Operations Support Officer

Job Description

UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY

FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST

UNRWA

UNRWA is the United Nations agency responsible for the protection, care and human development of a population of some 5 millionPalestinerefugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank,Jordan,Lebanonand theSyrianArabRepublic. UNRWA is committed to assistingPalestinerefugees in maintaining a decent standard of living, acquiring appropriate knowledge and skills, enjoying the fullest possible extent of human rights, and leading a long and healthy life. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in theMiddle Eastwith more than 29,000 staff. Most of these staff are refugees themselves, working directly to benefit their communities - as teachers, doctors, nurses or social workers. For its international team, UNRWA is seeking to employ a qualified:

Operations Support Officer

Vacancy Announcement Number

11-FO-GA-36

Grade

P2/P3

Deadline for Applications

28 August 2011

Duty Station

Gaza

In accordance with established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent carries out the following functions in order to enable the Agency to enhance the effectiveness of its assistance and protection services and ensure its adequate and efficient response to the human, material and protection needs of persons of concern:

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on:

a) the living conditions ofPalestinerefugees and other persons of concern to UNRWA;

b) the status of and refugee access to humanitarian services from UNRWA and other service providers; and

c) the problems that affect the human dignity, physical safety, welfare and protection ofPalestinerefugees and other persons of concern to UNRWA.

• Inspect UNRWA’s property and any assets that the Agency controls to ensure that they are used only as intended and to assess any damages sustained as a consequence of hostilities; follow up with relevant internal and external interlocutors on issues related to the neutrality and integrity of UNRWA property and assets;
• Gather information and data and prepare analytical reports with a view to:

a) ensuring integrity in the application and implementation of UNRWA policies and procedures for beneficiary identification;

b) providing input on programming requirements and identifying possible interventions to support the delivery of humanitarian aid and services to meet beneficiary needs;

• Communicate, during interaction with the refugee population, the purpose of UNRWA’s mandate and remind communities that the misuse of the Agency’s facilities compromises its operations and harms the interests of thePalestinerefugees;
• Accompany visitors to the field and provide contextual briefings on UNRWA operations; support emergency interventions of UNRWA as necessary.

Professional Knowledge and Experience

• A university degree from a recognised university-level academic institution, preferably in social science, political affairs, international relations, law or a related field;
• For P-2 level: Four years of relevant experience of which at least one year should have been in an international organization;

• For P-3 level: Six years of relevant experience of which at least three years should have been in an international organization.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills, mature, independent, disciplined and self-confident, with an ability to work under pressure in stressful situations and within a team;
• Familiarity with international protection principles, concepts and standards, including frameworks for IHL and human rights;
• Articulate, politically aware while remaining impartial and discreet at all times;
• Decisive yet flexible, able to assess and analyse situations quickly, objectively and prudently;
• Excellent reporting skills;

Desirable Qualifications

• Operational experience in the field of protection or programming;
• Ability to speak Arabic;
• Knowledge of the history of theMiddle Eastand issues affecting the region;
• Experience with radio communications procedures;
• Experience in counselling or dealing with people who are in shock or suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.

Equivalency

When the minimum requirements are not fully met, the Director of Human Resources may exceptionally substitute part of the unmet requirements with a combination of relevant academic qualification, additional professional training and progressive relevant work experience. NB: Work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered an acceptable combination.

Additional Information

The incumbent will be required to reside at the duty station and may be required to travel daily throughout the field of operations in the course of his/her duties;

Conditions of Service

UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at For P-2 Level: $49,756 net tax free with dependants or $46,669 single, and for P-3 Level: $60,013 net tax free with dependants or $56,018 single plus post adjustment of 56.9%. Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance and 6 weeks annual leave. Staff members based in Gaza are entitled to additional benefits, subject to eligibility, including expanded leave provisions, hardship pay, and R&R leave every 6 weeks (according to the UN classification of the duty station and subject to change without notice). WhileGaza is a non-family duty station, eligible staff members may set up a second household in a nearby location to have their family nearby. 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.

UNRWA does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.