Coordinator for the Access Support Unit (ASU)

Organizational Context

UNOPS Middle East Region supports operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine, focusing on development, peace, and humanitarian challenges. The project office in Gaza supports humanitarian response and early recovery, with a focus on access via the Access Support Unit (ASU), fuel, and mine action. The ASU is an inter-agency project administered by UNOPS, facilitating personnel movement for international organizations.

Job Purpose

The Access Support Unit (ASU) Coordinator will lead the operational management of the ASU, an inter-agency project administered by UNOPS. This role is critical in facilitating the movement of personnel for UN agencies, NGOs, diplomats, and other international partners within the complex environment of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The purpose is to expedite movements, overcome bureaucratic and administrative impediments, and support humanitarian and development operations by coordinating with national and regional authorities. The role contributes to easing restrictions on access and movement, strengthening the evidence base on impediments, and providing essential support for personnel rotations and interventions at checkpoints and borders.

Responsibilities

The ASU Coordinator is responsible for the operational aspects of the Access Support Unit, liaising with Israeli and Palestinian authorities (COGAT, CLA, PMO, MoCA) to facilitate personnel movement. This includes overseeing a 24/7 access hotline for real-time interventions, providing advisories and support on personnel movement via various channels, and directly assisting UN, NGOs, and diplomatic missions with permits and special coordination. The role supports negotiations to improve partner movements, facilitates evacuations, and advises the UN Country Team and Humanitarian Country Team on common positions regarding personnel movement. Analysis of access restrictions and contributions to advocacy products are key, alongside regular reporting to the Project Board and managing ASU staff to meet project goals.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, rehabilitation, or development is required. Specific experience in humanitarian access matters, including bureaucratic impediments and movement of people, is essential. Experience in team leadership, management, and access negotiations is also required. Experience within the UN system or comparable international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Crisis Management, Emergency Planning, Financial Planning, Humanitarian Affairs, Negotiation, Operational Planning, Security Management, Team Leadership, Access Facilitation, Stakeholder Coordination.

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