Special Representative

World Health Organization

1. Directs the Health Programme, with the objective to contribute effectively towards improving the health status of Palestine refugees; provides strategic guidance and direction to ensure the Health Programme is managed on the basis of available funds in conformity with relevant UNRWA rules and regulations and a results-based budgeting approach.

2. As Director of the Department of Health, governing the Health Programme of the Palestine Refugees in UNRWA and reporting to the Commissioner-General of UNRWA and the Regional Director, WHO/EMRO, plans and directs the overall departmental, technical and administrative policies and programme. In this respect:

a) Assesses and interprets major policy issues with the objective of establishing strategic overall plans and setting into action programme activities to fulfill the mandate of the Health Programme; conducts regular review missions to fields of operation for this purpose;

b) Plans, directs and controls the strategic and technical operations of the Health Programme and its priorities with the operational and administrative activities directed through his/her Deputy who manages and mobilizes staff and financial resources;

c) Develops future technical cooperative activities with other UN Agencies and negotiates agreements with donor organizations to enhance and mobilize financial resources; develops and approves expert technical advisory services from WHO and elsewhere;

d) Develops and leads Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme to address complex emergency situations.

e) Leads the integration of mental health and psychosocial support services across UNRWA s health system, ensuring policy development, workforce training, and quality assurance in alignment with WHO guidelines.

f) Oversees the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of digital health transformation , including electronic health records, telemedicine, and health information systems, to enhance quality, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.

g) Ensures the availability, quality, and effective management of essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies , strengthening supply chain systems in line with WHO standards.

h) Develops strategies for health systems strengthening and workforce development , including workforce planning, training, and performance management, to ensure sustainable capacity and service quality across all fields.

3. Advises the Commissioner-General and reports on the planning, development and technical direction of the UNRWA Health Programme; contributes to and keeps the Commissioner-General well informed on WHO technical policies and approaches and scientific advances through attendance at scientific meetings and annual WHO Assembly, Executive Board and Regional Committees, as well as through communications with experts;

4. Represents the Commissioner-General at the WHO Assembly and Regional Committees and other meetings as assigned by the Commissioner-General and attends major meetings of UNRWA including the Management and Donors Meetings, Advisory Commission Meetings and other internal meetings;

5. Monitors, evaluates and reports on the health situation of Palestine refugees and UNRWA s Health Programmes to the Regional Director, EMRO, and liaises and co-ordinates with the relevant Executive Directors at WHO Headquarters;

6. Liaises with the Palestinian Health Authorities on all policy issues related to the harmonization of services and building an integral health care system in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, in particular co-chair with the Palestinian Minister of Health, and the UNRWA-PHA Coordinating Committee;

7. Liaises with the Ministers of Health of the host countries for co-ordination of common activities and maintains close contact with major donors for programme development and fund-raising, and advocates for the health rights of Palestine refugees at international, regional, and national levels to influence policy and mobilize sustainable resources.