Director, UNRWA Representative Office, Washington, DC

United Nations

Job details

  • ONSITE
  • UNKNOWN
  • WASHINGTON
  • Verified 2026-11-09
  • Source: United Nations public UN Careers board

Original job description

Org. Setting and Reporting UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 25,000 staff and complementary personnel 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 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. UNRWA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNRWA, including sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, racism/racial discrimination and other forms of conduct, including but not limited to discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all recommended candidates and those placed on a roster to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s), employment history, ClearCheck and INTERPOL, as well as certification of non-conviction, where available. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. By applying for a position with UNRWA, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes. 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. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST (UNRWA) DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE OR REQUEST MONEY FROM CANDIDATES AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT AND ONBOARDING PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING, ONBOARDING). UNRWA DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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