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. It merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues. UN Women operates globally, advocating for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between genders. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, employing individuals regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or other characteristics. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and emphasizes the importance of integrity and professionalism in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Country Representative for UN Women in Rwanda is responsible for leading and managing the Rwanda Country Office (CO) portfolio. This role involves translating UN Women's Strategic Plan into development initiatives that align with regional and national priorities. The representative will co-create solutions and develop effective partnerships with government counterparts, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and donors to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. The position requires strategic planning, program development, and the ability to provide policy advice and technical assistance to various stakeholders. The representative will also oversee the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure that gender issues are integrated into UN programming processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the strategic country programme planning and development, including the design and implementation of the Country Strategic Note in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Provide substantive advice to senior management on regional strategy and programming.
• Lead the monitoring of results-based management approaches and ensure quality programming.
• Oversee the Rwanda Country Office's operational goals, including budget management and compliance.
• Manage personnel performance and development, ensuring adherence to UN Women’s regulations and standards.
• Serve as a member of the UN Country Team, ensuring gender issues are integrated into UNCT programming and advocacy.
• Represent UN Women in intergovernmental forums and build partnerships with government officials and NGOs.
• Lead resource mobilization strategies and manage donor relationships.
• Promote knowledge management and capacity building within the office. 1
• Ensure the safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of personnel and organizational assets.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in development-related disciplines, economics, public policy, or social sciences is required.
• A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A project/programme management certification (e.g., PMP®, PRINCE2®, MSP®) is an advantage.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible development experience, including strategic and managerial leadership in international development cooperation.
• Experience in gender and women's issues programming at the international level is required.
• Field-based experience working with multicultural teams is essential.
• Proficiency in using office software and web-based management systems is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as development, economics, public policy, or social sciences. A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. A project management certification is considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation, with a focus on strategic and managerial leadership. Candidates should have experience in gender and women's issues programming, preferably within the UN system or similar international organizations. Field experience with multicultural teams is essential, along with a proven track record in leading and coaching staff in international settings.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves leading a team of 12, including 5 direct reports. The Country Representative will be accountable to the UN Women Regional Director and the UN Resident Coordinator. The role requires a commitment to UN Women’s values and standards of conduct, including adherence to policies on preventing misconduct and ensuring a respectful workplace. The recruitment process includes rigorous background checks and verification of credentials.