Associate Project Support Officer

Support project management and proposal development for health and education initiatives.

This opening expired 11 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNRWA - UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees

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Application deadline 11 months ago: Monday 9 Jun 2025 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Support project management and proposal development for health and education initiatives.

You have:

  • At least three years of relevant experience in international cooperation project management in the context of donor governments, international non-governmental organizations, NGOs or CBOs.
  • Experience working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and/or the Japan International Cooperation Agency is desirable.
  • Experience in developing proposals for multi-sectoral priorities focused on a variety of donors such as GIZ, the European Union, the Government of Japan, the Government of France and the Municipality of Monaco.
  • Advanced higher degree.
  • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment;
  • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

This UNV assignment is part of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Lebanon Field Office. UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 conflict and subsequent hostilities. Its mandate, periodically renewed by the UN General Assembly, includes delivering essential services such as education, healthcare, relief, and social services to over 5.5 million registered refugees across the Middle East, including Lebanon. In Lebanon, UNRWA operates by maintaining and developing basic infrastructure, offering educational and healthcare services, and providing emergency assistance.

This position is part of one of UNRWA’s cross-sectoral projects funded by the Government of Japan: “Life-saving health support and TVET interventions for the most vulnerable Palestine refugees”. The project aims to not only address the urgent, and unpredictable plight of Palestine refugees suffering from cancer and thalassemia through the provision of life-saving medication and treatment, but also by providing admissions to hospitalization services in the fields of mental health and deliveries as part of UNRWA’s Primary Health Care services and tertiary hospitalization care for those that require specialized services in UNRWA’s contracted hospitals. This project will also include a component in the education sector, by enhancing the quality, relevance and effectiveness of the TVET programme to better equip Palestine refugee youth with relevant skills. The project is managed through a three-tiered monitoring mechanism involving a Programme Board, Project Steering Group, and Project Implementation Team. The incumbent is expected to thoroughly monitor the progress and respond to queries from the different stakeholders. This structure ensures strategic direction, coordination, and adherence to the project schedule, scope, and quality standards. Regular monitoring and quarterly reviews will be conducted to assess progress, effectiveness, and compliance with the rules and guidelines.

The UN Volunteer will report to Field Programme Support Officer, P-4 (direct supervision); Deputy Director Programmes, P-5 (guidance and coordination).

Benefits package:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) USD 2,861.04 • Family Allowance: 250 USD (in case one dependent joins the duty station) • Annual and learning leaves; • Medical and life Insurance •Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Field Programme Support Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Project Support Officer will:

• Participate, as necessary, in meetings with representatives of donor countries and organizations; • Prepare briefing documents for the Field Director, senior management and donor meetings as requested; • Prepare project proposals and reports; as required, work on assigned project/s independently and coordinate with relevant staff in projects team; • Formulate high-quality and responsive project proposals, concept papers, and project reports in coordination with respective field departments; • Ensure that Project Cycle Management (PCM) principles are incorporated into the formulation and implementation of all projects; • Monitor the implementation of projects and manages grants in coordination with field departments and verify adherence to donor requirements; • Support the development cycle (mainly at the design, formulation, and reporting stages) of the Emergency Appeal and the Humanitarian Response Plan; • Assist in building the capacity of field department staff to develop proposals and prepare reports; • Assist with the writing, editing, formatting, and proof reading of proposals and reports; • Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

• At least three years of relevant experience in international cooperation project management in the context of donor governments, international non–governmental organizations, NGOs or CBOs. • Experience working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and/or the Japan International Cooperation Agency is desirable • Experience in developing proposals for multi-sectoral priorities focused on a variety of donors such as GIZ, the European Union, the Government of Japan, the Government of France and the Municipality of Monaco. • Advanced higher degree. • Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Excellent interpersonal skills; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

The UN Security System in Lebanon is divided into two UN area of operation. One is the southern area of the country which lies to the south of Litani River (SLR) under the responsibility of the peace keeping force (UNIFIL) according to the UN resolution 1701/2006. The rest of the country is called North Litani River (NLR). Rafik Hariri International airport is located in the southern suburbs of Beirut, less than 10km away from downtown.

Beirut, Lebanon, is classified as a family duty station with a hardship category "C". Although the security situation can be unpredictable, residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with easy access to air travel, a Mediterranean climate, and a diverse cultural environment that depends on the area. However, the economic crisis has led to a significant rise in the cost of living, particularly affecting accommodation options. Despite these challenges, modern apartments in Beirut offer amenities like water and 24/7 electricity, often supplemented by generators. The city is also home to some of the best hospitals in the Middle East and provides a range of banking options for foreigners. Lebanon is a unique country, offering numerous opportunities for social gatherings, networking, events, sports, and outdoor activities amidst its natural beauty. However, the social and political landscape can shift rapidly due to regional political developments, impacting daily life and activities. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Staff can use credit card or cash, Lebanese Pounds and USD, to pay for the services. Also, Cigna is well recognized in hospitals, listed in the next section, in case of emergency. Most hospitals are well equipped, and doctors are generally well qualified. Also, most medical staff speak both French and English.

Upon arrival, you may purchase a SIM card from any of the two main cell phone providers in the country: Touch and Alfa. Although you might find it challenging to find fast Internet in Lebanon, there are many internet providers in Lebanon that offer DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and wireless internet services. The standard DSL monthly subscription prices vary depending on the speed and the monthly consumption (in GB) you select. list of banks in Lebanon: www.bdl.gov.lb/downloads/download/82/en

For meetings and official activities taking place in Lebanon, normal business attire is expected. During the rainy season, the pavements can become a bit slippery and so, if walking to and from the Office ensure you have shoes with a decent grip. It is considerably colder in the mountains and in the north, so remember to bring warm clothes in winter. Sturdy shoes may also be required if going to the field and to informal settlements as these can get very muddy.

Potential interview questions

Describe a successful project you managed. What was your role, and what were the key outcomes? This question evaluates your project management skills and ability to achieve results. Highlight specific responsibilities and quantifiable outcomes.
Can you give an example of how you handled a difficult stakeholder relationship? To understand your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities. Pro members can see the explanation.
What experience do you have with integrating monitoring and evaluation into projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure quality in the proposals you develop? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell me about a time you adapted to a challenging environment while executing a project. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to communicate effectively with multicultural teams? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to work in a humanitarian context? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: unv.org