Camp and Community Services Officer
Organizational Context
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is a UN organization established in 1949, mandated to assist and protect approximately 5.8 million 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 entity in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff.
Job Purpose
This role serves as a key representative of UNRWA at the camp level, reporting to the Chief Area Office (CAO). The incumbent will liaise with local authorities, community representatives, and humanitarian organizations to ensure the continuity of services and address issues of mutual concern. The position involves supporting all UNRWA programs, coordinating with various stakeholders, and resolving disputes among refugees. A significant aspect of the role includes acting as the focal point for security and safety, monitoring the camp environment for neutrality violations and protection issues, and managing emergency preparedness and response activities. The role also entails supervising staff, managing office operations, and enhancing communication and public information efforts within the assigned camp and surrounding community.
Responsibilities
Represent the Agency at the camp level, liaising with local authorities, community representatives, and NGOs to ensure service continuity and address agency interests. Support all UNRWA programs by organizing meetings, coordinating with staff, and resolving disputes among refugees. Act as the Security and Safety focal point, identifying and reporting risks and incidents, and ensuring safety protocols are in place. Monitor the camp environment for neutrality violations and protection issues, collaborating with Protection and Neutrality teams. Plan, direct, and manage the Camp and Community Services Office, supervising staff and implementing monitoring mechanisms for service quality. Facilitate effective communication, disseminate information about UNRWA initiatives, and manage emergency preparedness and response activities.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of experience in humanitarian, community, or social development, preferably with UN agencies or international NGOs. Proven understanding of the humanitarian and political challenges facing Palestine refugees is essential. Knowledge of camp conditions and refugee issues is desirable.
Skills
Core Competencies: Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results. Functional Competencies: Relating and Networking, Leading and Supervising, Persuading and Influencing, Deciding and Initiating Action, Adapting and Responding to Change. Additional Skills: Strong management and facilitation, team leadership, consensus building, negotiation, client-focused approach, planning, decision-making, problem-solving, crisis management, and advocacy.