Expert in Circular Economy Policy and Business Development
UN Commissions
Beirut
Lebanon
December 9, 2025
Full-timeDecember 9, 2025
Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme Support
UN Commissions About
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter.
Due to the powers vested in its Charter and its unique international character, the United Nations can take action on the issues confronting humanity in the 21st century, such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, food production, and more.
The UN also provides a forum for its members to express their views in the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees. By enabling dialogue between its members, and by hosting negotiations, the Organization has become a mechanism for governments to find areas of agreement and solve problems together.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a part of the United Nations Secretariat and operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Established to facilitate cooperation among 21 Arab 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 knowledge sharing. 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 Support plays a crucial role in directing and overseeing ESCWA's programme support operations. This position involves strategic planning, technical cooperation, and resource mobilization, directly supporting the Executive Secretary in various administrative and operational matters. The incumbent is expected to lead the implementation of ESCWA’s strategy in alignment with the 2030 Agenda, ensuring that all activities are consistent with regional priorities and results-based management principles. The role also includes overseeing change management initiatives, coordinating resource mobilization efforts, and providing authoritative advice on operational matters, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and agility of ESCWA's operations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme Support will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: assisting the Executive Secretary in directing programme support operations; leading the implementation of ESCWA’s strategic initiatives; advising on strategic direction and programme planning; formulating and directing programme monitoring and evaluation; overseeing change management programmes; coordinating resource mobilization and partnership building; identifying strategies for improving programme delivery; providing leadership in change management; advising senior management on operational matters; coordinating with national authorities on administrative issues; supervising knowledge dissemination products and conference services; chairing relevant committees; and supporting the Executive Secretary in implementing the SG's efficiency agenda.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven experience in managing people, resources, and assets, demonstrating professionalism and the ability to negotiate effectively in complex situations. The role requires strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to develop clear goals and adjust priorities as necessary. Excellent communication skills are essential, as is the ability to lead and inspire others. Candidates should also exhibit sound judgment and decision-making capabilities, with a focus on achieving results and maintaining high standards of integrity and efficiency.
Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in business, management, public administration, international development, or a related field 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:
At least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in strategic management, human resources, administration, logistics, financial management, or a related field is required. Candidates must have at least fifteen years of experience in international organizations, with specific experience in the Arab region and in facilitating intergovernmental negotiations. Experience in engaging with regional and sub-regional donor organizations and national government authorities is also required.
Languages:
English and Arabic are mandatory for this position, with both languages required at UN Level II proficiency. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role.
Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 30 April 2026, and recruitment is subject to budgetary approval. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates and those based at the duty station. The position is a temporary assignment and does not guarantee future employment. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a part of the United Nations Secretariat and operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Established to facilitate cooperation among 21 Arab 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 knowledge sharing. 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 Support plays a crucial role in directing and overseeing ESCWA's programme support operations. This position involves strategic planning, technical cooperation, and resource mobilization, directly supporting the Executive Secretary in various administrative and operational matters. The incumbent is expected to lead the implementation of ESCWA’s strategy in alignment with the 2030 Agenda, ensuring that all activities are consistent with regional priorities and results-based management principles. The role also includes overseeing change management initiatives, coordinating resource mobilization efforts, and providing authoritative advice on operational matters, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and agility of ESCWA's operations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme Support will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: assisting the Executive Secretary in directing programme support operations; leading the implementation of ESCWA’s strategic initiatives; advising on strategic direction and programme planning; formulating and directing programme monitoring and evaluation; overseeing change management programmes; coordinating resource mobilization and partnership building; identifying strategies for improving programme delivery; providing leadership in change management; advising senior management on operational matters; coordinating with national authorities on administrative issues; supervising knowledge dissemination products and conference services; chairing relevant committees; and supporting the Executive Secretary in implementing the SG's efficiency agenda.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven experience in managing people, resources, and assets, demonstrating professionalism and the ability to negotiate effectively in complex situations. The role requires strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to develop clear goals and adjust priorities as necessary. Excellent communication skills are essential, as is the ability to lead and inspire others. Candidates should also exhibit sound judgment and decision-making capabilities, with a focus on achieving results and maintaining high standards of integrity and efficiency.
Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in business, management, public administration, international development, or a related field 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:
At least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in strategic management, human resources, administration, logistics, financial management, or a related field is required. Candidates must have at least fifteen years of experience in international organizations, with specific experience in the Arab region and in facilitating intergovernmental negotiations. Experience in engaging with regional and sub-regional donor organizations and national government authorities is also required.
Languages:
English and Arabic are mandatory for this position, with both languages required at UN Level II proficiency. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role.
Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 30 April 2026, and recruitment is subject to budgetary approval. The selection process may be limited to internal candidates and those based at the duty station. The position is a temporary assignment and does not guarantee future employment. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
