Chief of Leadership and Decision-Making Section

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Its mission is 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. UN Women operates globally, providing leadership and coordination for the UN System's efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action. The organization works closely with Member States, civil society, and other relevant actors to build effective partnerships and support the implementation of international agreements such as the Beijing Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UN Women has a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, focusing on women's rights and gender equality.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Leadership and Decision-Making Section at UN Women is responsible for leading the development and implementation of strategies that promote women's leadership and decision-making across various sectors. This role involves providing strategic advice to UN Women leadership and regional offices, ensuring that women's voices are elevated and their participation in governance is enhanced. The Chief will oversee the development of programmatic initiatives, manage research and knowledge production, and engage in intergovernmental processes to shape policies related to gender equality. The position requires a strong commitment to advancing women's rights and the ability to drive innovation in policy and programming. The Chief will also manage a multidisciplinary team, ensuring effective collaboration and delivery of results aligned with UN Women’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of UN Women’s strategy for Women’s Leadership and Decision-Making, providing strategic advice and establishing standards for policy support to Member States.
• Oversee the development and implementation of programmatic initiatives, ensuring accountability for global programming frameworks and directing data collection and research efforts.
• Establish the strategic direction for UN Women’s global research and knowledge agenda, ensuring high-quality policy knowledge production and effective knowledge management systems.
• Provide substantive advice and support to intergovernmental processes, contributing to the development of global policies and norms.
• Expand partnerships and resources, leading advocacy initiatives to advance women’s leadership and decision-making.
• Manage the Leadership and Decision-Making Section, overseeing workplans, financial resources, and staff performance.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in development-related disciplines, gender issues, economics, public policy, law, or other social science fields directly related to the thematic area. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A programme or project certification in this area of work would be an added advantage. Candidates must demonstrate strong political acumen, knowledge of intergovernmental processes, and the ability to conceptualize and convey strategic vision.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as development, gender studies, economics, public policy, law, or social sciences. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. Certification in project management or related areas is advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible senior professional experience in development, with at least ten years directly related to women’s rights and gender equality, particularly in decision-making contexts. Candidates should have substantial experience managing large, complex programmes and leading multidisciplinary teams, as well as knowledge of young women and intergenerational leadership. Experience with UN intergovernmental processes is required, and prior work within the UN system or other international organizations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Written and oral proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN working language is desirable, enhancing communication and collaboration in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
This position is a senior role within UN Women, requiring a high level of responsibility and leadership. The incumbent will manage a multidisciplinary team and will have significant delegated authority over staffing decisions, budget management, and programmatic priorities. The role is full-time and may involve international travel for advocacy and partnership-building efforts. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring a respectful work environment and adherence to policies against discrimination and misconduct.