Vacancy Announcement Number: 12-HQ-AM-60
Grade: P-3
Deadline for Applications:
26 October 2012
Duty Station: Amman, Jordan
The External Relations and Projects Officer will be part of the Arab Partners Unit of the Department of External Relations and Communications Department, based at HQ Amman and reports to the Senior Fundraising Executive. The incumbent participates in developing and maintaining effective relations with Arab donor governments and other funding organizations and monitoring the implementation of an Agency-wide portfolio of projects funded by these donor countries and institutions. In accordance with the established Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent will:
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Manage an important portfolio of grants from Arab donors, including Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and Saudi Development Fund (SFD); on a daily basis, closely coordinate with the UNRWA Field offices (implementing departments and support departments), UNRWA HQ finance department, donors and their consultants in the field; maintain a high level of responsibility, autonomy, compliance with best grant management practices and procurement and tendering procedures. This also includes:
a) Closely monitoring the timely and quality implementation of projects; anticipating problems before they arise and working together with the field teams and donors to find solutions to new challenges and changing contexts;
b) Ensuring all tendering procedures are in compliance with international standards/UNRWA regulations; gathering and reviewing all tender documents, evaluation reports, contract proposals, etc and ensuring they are in line with the approved scope of work and related budget;
c) Monitoring the financial status of each project and submitting claims when required; this includes gathering and reviewing all support documents (list of beneficiaries, invoices, receipts, financial statements, etc.); ensuring funds for the projects are spent in a timely manner and coordinating the use of any savings;
d) Ensuring timely reports are submitted to the donors, including monthly updates, interim and final reports;
Participate in the elaboration of external relations and fund-raising strategies both public and private; participate in the development of resource mobilization and advocacy policy; manage relationships with key donors; provide a consistently high level of responsiveness and service to key donors; actively pursue innovative avenues of cooperation for funding opportunities by public and private donors in the Middle East and Gulf region; provide counsel to the Senior Fundraising Executive, Director of External Relations and Communications Department, and senior management accordingly;
Negotiate bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with major donors on behalf of the Agency; negotiate and draft project proposals with donors in coordination with field offices; analyze, review and edit project proposals;
Draft correspondence for the purpose of fund-raising and advocacy; produce briefing materials and talking points for senior management including the Commissioner-General, Deputy Commissioner-General, Directors, and the Representative Offices in New York, Brussels and Geneva;
Organize and participate in senior level missions to donor capitals; participate in major meetings and conferences including the hosts’ and donors’ meetings, policy-level bilateral discussions with senior government civil servants and/or other meetings at the political level; organize and participate in donor field trips in the five fields of operation including trips for high level delegations from capitals;
Contribute to the development and strategic use of outreach materials and media for the purpose of increased public awareness and fund-raising; draft donor brochures.
Professional Knowledge and Experience
A university degree in political science, international relations, public administration, law, economics or other relevant field;
At least six years’ experience working for a national/international organization or development agency as well as a proven track record in project management (especially financial and reporting to donors aspects) and fund raising within the Middle East;
Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic.
Competencies
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
Proven ability to maintain good professional relations with a variety of interested stakeholders in different settings;
Proven track record in attracting significant funding for humanitarian and project purposes from governmental and other institutional sources in the Middle East, in particular the Arabian Gulf;
Proven ability in the design and preparation of proposals and reports;
Strong communication skills, ability to handle details and present a persuasive case;
Ability to develop clear goals, independently plan and prioritize own work, work well under tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent activities;
Positive attitude and strong analytical, interpersonal, communication and coordination skills;
Ability to find creative solutions to problems and negotiate with and influence others;
An understanding of the culture and political complexity of the area;
Excellent computer skills.
Desirable Qualifications
Knowledge of UNRWA and of the wider UN system.
