Business Development Officer - Early Recovery Livelihood Project - All Areas - Band F

Organizational Context

UNRWA is a United Nations agency providing assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million Palestine refugees across the Middle East. It offers services in education, health, social services, and microfinance. As the largest UN operation in the region, UNRWA relies on voluntary contributions and seeks dedicated individuals to support vulnerable communities. This role is field-based and requires extensive coordination with various UNRWA departments and external stakeholders.

Job Purpose

The Business Development Officer plays a crucial role in supporting UNRWA's early recovery livelihood projects. The primary purpose of this role is to assist Palestine refugees in achieving their full potential through human development, pending a just solution to their plight. This involves identifying and supporting viable livelihood opportunities, particularly through small business development. The officer will engage directly with beneficiaries, assessing their needs, guiding them in developing business plans, and facilitating access to grants, toolkits, and training. By conducting field verifications, providing coaching, and monitoring progress, the role directly contributes to the economic empowerment and resilience of vulnerable refugee populations, ensuring effective and accountable delivery of project support.

Responsibilities

The Business Development Officer is responsible for supporting the outreach, registration, and intake of applicants for livelihood support programs, including small business grants and toolkits. This involves screening applications against eligibility criteria, assessing the feasibility and market demand of proposed business activities, and assisting applicants in developing simple business plans. The role requires conducting thorough field verifications, including site visits and documentation review, to support selection committees. Post-approval, the officer will verify the use of assistance, monitor business progress, and provide basic coaching on financial management and customer relations. Additionally, the incumbent will coordinate referrals to other services, track beneficiary progress, identify and report risks, maintain accurate beneficiary files, and ensure that gender equality, disability inclusion, and protection principles are integrated into all activities. Regular progress updates to the supervisor are also a key responsibility.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required in areas such as livelihoods, small business development, entrepreneurship support, microfinance, community-based programming, field verification, grants support, or early recovery programming. Experience in business assessment, beneficiary verification, market assessment, coaching, monitoring, or cash/grant-based assistance is desirable. Experience working with vulnerable communities, refugees, or conflict-affected populations is an asset.

Skills

Strong field coordination and community engagement skills. Ability to assess small business feasibility and market relevance. Understanding of vulnerability, protection, gender, and inclusion. Strong documentation, verification, and reporting skills. Ability to manage confidential information. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work under pressure. Ability to coordinate with multiple teams. Integrity and accountability. Practical understanding of livelihoods and early recovery programming.

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