Head, Subregional Office for North and Central Asia

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 capacity-building assistance to address development priorities and adapt to changing needs. The organization operates across multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and is committed to fostering regional cooperation and development.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Subregional Office for North and Central Asia (SONCA) plays a crucial role in representing ESCAP in the subregion, promoting member governments' participation in ESCAP's work, and enhancing subregional development cooperation. This position involves formulating and implementing the Subregional Office's work program, advising senior leadership on emerging socio-economic issues, and ensuring high-quality outputs that align with ESCAP's strategic framework. The incumbent will coordinate with various stakeholders, including government officials and UN entities, to support the implementation of the Special Programme for Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) and other initiatives aimed at sustainable development in the region. The role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to navigate complex political and social landscapes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of SONCA will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: acting as the representative of ESCAP in the North and Central Asian subregion; formulating and leading the Subregional Office's program of work; advising the Executive Secretary and Deputy Executive Secretary on emerging issues; coordinating with government officials and UN entities; ensuring high-quality outputs; participating in international and regional meetings; promoting partnerships and knowledge sharing; overseeing administrative and managerial tasks; and performing other related duties as necessary in accordance with UN rules and regulations. This position requires a proactive approach to developing strategies, managing performance, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

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 a thorough understanding of UN rules and regulations are essential. The incumbent should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to manage performance and lead a diverse team. A commitment to gender balance and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is also required.

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 in the above fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience, including several years at the international level, in economic and social analysis, policy formulation, and programme management. Experience in representing an institution at the regional or subregional level, advising senior leadership on socio-economic issues, and establishing professional networks is required. Familiarity with regional cooperation frameworks and sustainable development agendas in North and Central Asia is desirable, as is experience with UN programmes and policies.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, while knowledge of Russian is desirable. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for specific language skill requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is expected to be full-time and may involve international recruitment. The contract duration and seniority level have not been specified in the job posting. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN standards.