Conditions of Service
UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $60,091 net tax free with dependants or $56,091 single and plus post adjustment of 43% (subject to change without notice). Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance, mobility and non-removal allowance and 6 weeks annual leave. All UNRWA duty stations (with the exception of Gaza and Syria) are family duty stations. 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 for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.
UNRWA does not charge a fee at any stage in 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.
Date of issue: 27 September 2012/LF
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Manage an important portfolio of grants from Arab donors, including Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and Saudi Development Fund (SFD); on a daily basis, closely coordinate with the UNRWA Field offices (implementing departments and support departments), UNRWA HQ finance department, donors and their consultants in the field; maintain a high level of responsibility, autonomy, compliance with best grant management practices and procurement and tendering procedures. This also includes:
a) Closely monitoring the timely and quality implementation of projects; anticipating problems before they arise and working together with the field teams and donors to find solutions to new challenges and changing contexts;
b) Ensuring all tendering procedures are in compliance with international standards/UNRWA regulations; gathering and reviewing all tender documents, evaluation reports, contract proposals, etc and ensuring they are in line with the approved scope of work and related budget;
c) Monitoring the financial status of each project and submitting claims when required; this includes gathering and reviewing all support documents (list of beneficiaries, invoices, receipts, financial statements, etc.); ensuring funds for the projects are spent in a timely manner and coordinating the use of any savings;
d) Ensuring timely reports are submitted to the donors, including monthly updates, interim and final reports;
Participate in the elaboration of external relations and fund-raising strategies both public and private; participate in the development of resource mobilization and advocacy policy; manage relationships with key donors; provide a consistently high level of responsiveness and service to key donors; actively pursue innovative avenues of cooperation for funding opportunities by public and private donors in the Middle East and Gulf region; provide counsel to the Senior Fundraising Executive, Director of External Relations and Communications Department, and senior management accordingly;
Negotiate bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with major donors on behalf of the Agency; negotiate and draft project proposals with donors in coordination with field offices; analyze, review and edit project proposals;
Draft correspondence for the purpose of fund-raising and advocacy; produce briefing materials and talking points for senior management including the Commissioner-General, Deputy Commissioner-General, Directors, and the Representative Offices in New York, Brussels and Geneva;
Organize and participate in senior level missions to donor capitals; participate in major meetings and conferences including the hosts’ and donors’ meetings, policy-level bilateral discussions with senior government civil servants and/or other meetings at the political level; organize and participate in donor field trips in the five fields of operation including trips for high level delegations from capitals;
Contribute to the development and strategic use of outreach materials and media for the purpose of increased public awareness and fund-raising; draft donor brochures.
Professional Knowledge and Experience
A university degree in political science, international relations, public administration, law, economics or other relevant field;
At least six years’ experience working for a national/international organization or development agency as well as a proven track record in project management (especially financial and reporting to donors aspects) and fund raising within the Middle East;
Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic.
Competencies
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
Proven ability to maintain good professional relations with a variety of interested stakeholders in different settings;
Proven track record in attracting significant funding for humanitarian and project purposes from governmental and other institutional sources in the Middle East, in particular the Arabian Gulf;
Proven ability in the design and preparation of proposals and reports;
Strong communication skills, ability to handle details and present a persuasive case;
Ability to develop clear goals, independently plan and prioritize own work, work well under tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent activities;
Positive attitude and strong analytical, interpersonal, communication and coordination skills;
Ability to find creative solutions to problems and negotiate with and influence others;
An understanding of the culture and political complexity of the area;
Excellent computer skills.
Desirable Qualifications
Knowledge of UNRWA and of the wider UN system.
Conditions of Service
UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at $60,091 net tax free with dependants or $56,091 single and plus post adjustment of 43% (subject to change without notice). Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance, mobility and non-removal allowance and 6 weeks annual leave. All UNRWA duty stations (with the exception of Gaza and Syria) are family duty stations. 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 for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.
UNRWA does not charge a fee at any stage in 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.
Date of issue: 27 September 2012/LF
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