The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to providing assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. Established in 1949, UNRWA's primary mandate is to support Palestinian refugees who were displaced as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict and their descendants.

UNRWA operates in five areas of operation: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. It provides essential services such as education, healthcare, relief, and social services to over 5 million registered Palestine refugees.

In recent years, UNRWA has faced significant challenges due to funding shortages, political instability in the region, and armed conflicts. Despite these challenges, UNRWA continues to play a crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Palestinian refugees.

Some of UNRWA's recent contributions include:

• Humanitarian Assistance: UNRWA provides emergency relief assistance to Palestine refugees affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies. This includes food aid, shelter, and medical supplies to those in need.

• Education: UNRWA operates one of the largest school systems in the Middle East, providing free education to hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children. In addition to academic subjects, UNRWA schools also focus on human rights, conflict resolution, and tolerance.

• Healthcare: UNRWA operates primary healthcare centers and clinics across its areas of operation, providing essential medical services to Palestine refugees. These services include maternal and child health care, immunizations, and treatment for chronic diseases.

• Social Services: UNRWA provides social services to support the most vulnerable Palestine refugees, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and female-headed households. This includes psychosocial support, vocational training, and community development programs.

• Advocacy and Protection: UNRWA advocates for the rights and well-being of Palestine refugees on the international stage, raising awareness about their plight and calling for political solutions to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. UNRWA also works to protect refugees' rights under international law.

Overall, UNRWA's work is vital in addressing the humanitarian needs of Palestine refugees and promoting stability and development in the region. However, continued support from the international community is essential to ensure UNRWA can fulfill its mandate effectively.

The organizational structure of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is designed to effectively deliver humanitarian assistance and protection to Palestine refugees across its areas of operation. Here is an overview of the main organizational structure and key figures within UNRWA:

Commissioner-General:

The Commissioner-General is the head of UNRWA and oversees the overall operations and management of the agency.

The current Commissioner-General is Philippe Lazzarini, who assumed office in April 2020. He is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to UNRWA's activities.

Deputy Commissioner-General:

The Deputy Commissioner-General assists the Commissioner-General in managing the agency and may act as the Commissioner-General in their absence.

The current Deputy Commissioner-General of UNRWA is Leni Stenseth, who brings extensive experience in humanitarian affairs to the role.

Director of Operations:

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing UNRWA's field operations, including education, healthcare, relief, and social services.

This position is crucial for ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees in various locations.

Director of External Relations and Communications:

The Director of External Relations and Communications is responsible for managing UNRWA's communications, advocacy, and fundraising efforts.

This role plays a vital role in raising awareness about the situation of Palestine refugees and mobilizing support for UNRWA's activities.

Field Directors:

Field Directors are appointed to oversee UNRWA's operations in specific geographic areas, such as Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

They work closely with local authorities, partner organizations, and communities to ensure the effective implementation of UNRWA's programs and services.

Key Figures:

In addition to the senior leadership mentioned above, UNRWA employs thousands of staff members, including teachers, healthcare professionals, social workers, and administrative personnel.

These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to provide education, healthcare, relief, and social services to millions of Palestine refugees in need.

Advisory Commission:

The Advisory Commission is a key advisory body composed of representatives from UNRWA's donor countries and host countries, as well as the League of Arab States and the Palestinian Authority.

The Advisory Commission provides guidance and support to UNRWA's operations, including strategic planning, policy development, and resource mobilization.

Overall, the organizational structure of UNRWA is designed to ensure effective leadership, coordination, and delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees, while key figures within the agency play critical roles in advancing its mission and objectives.

UNRWA has headquarters and field offices located across its areas of operation, including Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Here is information on their main offices and how to contact them:

Headquarters:

Location: UNRWA Headquarters is located in Amman, Jordan.

Contact Details:

Address: UNRWA Headquarters, 22 Zahran Street, Jabal Amman, Amman, Jordan.

Phone: +962 6 580 8191

Email: headquarters@unrwa.org

Field Offices:

UNRWA operates field offices in various locations to oversee its operations and provide services to Palestine refugees. These field offices are typically located in major cities within their respective regions.

Contact details for specific field offices can be found on the UNRWA website or by contacting the headquarters.

Joining UNRWA:

UNRWA offers employment opportunities for individuals who are passionate about humanitarian work and committed to serving Palestine refugees. Job vacancies are regularly advertised on the UNRWA website and other job portals.

Interested candidates can apply for positions that match their skills, qualifications, and experience. Applications are typically submitted online through the UNRWA recruitment portal.

UNRWA also recruits staff through international and national competitive processes, as well as through secondment arrangements with government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations.

Collaboration and Partnership:

Organizations or individuals interested in collaborating with UNRWA or supporting its humanitarian efforts can explore partnership opportunities through various channels.

UNRWA engages with governments, UN agencies, NGOs, private sector entities, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to enhance its programs and services.

Potential partners can reach out to UNRWA headquarters or field offices to express interest in collaboration and explore potential areas of cooperation.

Collaborative initiatives may include funding support, technical assistance, capacity-building activities, research partnerships, advocacy campaigns, and more.

Overall, UNRWA welcomes collaboration with individuals, organizations, and governments that share its commitment to supporting Palestine refugees and promoting their rights and well-being. By working together, stakeholders can contribute to the agency's efforts to provide essential services and assistance to vulnerable populations in the region.