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

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Business Development Officer – Early Recovery Livelihood Project, field based role coordinates small business support across Syria.

Lead outreach, evaluation, coaching and monitoring for small business grants to Palestine refugees, ensuring inclusive and accountable service delivery.

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

Org. Setting and Reporting

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA's services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East with more than 30,000 staff. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. The Business Development Officer will work under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager / Project Manager and under the technical guidance of the Recovery Programme team. At field level, the post will coordinate closely with the Chief Area Office, Area Office focal points, RSSP, Social Services, TVET, Microfinance, Community Centres and M&E colleagues. The post is field-based and requires regular movement to camps, gatherings, community centres, training centres, households and business locations for outreach, verification, coaching and monitoring purposes. The distribution of Business Development Officers shall be based on the project’s geographic coverage, expected caseload, number of camps and gatherings, volume of applications, field verification requirements, business assessment workload, training referrals and post-support monitoring needs. The allocation should therefore reflect operational demand and implementation intensity, rather than equal distribution across areas. The incumbent is reporting to the Programme Manager/ Project Manager

Responsibilities

• 1. Supports outreach, registration and intake of applicants for small business grants, toolkits and training-linked livelihood support.
• 2. Screens Applications against approved eligibility, vulnerability and project criteria.
• 3. Reviews proposed and existing business activities to assess feasibility, market demand, cost realism and basic operational risks and business viability.
• 4. Conducts basic market assessments to identify value livelihood opportunities, value chain gaps and emerging market trends relevant to targeted communities.
• 5. Supports applicants to develop simple business plans, including required inputs, budget, expected sales, implementation milestones, risks and mitigation measures.
• 6. Prepares clear verification notes, case summaries ad supporting documents for review by the relevant committees.
• 7. Conducts field verification, including home visits, business site visits, documentation review and cross-checking of beneficiary information.
• 8. Completes approved verification forms, score sheets and supporting documentation based on evidence and proper records.
• 9. Supports the Selection Committee and Scoring Committee by providing complete case files, business assessment findings, verification records and clarification where required.
• 10. Ensures that applicants who are not selected are informed through the approved communication channels and that appeals or complaints are referred through the appropriate mechanism.
• 11. Supports selected beneficiaries after grant or toolkit approval to verify use of assistance, business progress and achievement of agreed milestones.
• 12. Provides basic coaching to beneficiaries on costing, pricing, recordkeeping, stock management, customer relations and simple cash-flow planning.
• 13. Supports referrals to TVET, Microfinance, RSSP, Social Services, Community Centres and other relevant services, where needed.
• 14. Coordinates with TVET and Community Centres to confirm training relevance, beneficiary attendance, completion and linkage to livelihood opportunities.
• 15. Coordinates with Microfinance colleagues where beneficiaries may require financial literacy, business advice or linkage to suitable financial services.
• 16. Tracks beneficiary progress through regular field visits, phone follow-up, post-support monitoring and documentation of business status.
• 17. Identifies and report risks, including unrealistic business plans, inflated costs, duplication of assistance, misuse of support, conflict of interest, safeguarding concerns and protection-related issues.
• 18. Maintains accurate beneficiary files, including application forms, verification notes, business plans, scoring records, committee decisions, coaching notes and monitoring updates.
• 19. Ensures that gender equality, disability inclusion, age sensitivity and protection principles are considered throughout outreach, assessment, selection, referrals, coaching and follow-up.
• 20. Maintains confidentiality of beneficiary data, complaints, appeals and case documentation in line with UNRWA data protection and accountability requirements.
• 21. Submits regular progress updates to the supervisor, including completed cases, field challenges, complaints, risks and recommended follow-up actions.
• 22. Performs other related duties as required by the supervisor within the scope of the Early Recovery, Res

Competencies

• 1- Strong field coordination and community engagement skills.
• 2- Ability to assess small business feasibility and market relevance.
• 3- Good understanding of vulnerability, protection, gender and inclusion considerations.
• 4- Strong documentation, verification and reporting skills.
• 5- Ability to manage confidential beneficiary information.
• 6- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• 7- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• 8- Ability to coordinate with multiple programme and field teams.
• 9- Integrity, impartiality and accountability in beneficiary selection and follow-up.
• 10- Practical understanding of livelihoods, small grants, TVET, microfinance or early recovery programming.

