Regional Strategic Planning Specialist

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 is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving 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, with a significant presence in the Americas and Caribbean Region, where it has a Regional Office in Panama City, 10 Country Offices, one Multi-Country Office in the Caribbean, and non-physical presence in 8 additional countries. The organization emphasizes strategic planning and results management to effectively monitor and report on its initiatives aimed at supporting gender equality and women's empowerment, particularly in addressing violence against women and girls.

Job Overview:
The Regional Strategic Planning Specialist plays a crucial role in leading the strategic planning efforts within the Americas and Caribbean Region. This position is responsible for overseeing the planning and strategic Programme Management (PM) across the region, ensuring that all strategic planning documents align with UN Women's Strategic Plan and adhere to the corporate standards on Results-Based Management (RBM) and PM. The Specialist will provide strategic guidance and technical support to Regional and Country Offices, ensuring high-quality strategic planning documents are developed and implemented. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including UN Country Teams and other UN organizations, to facilitate effective results monitoring and reporting during the implementation of programs. The Specialist will also contribute to corporate-level initiatives and ensure that the regional perspective is integrated into broader strategic planning exercises.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic planning and RBM-related guidance and technical support to UN Country Teams and UN Women Country Offices in the region for the development of UNSDCFs through inter-agency mechanisms.
• Lead and coordinate the strategic planning, monitoring, and reporting processes at the regional level, ensuring timely submission and quality of Strategic Notes and workplans.
• Supervise the ACRO PSMU team to ensure program quality control and identify potential challenges.
• Provide technical support for program implementation and results-based management, ensuring alignment with corporate standards.
• Develop and deliver training on results-based management to staff in the Regional Office and country offices.
• Oversee documentation related to strategic planning, monitoring, reporting, and program management within the Regional Office, ensuring readiness for audits and evaluations.
• Engage with HQ-led corporate initiatives to ensure field perspectives are reflected in strategic planning and results management processes.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in development-related disciplines, Social Sciences, Political Science, Development Studies, Public Administration, Gender, 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. Additionally, candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible development experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in development cooperation, international relations, or public administration. Experience in Results-Based Management (RBM) and strategic planning is essential, along with a proven track record of providing guidance and technical support to Country Offices and diverse teams.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in development-related disciplines, Social Sciences, Political Science, Development Studies, Public Administration, Gender, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible development experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in development cooperation, international relations, public administration, or a related field. A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in Results-Based Management (RBM) and strategic planning is required, including managing and coordinating the development of strategy, multi-year planning documents, and program documents at various levels.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (French, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.