UNProfessional
Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (Ops), Gaza (Location Amman)
View & ApplyAdded: 15 April 2026
Org. Setting and Reporting
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. The Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs (OPS) reports to the Director of UNRWA Affairs, Gaza
Responsibilities
Is responsible for managing Field operations cluster which includes finance, administration, human resources, procurement & logistics, and/or other functions and is the principal adviser to the Field Director on these functions; depending on field specificity, the Director of UNRWA Affairs may split the portfolios in varying configurations to meet field needs. Leads and manages, in close collaboration with other senior staff in the Field, the development, preparation, coordination and monitoring of Field Plans (Strategic and Annual Operational) and Budget, Medium-Term Strategy for the operations functions in his/her Field, ensuring integrated approach to the management of operations services and exercising decision-making authority over human and financial resources and capital assets of the Field, in line with UNRWA regulatory framework. Provides support and advice to the Director of UNRWA Affairs in implementing the Agency’s reform plans; leads the implementation of pertinent reform initiatives in his/her organizational cluster; coordinates the work of cross-functional teams to achieve field-wide outcomes and promotes integration of cross-cutting issues into the field operation service framework. Provides guidance and support to senior administrative staff in his/her own area; mentors and evaluates for training purposes, as necessary. Liaises with government and local authorities to ensure their cooperation in facilitating the Agency’s operations; assists the Director of UNRWA Affairs in managing and promoting inter agency and donor relations. As assigned, acts for the Director of UNRWA Affairs during his/her absence, with full responsibility for the management of the Field; undertakes relieving assignments, as required. Where applicable, acts as the Field security focal point and liaises with the Agency’s Director of Security and Risk Management and the Office of Security and Risk Management in the Field, where available.
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. Leading and Supervising Coping with Pressure and Setbacks Deciding and Initiating Action Managing Complexity and Change Creating and Maintaining Impact and Partnership Strongly developed Management competencies for efficient planning, organizing, directing and controlling multisector field operations, and ensuring highest levels of employee engagement and motivation.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or Equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in business or public administration, international relations, Law, Finance, or Human Resources Management, or a related discipline.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
At least 10 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in operations management is required. At least six years of professional experience managing large-scale, multi-sector operations teams, at managerial level, at an international, large governmental or non-governmental organisation is required. Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least two continuous years of relevant international experience should be outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of citizenship is required. Advanced university degree (Master’s or Equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in business or public administration, international relations, Law, Finance, or Human Resources Management, or a related discipline is required. Knowledge of UNRWA’s operations and services is desirable. Knowledge of Middle Eastern geo-political realities and its socio-cultural implications is desirable. Experience with United Nations administration/financial policies and practices is desirable. Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Experience working in emergency and humanitarian contexts is desirable Indicate your current involvement in any outside activities, as it is required. Including but not limited to employment, independent contractor/freelance consultant, board member (corporate, academic, etc), expert group, lobby, public speaking/writing (article, book, blog, social media etc), teaching, conferences, training, press statement, voluntary work, political activity, fundraising/donation for non- UNRWA entity, running for public office, role in political party or orgs, owning usiness, work for gov./NGO/private company/charity, UNRWA partner/vendor, full/part-time, paid or not. A "yes" answer doesn't necessarily lead to exclusion from future work at UNRWA, yet misrepresentation in providing accurate/complete info can lead to disqualification/termination of appointment, if hired.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Arabic is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org [link removed] for details).
Required Languages
| Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | UN Level III | UN Level III | UN Level III | UN Level III |
Desirable Languages
| Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabic | UN Level I | UN Level I | UN Level I | UN Level I |
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Type of Contract and duration: 1 year, with the possibility of further extension. The incumbent will be required to travel regularly inside and outside Field, where assigned, throughout the Agency’s area of operations. Only applications that have been fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system inspira will be considered and no late applications will be accepted. The Personal History Profile (PHP) should be completed with full work experience under the experience tabs as per the requirements in the Job Opening. All university degrees must also be stated, where applicable. UNRWA personnel must ensure adding their contract type and grade level. Given the large pool of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Providing incorrect or misleading information on an application form will result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate. Advertisements published in English will only accept applications in English, other language submissions will not be considered. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for appointment to the same post or a similar post, when the need arises. Equivalency: A first level university degree in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. NB: work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered an acceptable combination. The Agency disqualifies applicants whose name appears on the UN Sanctions List or a UN database of staff separated for reason of misconduct or of staff who separated while a misconduct process was pending. UNRWA shares investigation and misconduct information with other UN Agencies, and past and prospective employers about staff members who have been separated for misconduct, or who have separated while an investigation and/or disciplinary process for misconduct is underway; and those individuals may be prohibited from employment with the United Nations. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live. For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/
United Nations Considerations
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Commissioner-General of UNRWA and to assignment by him or her. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity at all levels of staffing under the current UN-wide gender agenda and strongly encourages applications from qualified applicants from under-represented groups. At UNRWA, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. 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 to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. UNRWA Considerations UNRWA staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence, neutrality, impartiality and integrity. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. Candidates will not be considered for employment with UNRWA if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. The Agency may disqualify applicants who have separated for reason of misconduct, who left a UN Agency while misconduct processes were pending, or who appear on the UN Sanctions List. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment. 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, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
