Camp and Community Services Officer, Nahr El Bared , NLA. Internally for UNRWA staff only

Organizational Context

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is a UN entity established in 1949 to assist and protect approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. UNRWA provides essential services including education, healthcare, and social services, operating as the largest UN mission in the Middle East. The Camp and Community Services Officer role reports to the Chief Area Office (CAO) and supervises a team of General Service staff.

Job Purpose

The Camp and Community Services Officer serves as the Agency's representative at the camp and community level, liaising with local authorities, refugee representatives, and humanitarian organizations to ensure the continuity of services. This role supports delegation visits, organizes meetings with program officers to address challenges, and intervenes in disputes among refugees. The officer acts as a focal point for security and safety, managing risks and ensuring emergency preparedness. They monitor the camp environment for neutrality violations and protection issues, working with Protection and Neutrality teams. Additionally, the role involves managing the Camp and Community Services Office, supervising staff, implementing administrative issuances, and overseeing monitoring and reporting mechanisms for service quality. Effective communication and information dissemination to residents are key, as is maintaining records and providing registration and hospitalization services to refugees. The officer also manages emergency preparedness and response activities and contributes to operational planning and reporting.

Responsibilities

Represent the Agency at the camp and community level, liaising with local government, security forces, refugee representatives, and NGOs to ensure service continuity, including solid waste management. Support delegation visits by organizing briefings for donors, journalists, and stakeholders, and may act as an interpreter. Facilitate program delivery by organizing and participating in meetings with Area Programme Officers to discuss challenges and propose solutions. Coordinate with key staff, community representatives, and NGOs on mutual concerns and report to the Chief Area Office (CAO). Mediate disputes among refugees, particularly concerning solid waste collection. Advise on program integration and take corrective measures within authority. Act as the Security and Safety focal point, identifying and reporting risks and incidents, ensuring evacuation plans and safety equipment are in place, and consulting on community responses to security incidents. Monitor the camp environment for neutrality violations and protection issues affecting refugees, collaborating with Protection and Neutrality (P&N) teams to gather information, report incidents, and implement agency responses. Plan, direct, and manage the Camp and Community Services Office, supervising sanitation laborers, foremen, and guards. Ensure implementation of administrative issuances and establish monitoring mechanisms for service quality. Monitor attendance and work of school attendants. Contribute to Area Management Team planning for administrative, financial, supply, and maintenance functions. Manage internal communication, disseminate information about UNRWA programs, and maintain agency records. Provide eligibility, registration, and hospitalization services to refugees. Act as the Emergency Preparedness and Response focal point, managing related activities under the CAO's supervision. Contribute to written outputs like plans and reports.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years' experience in humanitarian, community, or social development, preferably with UN agencies or international NGOs, is required. A proven understanding of the humanitarian and political challenges facing Palestine refugees in the field of operations is also necessary.

Skills

UN Core Values (Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity); Core Competencies (Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results); Relating and Networking; Leading and Supervising; Persuading and Influencing; Deciding and Initiating Action; Adapting and Responding to Change; Strong management and facilitation skills; Ability to develop and lead teams, build consensus, and facilitate change; Strong communication, coordination, and negotiation skills; Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships and partnerships; Participatory and client-focused approach; Effective planning and decision-making skills; Strong problem-solving and crisis management skills; Ability to advocate and represent UNRWA interests.

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