Country Representative

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization merges resources and mandates from four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between genders. UN Women operates in various countries, including Mali, where it addresses complex challenges such as insecurity, humanitarian needs, and gender inequalities. The organization aims to support national efforts aligned with international commitments like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Job Overview:
The Country Representative for UN Women in Mali is tasked with leading and managing the Mali Country Office (CO) portfolio, translating UN Women's Strategic Plan into actionable development initiatives. This role involves developing, implementing, and managing programs and projects that align with national priorities and international commitments. The Country Representative operates within a matrix management model, reporting to the UN Women West and Central Africa Regional Director while also being accountable to the UN Resident Coordinator in Mali. The position requires a focus on women's leadership, gender-responsive governance, and the prevention of violence against women, all within a challenging operational environment marked by socio-economic fragility and climate vulnerability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the strategic country programme planning and development, ensuring alignment with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Lead the implementation of the new Country Strategic Note (SN 2027-2031) in collaboration with various stakeholders.
• Provide substantive advice to senior management on regional strategy and programming.
• Oversee the quality of results-based programming and finalize annual work plans and budgets.
• Establish and maintain a risk management framework, conducting regular assessments and ensuring compliance with UN Women's policies.
• Lead the Mali Country Office in achieving operational goals and managing personnel performance.
• Serve as a member of the UN Country Team, ensuring gender equality is integrated into UN programming processes.
• Represent UN Women in intergovernmental forums and advocate for gender equality.
• Develop resource mobilization strategies and manage partnerships with stakeholders and donors. 1
• Oversee safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures for personnel and organizational assets.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in development-related disciplines, economics, public policy, or social sciences. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A project/programme management certification (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) is advantageous. Candidates should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible development experience, particularly in gender and women's issues programming at the international level, preferably within the UN system. Field-based experience with multicultural teams and experience in risk management frameworks are also required.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in development-related fields is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification is a plus.

Experience:
At least 10 years of relevant experience in development cooperation, with a focus on strategic and managerial leadership in international contexts. Experience in gender and women's issues programming, particularly in developing countries, is essential. Candidates should have experience leading and coaching staff, implementing risk management frameworks, and managing organizational risks. Experience in fragile or conflict-affected contexts is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in a challenging operational environment. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse.