Director, Central and Southern Africa Division

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations, specifically in the shared regional political-operational structure of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The UN aims to maintain international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote sustainable development, and uphold human rights globally. Established in 1945, the UN has a vast network of operations across numerous countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various missions and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Central and Southern Africa Division will oversee the management and strategic direction of the division, ensuring that the work program aligns with the broader objectives of the UN. This role involves formulating and implementing policies, managing resources, and coordinating activities with various stakeholders, including member states and other UN agencies. The Director will also be responsible for providing political analyses and recommendations to senior UN officials, contributing to the maintenance of peace and security in the region. The position requires a deep understanding of the political landscape in Central and Southern Africa, as well as the ability to navigate complex diplomatic environments. The Director will engage with field missions, monitor developments in the region, and ensure that the division's outputs meet high-quality standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Directing and managing the Central and Southern Africa Division's work, ensuring timely delivery of outputs.
• Overseeing the formulation and implementation of the division's annual workplan.
• Contributing to the overall strategies and policies of the departments by participating in committees and preparing policy documents.
• Monitoring political and security developments in the region to provide early warnings of potential conflicts.
• Managing the provision of political analyses and reports to senior UN officials.
• Providing counsel and support to Special Representatives and Heads of Mission.
• Coordinating with member states and regional organizations on relevant issues.
• Reporting on budget and program performance to intergovernmental bodies.
• Ensuring high-quality standards for all outputs produced by the division. 1
• Overseeing administrative tasks necessary for the division's functioning, including budget preparation and staff performance evaluation. 1
• Leading recruitment efforts to ensure geographical and gender balance within the division. 1
• Fostering teamwork and communication among staff and representing the organization at international meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in political and peacebuilding affairs, particularly in Central and Southern Africa. They should demonstrate the ability to conduct political analysis and oversee the preparation of analytical reports. Knowledge of UN rules and regulations is essential. The ideal candidate will exhibit professionalism, accountability, and leadership skills, with a commitment to gender balance and diversity in staffing. Strong planning and organizational abilities are also required, along with the capacity to manage complex situations and make informed decisions.

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

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in diplomacy, international affairs, political affairs, or peacebuilding is required. Candidates should have experience in peace and security matters in Central and/or Southern Africa, as well as experience in providing analysis and developing strategies for senior-level political engagement. At least three years of experience working on peace and security matters in Africa is essential, along with experience managing diverse teams at a senior level. Experience in conflict or post-conflict settings is desirable.

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 requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in all language skills. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will be beneficial for engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign staff to various activities or offices of the United Nations. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are expected to fulfill mobility requirements and may be assigned to different duty stations periodically. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the UN is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.