Position: Head of Gaza Emergency Operations

Reporting Relationship: Country Representative oPt

Works in coordination with: Head of Support Services, MEAL Manager, Security Advisor, Advocacy and Communication Manager, HR Manager, Regional Procurement Specialist and other regional staff as needed

Location: Temporarily Amman, with frequent missions to the Gaza Strip, Ramallah and Jerusalem as required

Deadline: 25/07/2025

Starting date: ASAP

Family duty station: NO

R&R: NO

Contract Type: Expatriate (International)

Working context

WeWorld has been present in the West Bank since 1992 and in Gaza since 1997 with a dual development and humanitarian mandate seeking new solutions to a long-standing crisis. The organization has been active in the fields of WASH, Shelter, Protection, Economic Development, Health, and Education and is funded mainly by ECHO, the European Commission, UN agencies, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and other cooperation agencies. WeWorld in Palestine has 6 offices: a central office in Jerusalem and field offices in the Gaza Strip (2), Ramallah, Hebron and Tubas. Currently, WeWorld’s Emergency Team engaged in the Gaza response operates primarily from Amman, where the international team is based, with missions into the field as needed. There is also the possibility of temporary deployment to Cairo should the situation on the ground require such a logistical arrangement.

As a response to the current hostilities, WeWorld in Gaza is engaged in a multisectoral humanitarian intervention to support and address lifesaving needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP). The main sectors of intervention are WASH and Education, along with Shelter/NFI and Food Security for conflict-affected populations.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Gaza Emergency Operations leads the Gaza Management Team, composed by program and operations staff, as well as support staff. S/He directs WeWorld programs for the Gaza Strip ensuring quality of the activities, from development through execution, including the oversight of support functions. Identifies programming opportunities and areas where the organization can demonstrate its value and relevance. The Head of Gaza Emergency Operations develops relations and represents the organization with donors, local and national governments, and partners, to maintain positive organizational profile, and is also responsible for the security management for Gaza operations and Jordan base.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Representation, External Relations and Accountability

• In coordination with the Country Representative oPt (based in Ramallah), represents WeWorld and is responsible for relations with relevant authorities, donors, local and international partners, and all relevant stakeholders operating in Gaza Strip
• Participates in events around the Gaza crisis and speaks on behalf of WeWorld
• Responsible for the dissemination, implementation, compliance and monitoring of the application of WeWorld policies within Gaza operations
• Responsible for on-site dissemination and training, compliance with and monitoring the application of WeWorld Code of Ethics and Conduct and all internal policies for Gaza operations in coordination and with the support with HoSs
• Responsible for the analysis and assessment of risks present in Gaza mission, reporting regularly to the Country Representative
• Responsible for the safety and security of the organization’s people and assets in Gaza and Jordan, in line with WeWorld policy
• Responsible for establishing and adhering to WeWorld Security and Safety Plans in Gaza and Jordan in line with the organization’s relevant policy and procedures and updating it periodically in consultation with the Security Advisor under the supervision of the Country Representative
• Responsible for disseminating the WeWorld Security and Safety Plans and organizing security training and information to expatriate and local staff operating in Gaza mission

Strategy, partnerships and resource mobilization

• Responsible for the formulation and periodic review of WeWorld Gaza operations strategy and ensures its consistency with the organization’s country, regional and global strategy
• Builds and strengthens strategic partnerships in Gaza mission through active participation in networks and coordination mechanisms, promotion of new networks and partnerships by enhancing the expertise of the organization
• Develops and enhances Gaza crisis’ strategic programmatic partnerships defined globally and regionally by WeWorld
• Examines the risks and opportunities presented by WeWorld strategic positioning in Gaza response and prepares appropriate responses to ensure sustainable projects and operations
• In collaboration with the management team and the Project Development and Knowledge Management department (PDKM), coordinates the drafting of project/program proposals in collaboration with/with the support of the MEAL Department and technical experts of the oPt mission
• Strengthens relationships with institutional donors engaged in the Gaza response enhancing WeWorld expertise and achievements over time
• Identifies and develops local funding opportunities, actively engaging with new and existing donors present locally, contributing to the mission’s financial sustainability through regular analysis of the funding landscape, risk and opportunity assessment, and diversification of donors, under the strategic direction of the Country Representative and guidance of the Head of Regional Unit

Local Office(s) Management, Human Resources and Volunteers

• Is responsible for all human resources, international and national, employed in the Gaza and Jordan Missions for the implementation of WeWorld institutional activities in collaboration with the HR Department
• In collaboration with the Management Team, proposes and updates the most effective organizational chart, roles, and functions to carry out WeWorld activities in Gaza mission in a logic of sustainability

Program Management

• In collaboration with the Management Team, ensures that programs implemented in Gaza are in line with and consistent with the organization’s country and regional strategy, have high quality standards, and achieve their objectives
• Ensures supervision of the MEAL program for all projects under his ultimate supervision in close collaboration with the MEAL department
• Ultimately responsible for the quality of project reporting and its compliance with the rules and timelines defined by WeWorld and those established by the relevant donors

Administration and Controlling

• Provides oversight of the finance and procurement functions embedded in the response team (supervising the work of the Emergency Finance Manager and the Procurement Coordinator) in close coordination with and with the support of the HoSs, the HR Department (HR Manager based in Ramallah), and other relevant technical supervisors (e.g., Regional Procurement Specialist)
• Under the guidance of the Country Representative and in line with the organization’s requirements, develops the Gaza operations’ annual budget proposal and submits it to the Country Representative
• Plans and monitors the approved annual budget
• Responsible for the proper use of WeWorld funds in Gaza and Jordan missions, in line with legal requirements, and promotes a culture of proper and efficient financial management, quality, transparency, and credibility
• Ensures compliance in the management of the local offices and projects implemented in line with regulations and provisions of WeWorld and its donors

Communication, policy and advocacy

• Contributes to WeWorld external communication regarding Gaza Operations and its adherence to the organization’s relevant regulations and guidelines
• Supervises that proper visibility of donors is ensured in all internal and external communication materials and activities, in compliance with donor guidelines and organizational standards
• Disseminates within Gaza operations the guidelines for external communication and the use of WeWorld logo to the local office staff ensuring its proper use
• Proposes external communication and advocacy activities in the country
• Contributes the production of content for external communication at Gaza mission level on its own initiative and/or at the request of WeWorld Communication Department

Security and Safety Management

• Under the supervision of the Country Representative, lead the development and implementation of the Gaza-specific security and safety strategy, in alignment with the country-level security framework and under the guidance of the Global Security Manager (GSM)
• Ensure close collaboration with the Security Advisor for Gaza (under direct line management) and with the Country Security Advisor, to contextualize risks and mitigation protocols
• Identify security threats and operational risks, and establish early warning and monitoring systems accordingly
• Coordinate the design, communication, and testing of security and safety procedures and contingency plans, ensuring operational preparedness and adherence to HQ standards.
• Develop and document emergency preparedness and evacuation plans, including scenario planning and response protocols
• Oversee the daily security and safety of field movements and premises through established platforms and coordination mechanisms
• Maintain updated headcounts and ensure real-time tracking of staff presence and movements in Gaza.
• Act as operational lead for all Gaza-based missions and deployments, ensuring their safe planning and execution
• Coordinates with the relevant Israeli authorities and humanitarian access mechanisms to ensure that a functional and predictable rotation system for international staff entry into Gaza is established, operational and aligned with existing security procedures and protocols as defined by inter-agency coordination and security working groups

The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role-holder may be required to perform additional duties.