الأونروا أن يقوموا بدعم هذه القيم في كافة الأوقات، سواء في أماكن العمل أم خارجه. إن أولئك الأشخاص الذين يتمتعون بالالتزام الكامل وغير المشروط بهذه القيم هم فقط الذين ينبغي أن يتقدموا بطلباتهم للعمل لدى الأونروا.  الأنروا هي بيئه عمل لا يسمح فيها بالتدخين.   Where there are two or more equally qualified candidates, selection preference will normally be given to internal candidates, Palestine Refugees and candidates of the under-represented gender. An internal candidate with a temporary-indefinite or fixed-term appointment selected for this post will retain his/her current contractual status and entitlements in accordance with current letter of appointment and applicable Area Staff Rules. The Agency maintains the discretion to fill future vacancies for this position from the roster without re-advertising the vacancy.     TECHNICAL & PRACTICAL TESTS REQUIRED: For short-listed candidates, the following tests will be conducted: Technical Evaluation (100%).   The top 5 scoring candidates, given that none have scored less than 50%; will be invited for an interview.