Country Representative

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance the impact of gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives. The organization merges the resources and mandates of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization works in various countries, including Liberia, where it contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2026-2030, focusing on human capital development, governance, and inclusive economic growth and climate action. UN Women Liberia's Strategic Note outlines its commitment to gender-responsive laws and policies, accountable institutions, and the empowerment of women and girls across multiple impact areas.

Job Overview:
The Country Representative for UN Women in Liberia is responsible for leading and managing the Liberia Country Office (CO) portfolio. This role involves translating UN Women's Strategic Plan into development initiatives and results that align with regional and national priorities. The Country Representative will develop, implement, and manage programs and projects under the Liberia CO while fostering effective partnerships with government counterparts, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and donors. The position requires a strategic approach to program planning and development, ensuring that gender equality priorities are integrated into national planning and policy development. The Country Representative will also provide substantive advice to senior management on regional strategy and oversee the quality of results-based programming for the CO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Representative's duties include managing the strategic country program planning and development, leading the implementation of the new Country Strategic Note (2026-2030), providing substantive advice to senior management, ensuring quality results-based programming, and finalizing annual work plans and budgets. The representative will lead enterprise risk management, establish a risk management framework, conduct regular risk assessments, and ensure compliance with UN Women's policies. Additionally, the Country Representative will oversee the delivery of operational goals, manage the performance of personnel, and promote a respectful and inclusive work environment. The role also involves serving as a member of the UN Country Team, representing UN Women in intergovernmental forums, and leading advocacy strategies for gender equality and women's empowerment. The representative will develop resource mobilization strategies, manage partnerships, and oversee knowledge management and capacity building initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in development-related disciplines, economics, public policy, or social sciences. 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 an added advantage. Candidates should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible development experience, including strategic and managerial leadership in international development cooperation, particularly in gender and women's issues programming. Experience in risk management frameworks and internal controls in an international development context is required, along with proficiency in office software and web-based management systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in development-related fields, economics, public policy, or other social sciences. A first-level university degree may be accepted in combination with additional qualifying experience. A project/programme management certification is desirable and would enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation, with a focus on strategic and managerial leadership. Experience in gender and women's issues programming at the international level, particularly in developing countries, is essential. Field-based experience working with multicultural teams and leading staff in international settings is required. Additionally, candidates should have experience in implementing risk management frameworks and responding to audit findings.

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 be beneficial for candidates.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves leading a team of 36 personnel, including 10 direct reports. The Country Representative will be responsible for ensuring compliance with UN Women’s policies and procedures, promoting a safe and healthy work environment, and adhering to standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel. The role requires active participation in UN system thematic groups and collaboration with national partners to advance gender equality and women's empowerment initiatives.