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 Head of Policy and Compliance Monitoring Section reports to the Chief Central Support Services Division.

Responsibilities

Serves as a senior procurement, logistics, administration and contracting expert with responsibility for conducting compliance of these processes, for developing systems for governance, risk management and internal controls. and for performing quality reviews of procurement, logistics, administration transactions for accuracy and adherence to the Procurement Manual, Administration Instructions and UNRWA rules and regulations. Ensures the implementation of internal reviews and audit recommendations till closure and that corrective actions and new measures are established to strengthen the internal controls and sustainability of the actions. Acts as focal point for all compliance, monitoring and reporting matters and reports regularly on risks, compliance and internal controls. Is responsible for the development, assessment and effective implementation of the Agency’s standard policies, operating procedures, manuals, instructions, guidelines related to administration, logistics, procurement, supply chain, fleet management and general administration services to obtain Best Value for Money for the Organization. Ensures that methodologies/tools/documentation are established to ensure standardization and streamlining of procedures to gain into efficiencies and best serve internal clients, while maintaining strict adherence to financial rules and regulations. Oversees performance indicators and determines with relevant stakeholders the action plan to improve performance. Consolidates and assures the quality of responses to audit observations as well as any alleged violations of the Agency’s financial rules, regulations and policies related to procurement, supply chain, fleet management and general administration services. Oversees the implementation of mitigation measures pursuant to auditors’ observations. Is responsible for the development and implementation of training programmes in procurement, supply chain and fleet management based on needs assessment and skill gaps including best practices. Provides technical advice on activities related to procurement, supply chain, fleet management and general administration services to headquarters and fields to ensure efficient use of resources in the Agency; Monitors adherence to contractual agreements; recommends amendments and extensions of contracts and advises concerned stakeholders on their contractual rights and obligations in consultation with the department of Legal Affairs. Prepares a variety of complex compliance procurement-, administration- and logistics-related documents, correspondences and reports to internal and external stakeholders. Reviews and issues critical statistical reports Agency-wide for activities related to assets, procurement, supply chain, fleet management and general administration services. Ensures accuracy of reports entailing data extracted from Information Systems (ERP, e-tendering tool, UNGM, Fleetwave, Fleetlog, etc.). Oversees and coordinates Central Support Services Division (CSSD) budget preparation and monitoring; coordinates CSSD-HQ HR planning, reviews and compilation of job descriptions; participates in planning and reviews meetings to identify CSSD-HQ staffing and budgetary requirements. Acts as custodian for the credit card payment and ensures reconciliation and compliance to procedures. Supports the sustainability procurement action plan implementation and represents CSSD in external and internal discussions on sustainability agenda; performs other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

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. Default managerial competencies may apply. Leading and Supervising Delivering Results Formulating Strategies and Concepts Managing Complexity and Change Applying Technical Expertise Coping with Pressure and Setbacks Accountability Managing performance Strong managerial skills demonstrated in managing large teams with different levels and backgrounds. For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in business administration, public administration, supply chain, law or a related field is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in procurement, contract management, supply chain and administration in the public or private sector is required. Out of these years a total of 5 years directly related to first-hand experience in audit, compliance, internal controls with a strong understanding and knowledge of procurement at an international level is required. Out of these years at least 5 years of experience managing diverse teams is required. Experience in the development of policy, key performance management indicators and compliance monitoring or reporting in procurement, logistics, fleet or administration is required. Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside the country(s) of citizenship is required. Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in business administration, public administration, supply chain, law or a related field is required. Experience in the development of operational systems in administration, procurement, logistics or fleet management is desirable. Experience in advanced use of office software packages, handling of web-based management systems and ERP systems is desirable. Experience in budget and HR management is desirable. Working experience with the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable.

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English.

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: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. Candidates with compliance and risk management, audit are highly recommended to apply. The incumbent will be required to travel in the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East. 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. 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. Join our eco-friendly organization dedicated to environment sustainability and targeting to be plastic free by 2025. 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. 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.