Deputy Country Representative

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an organization established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly, with a mission to promote gender equality and empower women globally. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda, merging resources and mandates from four distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women operates in various countries, including Afghanistan, where it has been active for two decades, addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by Afghan women and girls amidst the country's complex humanitarian crisis. The organization is committed to supporting Afghan women and girls by placing them at the center of the global response to the crisis, ensuring their voices are heard in the development of their country.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Country Representative plays a crucial role in the management of the Afghanistan Country Office, reporting directly to the Special Representative. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office, ensuring that the country programme is effectively designed, implemented, and managed. The incumbent will oversee the programme team, manage resources, and ensure compliance with UN Women’s Strategic Plan and the Afghanistan Country Office's plans. The role requires a strategic thinker who can provide technical support and guidance on programme design, implementation, and monitoring, while also representing UN Women in various UN coordination efforts. The Deputy Country Representative will be expected to contribute to the development of policy documents and strategic papers, and to advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment at both national and international levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Country Representative will manage the programme team, overseeing the finalization of the annual workplan and leading the programme conceptualization, planning, implementation, and monitoring processes. Responsibilities include preparing progress reports, advising on strategic areas, and providing technical support for the office's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security strategy. The incumbent will represent UN Women in UN system coordination, participate in thematic working groups, and support resource mobilization strategies. Additionally, the role involves managing personnel, ensuring alignment with performance management policies, and creating an enabling work environment. The Deputy Country Representative will also facilitate knowledge management and capacity building, ensuring that lessons learned on gender equality are shared and that training activities are implemented to enhance skills and knowledge.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in international development, public administration, public policy, or relevant social science fields. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A project/programme management certification such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP® is considered an advantage. The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in development programmes with a strong focus on gender equality and women's empowerment, preferably within the UN system. Field-based experience with multi-cultural teams and in conflict or post-conflict settings is essential, along with experience in leading and coaching staff in international environments.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as international development, public administration, or public policy. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be accepted. A project/programme management certification is also advantageous, indicating a strong foundation in managing development projects effectively.

Experience:
The role demands a minimum of 10 years of professional experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in development programmes, particularly in gender equality and women's empowerment. Candidates should have experience working in developing countries, preferably within the UN system, and must have field-based experience in conflict or post-conflict environments. Leadership experience in coaching and managing staff in international settings is also required, along with proficiency in using office software and web-based management systems.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is desirable and would enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is a senior managerial role, leading a team of 35 personnel, including 5 direct reports. The incumbent will be expected to create a supportive work environment and identify learning opportunities for staff. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in managing the country office's operations and strategic direction. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. Candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.