Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a part of the United Nations Secretariat, operating under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Established to facilitate cooperation among its 21 member countries in Western Asia and North Africa, ESCWA aims to provide a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies, serving as a platform for coordination and a repository of expertise and knowledge. The organization collaborates with various UN divisions, specialized agencies, and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council, to enhance regional development and cooperation.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme plays a pivotal role in directing key aspects of ESCWA's work related to economic and social development, data science, and governance. This position involves advising the Executive Secretary on strategic directions for programmatic work, technical cooperation, and relationships with member states and stakeholders. The incumbent will lead the development and implementation of ESCWA's long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with the 2030 Agenda and results-based management principles. The role also includes enhancing engagement with sub-regional organizations and national government authorities, as well as outreach to civil society and non-governmental partners in the region. The Deputy Executive Secretary is expected to formulate and implement substantive work programs, oversee technical cooperation initiatives, and identify strategies for program improvement while managing risks and proposing mitigating measures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme will be responsible for the following duties:

• Lead the development and implementation of ESCWA's long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with the 2030 Agenda and regional priorities.
• Advise the Executive Secretary on strategic directions for programmatic work and technical cooperation.
• Formulate, implement, and direct substantive work programs, including monitoring and evaluation.
• Oversee technical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives to support member states in adopting evidence-based policies.
• Identify strategies for program improvement and highlight risks to planned delivery, proposing mitigating measures.
• Provide leadership in developing change management programs related to the ESCWA reform agenda.
• Undertake any other functions as assigned by the Executive Secretary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven experience in managing programmatic work within a large international development organization. They should demonstrate the ability to perform duties diplomatically and negotiate effectively with various external and internal partners. A strong sense of professionalism, commitment to achieving results, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential. Candidates should also exhibit strong planning and organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and leadership qualities that inspire others to follow. The role requires a commitment to gender balance and the incorporation of gender perspectives in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in programme management, economic sciences, social sciences, international development, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, economic or social development, and international development planning. A minimum of ten years of experience in managing development programs at the regional or international level is required, along with at least fifteen years of working experience in the Arab region. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience in leading and implementing development strategies aligned with the 2030 Agenda and SDGs, as well as ten years of experience in international organizations. Experience in facilitating intergovernmental negotiations and dealing with regional donor organizations is also required.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, with a minimum UN Level II proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until April 30, 202

• If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment does not guarantee future incumbency of the post. The eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members appointed to this position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter.