Director, UNRWA Representative Office, Washington, DC

The incumbent reports to the Commissioner-General (USG) and reports administratively to the Chief of Staff. The incumbent works closely with the Deputy Commissioner-General for Operational Support (ASG). Responsibilities Leads and directs UNRWA's strategic engagement and promotes the interests of UNRWA vis-à-vis the U.S. government (with particular reference to the U.S. Congress, State Department and National Security Council), Canada (including the Canadian Parliament and Global Affairs Canada) and their non-governmental entities, think tanks, press, and diplomatic corps; advances understanding of UNRWA's role with these policymakers in the context of the regional issues of the Middle East, the Agency's operations, and the plight of Palestine refugees in the five fields. Serves as the principal adviser to the Commissioner-General, Deputy Commissioner General for Operational Support and Chief of Staff on political, legislative and policy developments in the United States and Canada affecting UNRWA's mandate, operations, funding environment and reputation; provides strategic analysis and recommendations to inform Agency-wide decision-making and risk mitigation. Shapes stakeholder understanding of UNRWA's mandate, strategic priorities and challenges through targeted political engagement, strategic communications and high-level advocacy; promotes awareness of UNRWA programmes, initiatives and institutional practices, particularly in the areas of neutrality, impartiality and independence. Monitors relevant development in the U.S. and Canadian political spheres, with a view to formulating and leading the implementation of outreach and awareness-raising strategies dedicated to optimizing UNRWA's relations with U.S. and Canadian policy makers; promotes strengthened bilateral support both politically and financially with U.S. and Canadian stakeholders. In close coordination with the Department of External Relations and Communications (ERCD), supports the implementation of UNRWA's resource mobilization and strategic communications frameworks in the United States and Canada. Advises on the development of media and communications messaging for U.S. and Canadian audiences, provides timely responses to queries from media and other entities; including through press and public appearances. Represents UNRWA at public engagements in the U.S. and Canada (except those related to the activities of UNRWA Representative Office, New York). Leads the drafting, preparation and presentation of materials required for briefings by the Commissioner-General and other senior UNRWA staff for U.S. and Canadian officials, entities, the media, and other governmental and non-governmental agencies. In close consultation with ERCD, and working in tandem with the Director, UNRWA Representative Office, New York, builds and sustains partnerships with international organisations headquartered in the U.S. and Canada, the private sector, national and local non-profit institutions, including UNRWA-USA, and high value individuals, amongst others; maintains awareness and support through special events requiring dedicated support, speaking engagements and informational outreach. Leads UNRWA's Representative Office and the team in Washington, DC. through providing strategic leadership and management of the Office, ensuring effective planning, operational oversight, resource management, compliance, staff performance and delivery of results in support of Agency priorities. 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. -Entrepreneurial Thinking. -Persuading and Influencing. -Coping with Pressure and Setbacks. -Deciding and Initiating Action. -Managing Complexity and Change. -Creating and Maintaining Impact and Partnership. -Political Awareness and acuteness. -Empathy, and coaching skills. -Thought leadership to support innovation, learning and knowledge sharing towards capacity development. Education An Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in political science, public or business administration, or a related field. Job - Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience An Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in political science, public or business administration, or a related field is required. At least fifteen years' experience in political or administrative affairs is required. At least five years in a leadership or managerial capacity is required. At least five years' experience in governmental affairs and outreach with Washington, DC-based U.S. government, non-governmental agencies or entities 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 of primary citizenship is required. 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 business, 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. Familiarity with political affairs in the Middle East, with emphasis on Palestine refugees' issues is desirable. Experience in a large governmental or international organisation is desirable. Experience with appropriations processes with the U.S. or Canadian government is desirable. Experience in, or in close association with, a United Nations organisation is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. 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 for details). Required Languages LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice The appointment against this position is limited to the UNRWA - Commissioner-General Office - Headquarters Amman. Type of Contract and duration: 1 year, with the possibility of further extension. The incumbent will occasionally travel to UNRWA's area of operations and various venues in the United States as required. 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.