Regional Director

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) was established to enhance the effectiveness of the UN's development efforts. It operates under the oversight of the Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) and plays a crucial role in coordinating the UN's response to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The DCO is committed to ensuring that the Resident Coordinator system is optimally configured to support sustainable development initiatives across various regions. The organization emphasizes data-driven decision-making, innovation, and collaboration across different UN entities to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Regional Director position is a senior leadership role within the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) based in Panama City. The Regional Director is responsible for leading the DCO's regional interface, ensuring effective collaboration across the UN Development System. This role involves strategic oversight of the Resident Coordinator system, providing support to regional and country offices, and facilitating partnerships to drive sustainable development goals (SDGs) at both regional and country levels. The Regional Director will engage with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, regional bodies, and international financial institutions, to promote coherent and timely support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The position requires a strong focus on strategic leadership, partnership building, and innovative approaches to development challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Regional Director will lead the Regional Office in several key areas, including:

• Providing thought leadership on sustainable development issues pertinent to SDG acceleration.
• Convening and directing regional collaboration with UN agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and drive SDG impact.
• Leading the development of regional and multi-country partnerships to address regionally identified priorities.
• Integrating development approaches that consider conflict, crises, and humanitarian needs.
• Influencing stakeholders to promote innovation and SDG acceleration through data and behavioral science.
• Coordinating communications and strategic messaging for the Resident Coordinator system at the regional level.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts for joint programs and pooled funds.
• Providing strategic guidance to Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams to ensure quality support for the 2030 Agenda.
• Overseeing the implementation of UN reform initiatives in the region. 1
• Managing the Regional Office's operations, including budget management and staff performance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation coordination, including at least ten (10) years in senior leadership roles. Experience in international settings involving interagency collaboration is essential. Candidates should have a minimum of five (5) years of field experience in development cooperation and demonstrated experience in leading strategy and policy formulation. Substantive international development experience, particularly in engaging with public-private sector interfaces and SDG financing, is required. Experience in organizational reform and change management, as well as managing budgets in complex settings, is desirable. Knowledge of the UN Resident Coordinator system or comparable international organizations is an advantage.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international relations, public administration, law, social sciences, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation coordination, with at least ten (10) years in senior leadership roles. Candidates should have substantial field experience and a proven track record in leading strategy and policy formulation in development coordination. Experience in managing complex organizational units and overseeing both programmatic and administrative functions is essential. Familiarity with the Latin America and Caribbean region is advantageous, as is experience in applying digital and behavioral science tools in development contexts.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Spanish is desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and proficiency in these languages is beneficial for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The appointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on funding availability. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. The position may involve travel and requires flexibility in adapting to new functions as per organizational needs. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.