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 United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) and is responsible for coordinating the UN's development activities at the country level. The DCO aims to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that the UN's development system is responsive to the needs of member states. The DCO is committed to fostering collaboration among various UN entities and partners to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) across different regions. The office is staffed by a diverse team of professionals dedicated to promoting sustainable development and enhancing the UN's impact globally. The DCO operates in multiple countries, providing support and guidance to Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams to facilitate coherent and effective development strategies.

Job Overview:
The Regional Director position is a senior leadership role within the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) based in Addis Ababa. The Regional Director is responsible for leading the regional office's efforts in promoting sustainable development and coordinating the UN's activities in the region. This role involves strategic oversight and collaboration with various UN agencies, regional bodies, and stakeholders to drive the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The Regional Director will engage with Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams to ensure effective support for member states in achieving their development goals. The position requires a strong focus on partnership-building, innovative financing, and leveraging digital tools to enhance the impact of development initiatives. The Regional Director will also play a crucial role in providing thought leadership on sustainable development issues and ensuring that the UN's efforts are aligned with regional priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Regional Director will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: leading regional thought leadership on sustainable development issues; convening and facilitating partnerships among UN agencies, regional organizations, and other stakeholders; providing strategic direction for SDG acceleration initiatives; supporting Resident Coordinators in their efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda; overseeing the management of the regional office, including budgeting and resource allocation; ensuring compliance with UN policies and guidelines; promoting gender equality and inclusion within the UN system; and representing the UN at international and regional meetings. The Regional Director will also be tasked with monitoring and reporting on the progress of development initiatives, managing disputes, and facilitating communication among various stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and coordination.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international relations, public administration, law, social sciences, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation coordination, including at least ten years in senior leadership roles within international settings. Candidates should have substantial experience in leading strategy and policy formulation in development coordination, as well as experience in managing complex organizational units and budgets. Knowledge of the UN Resident Coordinator system and experience in the Africa region are desirable.

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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international development and the UN's operational framework.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation coordination, with at least ten years in senior leadership roles in international settings. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of field experience in development cooperation, demonstrating a strong background in leading strategy and policy formulation. Experience in managing budgets, overseeing programmatic and administrative functions, and engaging with public-private sector interfaces is essential. Familiarity with SDG financing, organizational reform, and change management is also required, along with experience in strategic resource mobilization and partnership-building.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication within the UN system and with external stakeholders.

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 position is full-time, and candidates are expected to adhere to the UN's commitment to gender balance and diversity in the workplace. The UN encourages applications from underrepresented member states and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.