Head of Professional Development and Curriculum Unit-Field Office Jerusalem- Education Department

Vacancy Announcement

Head of Professional Development and Curriculum Unit, Grade 16

Deadline for Applications

06 June 2019

Contract Status

Duration

Contract status

Duration

Option One:

Fixed-Term Appointment for 3 years (applies to internal candidates on Fixed-Term contract only); including 1 year probation period, with the possibility of further extension, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing need.

Option Two:

Limited Duration Contract for 1 year (applies to external candidates and internal candidates on LDC); renewable; Appointment subject to funding confirmation.

Vacancy Announcement Number

VN/WB/053/2019/X

Duty Station & Department

Field Office Jerusalem- •Education Department

UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity at all levels of staffing under the current UN-wide gender agenda and strongly encourages applications from qualified women.

UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.

UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for professionals like you.

UNRWA's human development goals

UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. UNRWA has identified four human development goals as the focus of the Agency's operations in committing to fostering human development of Palestine refugees by helping them to: lead long and healthy lives, acquire knowledge and skills, achieve decent standards of living and enjoy human rights to the fullest possible extent.

How can you make a difference? 

You will be joining a team of around 5,000 staff in the West Bank Field Office working to foster the human development of some 800,000 registered Palestine refugees.••

The incumbent of this post reports directly to the Head, Education Development Centre or Deputy Chief Field Education Programme (Technical) (as applicable). S/he is responsible for the strategic oversight, leadership and management of the field Professional Development and Curriculum Unit. It includes taking responsibility for the management of staff, budget, and resources as well as overseeing and managing the development, implementation, monitoring and assessment for professional development programmes and curriculum activities. The incumbent should work closely with Quality Assurance and Assessment Unit in Education Development Centre (EDC) to ensure that effective and efficient quality education is delivered at the Field level.

The main responsibilities include:

In accordance with established Agency policy and procedures, the• incumbent:

•         Ensures the day to day management of all staff located in the Professional Development and Curriculum Unit including budgeting and resource utilization.

•         Oversees the development, implementation and assessment of professional development in the field for developing the competencies of the education staff based on the assessment of training needs and aligned with the Field Implementation Plan (FIP).

•         Leads on the development, implementation and assessment of curriculum enrichment and cross cutting curricula issues including inclusive education, human rights, child wellbeing and gender.

•         Works with the other units and the Field's Education Steering Management Committee (ESMC) to deliver quality education and leads on the dissemination of good practices across the field.

•         Monitors the impact of professional development training programmes and curriculum reforms at the field level maintaining an accurate and up to date database of training offered and activities relevant to curricula.

•         Communicates and works effectively with relevant stakeholders in UNRWA, host, NGOs and other training and development providers to coordinate and provide a strategic overview of professional development programmes and curriculum activities.

•         Produces an annual reports on professional development and curricula as well as regular updates as required.

•         Works collegially with peers in professional development and curriculum activities to update his/her knowledge of current trends including school based professional development approach in his/her work area to gather ideas and develop best practices.

•         Performs such other duties as may be assigned.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Conditions of service•

Option One:• Fixed Term Appointment, Grade 16

Monthly basic salary JD1,137.1, plus an allowance of 1000 NIS payable in JD at UNRWA rate, plus 25% of the basic salary as Senior Professional Officer Allowance (SPOA). Other benefits include monthly Provident Fund contribution (15% of basic salary paid by the Agency), compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and dependency allowance (if applicable).

Option Two: Limited Duration Contract (LDC- Band G)

Monthly basic salary JD1,478.20 depending on the professional knowledge and experience. Other benefits include compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave pre-rated to the duration of the contract where less than one year, and family allowance (if applicable).

Additional information

The incumbent may be required to work beyond the regular working hours.

To qualify for this position, you will need:

Education

A university degree in school related subject plus at least one year of professional teacher training, OR

Advanced university degree in an appropriate subject in education.

Work

experience

At least six years of relevant professional experience of which at least two years as a teacher or as a trainer on issues relevant to education and a minimum of four years' experience in an administrative/managerial capacity.

Language(s)

Excellent command of spoken and written English and Arabic.

Equivalency:

Candidates with an equivalent combination of relevant academic qualifications, professional training and progressive work experience may also be considered.

You will also need to demonstrate the following competencies:

•         Ability to provide inspiring, motivating and strategic leadership to his/her team.

•         Understanding of promoting inclusive approaches in professional development programmes and curricula enrichment materials.

•         Ability to communicate effectively to diverse groups and stakeholders.

•         Ability to work under pressure and meet target deadlines.

•         Problem solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills.

•         Proficiency in standard Agency computer applications.

•         Integrity and positive attitude.

Desirable qualifications:

•         A PHD degree in education leadership and management, curricula or teaching methodologies.

•         Experience in adult training and continuing professional development.

•         In-depth knowledge and understanding of research on Teacher's professional development approaches and methodology.

For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews:

••••••••••• https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI

How to apply

To start the application process, applicants are required to register at http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form. Only applications received through http://jobs.unrwa.org will be considered. Due to the large number of applications received for UNRWA vacancies, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted. Please ensure that the e-mail address and mobile phone number that you will indicate in your Personal History Profile are accurate, candidates shortlisted for test or interview can be contacted by e-mail or phone.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to provide correct, accurate and up to date information in his/her application form. Any incorrect or misleading data may lead to disqualify the candidate.

The United Nations does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process. The United Nations does not concern itself with information related to bank accounts.

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General information

This vacancy notice is open to internal and external candidates. As an Area post, preference will be given to local candidates already based in the duty station of the post.

UNRWA is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNRWA staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment.

The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.

On appointment, all individuals will be asked to sign a self-attestation, confirming that they have not committed, been convicted of, or prosecuted for, any criminal offence and that they have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law.

Date of issue: 21 May 2019