Deputy Chief Field Health Programme

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 program in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff. This role reports to the Chief, Field Health Programme and supervises professional and general services staff.

Job Purpose

The Deputy Chief, Field Health Programme advises and assists the Chief in planning, developing, managing, and supervising all health program activities. This role is responsible for enhancing the quality and efficiency of health programs through recommendations and oversight of technical functions. Key duties include coordinating and integrating technical operations, ensuring effective implementation of technical instructions, and finalizing health program reports. The position directly oversees the implementation, supervision, and evaluation of Medical Care Services, including clinic operations, supply management, and specialized services like laboratory and radiology. It also involves managing program budgets, coordinating HR and staffing matters, directing project implementation, and fostering relationships with external health institutions. The incumbent may act for the Chief in their absence.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic advice and support to the Chief, Field Health Programme in all aspects of health program planning, development, management, and supervision. Propose improvements to enhance program quality, organizational efficiency, and effectiveness. Coordinate, integrate, and oversee technical functions of reporting Division Heads and manage the day-to-day administration of the Field Health Programme. Offer technical guidance and ensure adherence to Technical Instructions, finalizing all Health Programme reports. Directly manage, supervise, and evaluate Medical Care Services, encompassing clinic operations, medical supply chain, laboratory, hospital referrals, rehabilitation, and radiology services. Plan and direct in-service training for Medical Care Services staff. Oversee the proper management of medical supplies and equipment at health centers. Manage the Field Health Programme budget preparation and coordinate with HR on staffing issues, including medical boards. Direct the implementation and management of assigned health projects, liaising with relevant departments and offices. Contribute to identifying areas for health project improvement and maintain collaborative working relationships with governmental, non-governmental, and contracted health institutions. Perform other duties as assigned, including acting as Chief in their absence.

Work Experience

A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in public health administration is required. This must include at least three years in a supervisory health position. A driving license for the country of duty station is also required.

Skills

UN Core Values (Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity), Core Competencies (Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results), Persuading and Influencing, Delivering Results, Leading and Supervising, Creating and Maintaining Impact and Partnership, Planning and Organizing, Relating and Networking, Applying Technical Expertise. Demonstrated ability to organize and implement training programs, develop staff, transfer knowledge, and take initiative.

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