Deputy Country Representative

Deputy Country Representative

UN Women

July 25, 2025September 8, 2025IslamabadPakistan
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an entity of the United Nations dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established in July 2010, UN Women was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact in the area of gender equality. The organization builds on the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues. UN Women operates globally, with a presence in numerous countries, including Pakistan, where it has been active since 200
  • The organization aims to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men in various sectors, including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women Pakistan focuses on creating an enabling environment for women and girls to reach their full potential and ensures their rights are protected and upheld through various initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Country Representative (DCR) plays a crucial role in the management of the UN Women Country Office in Pakistan. Reporting directly to the Country Representative, the DCR is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office, ensuring effective implementation and oversight of the country program aligned with UN Women’s Strategic Plan. The DCR will work closely with the Operations Manager to integrate programming and operations, fostering teamwork and maximizing efficiency. This position requires a strategic thinker who can provide advisory support, manage program teams, and represent UN Women in various coordination efforts within the UN system. The DCR will also be involved in resource mobilization and advocacy strategies to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Manage the programme team, overseeing daily operations, work planning, and resource management.
  • Provide strategic advisory support to the Country Representative, ensuring compliance and accountability in program monitoring and evaluation.
  • Represent UN Women in UN system coordination, collaborating with other UN agencies and stakeholders.
  • Develop and implement resource mobilization strategies, establishing partnerships with government and donors.
  • Advocate for UN Women’s mission at various events and meetings.
  • Facilitate knowledge management and capacity building initiatives.
  • Manage personnel, providing guidance and performance feedback.
  • Ensure integration of programs and operations for efficient resource use and compliance with UN Women’s accountability framework.
  • Perform additional duties as necessary for the office's efficient functioning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in international development, economics, gender studies, public administration, public policy, or a related field. 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 demonstrate excellent program formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills, along with the ability to develop operational plans and budgets. Strong leadership, analytical, and negotiation skills are essential, as well as a thorough understanding of the UN system and local context.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. A project/programme management certification is a plus, indicating a formal recognition of skills in managing projects effectively.

Experience:
At least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience is required, focusing on strategic and managerial leadership in development programs, particularly in gender equality and women's empowerment. Experience in the UN system or similar development sectors is preferred, along with field-based experience working with multicultural teams. Candidates should have a proven track record in leading and coaching staff, as well as proficiency in using office software and web-based management systems.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Urdu is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves managing a team of approximately 50 personnel, including 8 direct reports. The role requires strong leadership and the ability to create an enabling work environment. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and expects all personnel to adhere to its standards of conduct. Background checks will be conducted for selected candidates, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.
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