Background

The Gaza Strip is experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian and development crises in recent history. The escalation of hostilities since October 2023 has caused unprecedented destruction and loss of life, exacerbating decades of blockade, recurrent conflict, and socio-economic decline. More than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed, 1.7 million displaced, and over 60% of housing units destroyed or damaged. Basic services—including electricity, health, water and sanitation, and education—are near collapse, with hospitals overwhelmed, schools repurposed as shelters, and widespread outbreaks of disease. Food insecurity has reached catastrophic levels, with the entire population facing crisis or worse conditions. The war has also devastated Gaza’s economy, leading to massive job losses and worsening poverty, while undermining the delivery of essential services.

Against this backdrop, the United Nations Development Programme / Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP) brings over four decades of experience in early recovery, reconstruction, and resilience-building in the occupied Palestinian territory. Since its establishment in 1978, UNDP/PAPP has invested more than $1.7 billion in infrastructure, livelihoods, governance, and resilience, with a proven track record in post-conflict recovery in Gaza, including large-scale rubble removal and livelihood restoration efforts after previous wars. UNDP acts as an integrator, convening multiple partners—including UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector—to link short-term humanitarian relief with long-term development pathways.

Recent and ongoing initiatives build on this foundation. The Gaza Early Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience Programme (GERP) provides an integrated response across three pillars: restoration of essential infrastructure and services; inclusive economic recovery; and support for governance and social cohesion. A flagship component is large-scale debris and rubble removal and reuse, prioritizing safety, community engagement, and recycling for reconstruction. 

Complementing this, the Gaza Economic Resilience Programme (ERP) (2023–2026) focuses on longer-term economic transformation, targeting employment promotion, MSME development, and business-enabling reforms. ERP addresses structural barriers such as the blockade, restricted trade, limited access to finance and technology, weak business environment, and gender disparities, aiming to restore Gaza’s productive base and strengthen resilience. These programmes build on the legacy of the Deprived Families Economic Empowerment Programme (DEEP), launched in 2007, which pioneered linking social protection to economic empowerment. DEEP successfully engaged vulnerable households in sustainable livelihoods, shifting from aid dependency to active participation in economic development, and establishing models for microenterprise support, inclusive targeting, and poverty reduction.

Building on lessons from previous interventions (e.g., DEEP, ERP, and GERP) and drawing inspiration from the Temporary Basic Income (TBI) and socio-economic recovery frameworks, UNDP ois currently evolving the programme to best fir the current and future needs in Gaza, in close coordination with the Palestinian Government, with a focus on immediate humanitarian relief while laying the foundations for inclusive, green, and resilient development. Special emphasis will be placed on rebuilding Gaza’s ecosystem for livelihoods and private sector recovery, restoring dignity through jobs, and creating conditions for sustainable peace.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work:

The incumbent will undertake the  following functions:

1.Substantively contribute to formulation and implementation of UNDP programme strategies and policies:

• Contribute to analysis of the political, social and economic situation in the country; and contribute collaborative inputs to the UN Common Country Assessment and Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNCCA and UNSDCF) as well as to the preparation/revision of the Country Programme Document (CPD), Integrated Work Plan (IWP) and other strategic documents.
• Contribute to operationalizing UNSDCF/ CPD in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies.
• Ensure implementation of relevant programme Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the effectiveness of the PAPP business processes. 
• Analyze and synthesize proposals in assigned programme areas.

2. Ensure effective management of the programme within the assigned thematic/sector areas focusing on quality assurance and risk management from formulation to implementation of the economic recovery programme.

• Contribute to design and formulation of programme, translate UNDP priorities into local interventions, and oversee programme implementation with the implementing partners within the assigned programme areas. Ensure that design and formulation of programme considers societal digital technology risks and opportunities and other future signals.
• Oversee planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the assigned programme areas; and track use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. Ensure digital technology solutions in programme implementation are managed towards scalability and sustainability in line with UNDP’s digital standards.
• Ensure effective application of results-based management tools and track achievement of strategic results.
• Ensure the effective use of data in programme implementation, across the data lifecycle; and ensure effective monitoring, evaluation and learning on programme impact. 
• Support trends analysis for future informed and anticipatory programming.
• Follow up on audit recommendations and ensure the implementation of management responses.
• Prepare and aggregate reports on activities, outputs and outcomes, including donor and corporate reports.
• Support to the rollout of new initiatives and programmes including through presentation of the project to PAC; finalize contribution agreements; and determine required revisions.

3. Ensure creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy.

• Develop partnerships with the UN Agencies, international financial institutions (IFIs), government institutions, donors, private sector, and civil society in assigned programme/ thematic areas. 
• Identify strategic programme areas of cooperation including for joint programming. 
• Analyze and research information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identify opportunities for initiation of new projects, and substantively contribute to Country office resource mobilization efforts. 
• Support development of portfolios and Country office pipeline including through the design of Programme/Project documents, concept notes, proposals, and cross-sectoral coordination in assigned areas to bring resources for projects

4. Ensure provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management.

• Identify policy-driven issues; and identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals.
• Establish/strengthen national and international advocacy networks. Implement relevant, high -impact advocacy with key partners.
• Provide substantive support in the development of policies and institutions to address country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.
• Provide input so that policy advisory contributes to inclusive societal digital transformation and takes digital technology risks and opportunities or futures signals into account. 
• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and digital knowledge platforms.
• Organize training for the operations/ projects staff on programme related matters in assigned areas

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

In this context, the Programme Specialist will work under the guidance of the Head of Gaza Office and the supervision of the Head of Programme. S/he works in close collaboration with the programme team, technical advisors and experts, UN agencies, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors, and civil society to implement the economic recovery programme. S/he provides quality technical support to partners in his or her area of work. The incumbent will supervise two project Managers.

Competencies:

Core: 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies :

Required Skills and Experience:

ONLY CURRENT PALESTINIAN NATIONALS AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN GAZA STRIP AND WILLING TO WORK AND TRAVEL THROUGHOUT VARIOUS CITIES IN THE STRIP ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION. ALL OTHER APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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