Deputy Head of Secretariat

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda, with the mission to promote gender equality and empower women globally. The organization works towards eliminating discrimination against women and girls, advocating for their rights, and ensuring their full participation in all aspects of life. UN Women operates in 49 countries and has supported over 1,800 civil society organizations since its inception. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Head of Secretariat plays a crucial role in overseeing the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), which is a partnership initiative aimed at providing flexible financing for women-led organizations in crisis and conflict-affected settings. This position involves managing the program team, ensuring effective implementation of the Fund's strategic plan, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance program development and resource mobilization. The Deputy Head will also represent WPHF in key advocacy and policy forums, ensuring that the Fund's objectives align with broader UN goals related to peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and gender equality.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the programme team by overseeing daily operations, finalizing annual work plans, and ensuring effective implementation of programs across the WPHF's funding windows.
• Provide advisory support to the Head of Secretariat on strategic directions and compliance in program monitoring and evaluation.
• Represent WPHF in advocacy and policy discussions, ensuring active participation in relevant UN working groups.
• Develop and implement resource mobilization strategies, maintaining relationships with stakeholders and donors.
• Manage personnel performance, providing guidance and fostering a supportive work environment.
• Perform additional duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in international development, public policy, or a related social science field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Strong knowledge of gender-related issues, particularly in crisis and humanitarian contexts, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent program management skills, strong analytical abilities, and effective communication skills. Leadership experience and familiarity with the UN system are also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in international development, public policy, or other relevant social science fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be considered. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender equality and humanitarian action.

Experience:
At least 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in program management, with a focus on peace and security, gender in humanitarian action, and women’s empowerment is required. Experience at the country or regional office level, strategic planning, and personnel management in international settings is essential. Familiarity with office software and web-based management systems is also necessary, while experience in resource mobilization and advocacy is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and is desirable for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position involves managing a team of 15, including 3 direct reports and 5 affiliate personnel. UN Women emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. The organization is committed to creating a respectful workplace and encourages applicants to disclose any necessary accommodations during the recruitment process.