Education

A University degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Social Science, Livelihoods, Microfinance, Entrepreneurship, Project management or related subject is required

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

Indicate your current involvement in any outside activities, as it is required. Including but not limited to employment, independent contractor/freelance consultant, board member (corporate, academic, etc), expert group, lobby, public speaking/writing (article, book, blog, social media etc), teaching, conferences, training, press statement, voluntary work, political activity, fundraising/donation for non-UNRWA entity, running for public office, role in political party or orgs, owning business, work for gov./NGO/private company/charity, UNRWA partner/vendor, full/part-time, paid or not. A “yes” answer doesn’t necessarily lead to exclusion from future work at UNRWA, yet misrepresentation in providing accurate/complete info can lead to disqualification/termination of appointment, if hired. - At least three years of relevant experience in livelihoods, small business development, entrepreneurship support, microfinance, community-based programming, field verification, grants support, vocational training linkage or early recovery programming is required. - Experience in business assessment, beneficiary verification, market assessment, coaching, monitoring or cash/grant-based assistance are desirable - Experience working with vulnerable communities, refugees, Palestine refugees or conflict-affected populations is an asset is required

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Arabic UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Contract Type: Limited Duration Contract for 6 months renewable appointment subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and continuing need. Grade: Band F, - Monthly basic salary: 896.20 US$. The salary may be subject to a reduced work schedule. Additional benefits: • Dependency allowances (if applicable). • 30 days of Annual leave pro-rated to the duration of the contract where less than one year. • 2.5 days of sick leave for each completed month of service. • Maternity Leave, upon meeting eligibility requirements. • 2 weeks paternity leave. upon meeting eligibility requirements - This vacancy notice is open to internal and external candidates. Only candidates residing in Syria and within commuting distance of the duty station with authorization to work in the duty station at the time of application are eligible to apply. - The Agency will not assume responsibility or accountability to support or facilitate the issuance of work permit in Syria, and without a valid work permit, the appointment may be rescinded. Preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates of the underrepresented gender to assist the Agency to meet its commitment to gender parity. - UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. - A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for appointment to the same post or a similar post in the future should suitable vacancies become available. - Only applications that have been fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system inspira will be considered and no late applications will be accepted. The PHP should be completed with full relevant work experience under the experience tabs as per the requirements in the Job Opening. All acquired university degrees must also be stated, if applicable. - Providing incorrect or misleading information on an application will result in the immediate disqualification of a candidate. - UNRWA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNRWA, including sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, racism/racial discrimination and other forms of conduct, including but not limited to discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all recommended candidates and those placed on a roster to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s), employment history, ClearCheck and INTERPOL, as well as certification of non-conviction, where available. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. By applying for a position with UNRWA, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes. - The Agency disqualifies applicants whose name appears on the UN Sanctions List or a UN database of staff separated for reason of misconduct or of staff who separated whilst misconduct processes were pending. - UNRWA shares investigation and misconduct information with other UN Agencies, and past and prospective employers, about staff members who have been separated for misconduct, or who have separated whilst an investigation and/or disciplinary process for misconduct is underway; and such persons may be prohibited from employment with the United Nations. - Please find below the link to a video that guides applicants on how to apply to Job Openings: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MH-IYA6Y8kxA1fgao5qyTV8VwNajgx4u/view?usp=sharing - Advertisements published only in English will only accept applications in English, and Arabic submissions will not be considered. - The Agency will immediately disqualify applicants who are ineligible for any reason in accordance with the Agency regulatory framework. - UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live. - For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/United Nations Considerations

United Nations Considerations

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Commissioner-General of UNRWA and to assignment by him or her. 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 applicants from under-represented groups. At UNRWA, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. UNRWA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. UNRWA Considerations UNRWA staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence, neutrality, impartiality and integrity. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. Candidates will not be considered for employment with UNRWA if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. The Agency may disqualify applicants who have separated for reason of misconduct, who left a UN Agency while misconduct processes were pending, or who appear on the UN Sanctions List. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided.