Regional Director

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) is a pivotal entity within the United Nations Secretariat, established to enhance the coordination of development operations across the UN system. The office was transformed into a stand-alone coordination office as endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution A/RES/72/27

• The mission of the UNDCO is to ensure that the Resident Coordinator system is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The office operates under the oversight of the Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) and plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration across various UN entities and regional mechanisms. The UNDCO is committed to promoting a mission-driven organizational culture that leverages data, digital innovation, and behavioral science to enhance development outcomes. The office is staffed by a diverse team of professionals dedicated to advancing sustainable development goals across multiple countries.

Job Overview:
The Regional Director position at the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) is a senior leadership role that involves overseeing and enhancing the coordination of development efforts across the region. The Regional Director is responsible for leading the regional office's strategic initiatives, ensuring effective collaboration among UN agencies, and providing support to Resident Coordinators (RCs) and UN Country Teams (UNCTs). This role requires a strong focus on sustainable development, with an emphasis on driving the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The Regional Director will engage with various stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and civil society, to foster partnerships and mobilize resources for development initiatives. The position demands a strategic thinker who can navigate complex political environments and advocate for innovative solutions to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Regional Director will also play a key role in managing the regional office's operations, ensuring that activities are aligned with the UN's strategic priorities and that resources are utilized effectively to achieve desired outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Regional Director will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading regional thought leadership on sustainable development issues, convening partnerships and facilitating collaboration among various stakeholders, providing strategic direction for SDG acceleration initiatives, and overseeing the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs). The Regional Director will be responsible for managing the regional office's budget and resources, ensuring compliance with UN policies and regulations, and driving efforts on digital transformation and process simplification. Additionally, the Regional Director will support RCs in their efforts for joint resource mobilization, engage in strategic communications, and represent the UN at international and regional meetings. The role also involves mentoring and guiding staff, fostering a collaborative work environment, and ensuring that the regional office meets its performance targets and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Regional Director position must possess a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation coordination, with at least ten (10) years in senior leadership roles within international settings. A strong background in interagency collaboration and development strategy formulation is essential. Candidates should demonstrate substantive international development experience, particularly in engaging with public-private sector interfaces, SDG financing, and innovation. Experience in organizational reform, performance management, and managing complex organizational units is required. Familiarity with the UN Resident Coordinator system and experience working in the Arab region are desirable. Candidates should also have a proven track record in strategic resource mobilization and partnership-building.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international relations, public administration, law, social sciences, 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 degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international development and the operational frameworks of the United Nations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation coordination, including at least ten (10) years in senior leadership roles. Candidates should have a minimum of five (5) years of field experience in development cooperation, demonstrating their ability to lead strategy and policy formulation in this area. Experience in managing budgets and overseeing programmatic and administrative functions in a development context is also necessary. Familiarity with humanitarian and conflict settings is desirable, as is experience in applying digital and behavioral science tools in development contexts.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Arabic is considered a desirable language, also requiring a proficiency level of UN Level II. Proficiency in French is not explicitly mentioned but may be beneficial given the international nature of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily for 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. The position may involve travel and engagement with various stakeholders, requiring flexibility and adaptability. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.