Country Representative Palestine Territories

Job location:                     West Bank, Palestine Territories

Starting date:                   as soon as possible

Vacancy closing date:    23rd of November 2025

Duration position:           one year, with a possibility to extend

Working hours/week:    40

ZOA, as an international NGO, supports people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover – providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East Region, and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.

ZOA is looking for a

Country Representative Palestine Territories

(Gaza – Palestine National)

Our work in Gaza

ZOA has been working in the Palestinian Territories since 2023, focusing on addressing urgent humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip as well as a small scale intervention in the West Bank. We do this in collaboration with our partner iTrust.ONE, who has a large network in Gaza and the West Bank. ZOA is in the process of establishing an office in Gaza and the West Bank, and we have the registration process with the Palestinian Authorities completed. ZOA Palestinian Territories focuses on Multipurpose Cash Assistance, Food Security & Livelihoods and WASH. ZOA recently registered as ZOA branch in Palestine Territories with the Ministry of Interior.

Your challenge

The Country Representative leads and manages ZOA’s programmes and operations in line with the organisation’s Strategic and Country Plan. While access to Gaza remains restricted, the role involves effective remote management of the local team and activities.

Your main tasks and responsibilities

Building up and expanding the overall program, by providing leadership and integral management for program management in Gaza as well as the West Bank.

Leadership

• Serve as ZOA’s legal representative;
• Lead and manage the country team and operations;
• Develop and implement the Country Annual Plan and budget;
• Provide spiritual and inspirational Christian leadership.

Programme cycle management

• Oversee programme formulation, development and implementation;
• Coordinate projects in Gaza and the West Bank (remotely if needed);
• Consolidation of the programme plans and formulation of the country strategy;
• Final responsibility for project cycle management, including formulation of concept papers and proposals, budgeting, monitoring and reporting

Partner management and external relations

• Ensures the quality of the relationship with (local) partner organisations;
• Manages the implementing and strategic partnership engagements at country level.
• Together with ZOA HQ, develops and maintains the relationship with donors.
• Maintains relationships with all relevant actors in country;
• Ensures legal compliance within the country.

HR/admin/finance

• Together with DRT responsible for Human Resource Management for international and local staff;
• Supervise the Country Management Team (CMT);
• Oversee the administrative and financial organisation.

 Security

• Ensures the design and maintenance of an effective security management system at country level, in line with ZOA’s security policies and procedures;
• Monitors adherence to security protocols by all staff and partners under his/her responsibility;
• Reports security incidents promptly and in accordance with ZOA’s reporting procedures.

Your profile

Identity

• The candidate is expected to fully support the vision, mission and Christian values of ZOA.

 Knowledge & experience

• University graduate;
• At least five years of cross cultural experience;
• At least five years of relevant management experience in an international setting;
• Good spoken and written command of English, Arabic fluency strongly preferred.;

Leadership and management

• Provides spiritual leadership
• Demonstrates strategic vision and sound decision making
• Encourages participation, learning and team development
• Strong operational, analytical and writing skills
• Excellent communicator, even in challenging and tense contexts
• Build networks and maintains organisational awareness
• Gives constructive feedback and support staff growth and well-being
• Flexible, culturally sensitive and able to perform under pressure in dynamic environments.

Special requirements

• Palestinian nationality and strong familiarity with the Gaza context (preferably Gaza-origin or long-term experience)
• Able to navigate complex political relationships in the region
• Good relationship with established network in Gaza and West Bank
• Preferably experience in cash programming / affinity for cash modalities
• Able to communicate diplomatically and sensitively with donors regarding the regional context

Special conditions

• Initially no face to face contact with team in Gaza strip
• This is a non-family posting;
• As soon as this is possible, travel to Gaza and to other ZOA programme locations will be needed to support and supervise the project implementation team directly.
• As ZOA is in the process of establishing an office in Gaza and the West Bank, and therefore we currently operate through a consultancy agreement.
• In order to live and work in the West Bank, a residence and/or work permit is required. Given this, and considering the importance of local expertise and familiarity with the registration processes, only local candidates will be considered.

Interested and ready to apply?

For questions, contact ZOA HR Department at zoa.vacancies@zoa.ngo.
Apply via our website before 23 November 2025. Please limit your CV to a maximum of 5 pages.

ZOA values diversity and welcomes qualified applicants of all backgrounds. Background and reference checks are part of the recruitment process.

Notes on the Recruitment Process

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We aim to inform all applicants within four weeks after the closing date. An assessment may be part of the process.

ZOA conducts background and reference checks for all candidates in line with the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, including verification of past conduct related to safeguarding and integrity.