Head of Subregional Office for North and Central Asia (SONCA)

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through policy-oriented research, analysis, and technical assistance to address development priorities. The organization operates across multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with a mission to enhance regional cooperation and connectivity.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Subregional Office for North and Central Asia (SONCA) is responsible for representing ESCAP in the North and Central Asian subregion. This role involves promoting member governments' participation in ESCAP's work and fostering subregional development cooperation. The incumbent will lead the formulation and implementation of the Subregional Office's work program, ensuring alignment with ESCAP's strategic framework. The position requires advising senior leadership on emerging socio-economic issues, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring high-quality outputs from the office. The Head will also participate in international meetings, provide policy advice, and promote partnerships among member countries and development partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including acting as the representative of ESCAP in the North and Central Asian subregion, formulating and implementing the Subregional Office's work program, advising senior leadership on socio-economic issues, coordinating with government officials and UN entities, ensuring high-quality outputs, participating in meetings, promoting partnerships, and overseeing administrative and managerial tasks necessary for the office's functioning. This includes budget preparation, recruitment, staff performance evaluation, and ensuring compliance with UN standards and mandates.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a deep understanding of political, social, and economic sustainable development issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Strong analytical skills, the ability to produce high-quality reports, and familiarity with UN rules and regulations are essential. The role requires excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. Leadership qualities, including the ability to empower others and drive change, are also critical for this position.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, or related fields is required. A relevant first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in economic and social analysis, policy formulation, and programme management is required. Candidates should have experience representing institutions at the regional level, advising senior leadership on socio-economic issues, and managing administrative functions, including budgeting and staff development. Experience in the Asia-Pacific region and familiarity with regional cooperation frameworks is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Russian is considered a desirable language for candidates.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may require periodic movement to different functions or locations. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.