Regional Director, Arab States

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) is a pivotal entity within the United Nations system, established to enhance the effectiveness of development operations and coordination across various UN agencies. The office plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that the UN's efforts are aligned with global development goals. The DCO was transformed into a stand-alone coordination office as endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution A/RES/72/27

• The office is tasked with overseeing the resident coordinator system and ensuring that it is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda. The DCO operates in multiple countries, with a focus on fostering collaboration and partnerships to achieve sustainable development outcomes. The organization is committed to innovation, data-driven decision-making, and a mission-driven culture, with a workforce that is diverse and inclusive, reflecting the global nature of its work.

Job Overview:
The Regional Director for the Arab States will play a strategic role in leading the Development Coordination Office's efforts at the regional level. This position is primarily focused on enhancing collaboration across the UN Development System and ensuring that the Resident Coordinator system is effectively supported. The Regional Director will be responsible for providing strategic guidance and oversight to regional and country offices, facilitating partnerships, and driving initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The role requires a strong emphasis on thought leadership, innovation, and the ability to navigate complex development challenges. The Regional Director will engage with various stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and civil society, to promote sustainable development and ensure that the UN's efforts are coherent and impactful. This position demands a high level of strategic thinking, management skills, and the ability to influence and mobilize resources for development initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Regional Director will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: leading regional thought leadership on sustainable development issues, convening partnerships and strategic alliances to drive SDG acceleration, and providing strategic direction for regional initiatives. The Regional Director will also oversee the management of the Regional Office, ensuring that activities are carried out efficiently and effectively. This includes formulating and implementing work programs, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with UN policies. The role involves engaging with stakeholders to influence actions that promote innovation and sustainable development, coordinating communications and strategic messaging, and supporting resource mobilization efforts. The Regional Director will also provide guidance to Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams, ensuring quality support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Additionally, the position requires regular reporting on regional results and overseeing the implementation of UN reform initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates 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 and inter-organizational collaboration is essential. Candidates should have a minimum of five (5) years of field experience in development cooperation, demonstrating expertise in leading strategy and policy formulation. Substantive international development experience is required, particularly in engaging with public-private sector interfaces and SDG financing. Experience in organizational reform and change management, including performance management of senior managers in multicultural environments, is also necessary. Candidates should have experience overseeing both programmatic and administrative functions in complex organizational settings, as well as managing budgets in development contexts. Knowledge of the UN Resident Coordinator system or comparable international organizations is desirable, along with experience in the Arab region and familiarity with digital, data, foresight, and behavioral science tools in development contexts.

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, with a strong emphasis on leadership roles in international settings. Candidates should have at least ten (10) years of experience in senior leadership positions that involve interagency and inter-organizational collaboration. A minimum of five (5) years of field experience in development cooperation is also required, along with demonstrated experience in leading strategy and policy formulation. Candidates should possess substantive international development experience, particularly in engaging with public-private sector interfaces and SDG financing. Experience in organizational reform and change management, including performance management of senior managers in multicultural environments, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience overseeing both programmatic and administrative functions necessary for the effective operation of a large and complex organizational unit.

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. Arabic is considered desirable, reflecting the regional focus of the position. Candidates should possess the necessary language skills to effectively communicate and engage with diverse stakeholders in the region, ensuring that the UN's initiatives are well-coordinated and impactful.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Amman, Jordan, and is expected to be a full-time role. The Regional Director will be part of the senior leadership team within the Development Coordination Office, contributing to strategic decision-making and organizational management. The role may involve travel within the region and internationally, depending on the needs of the organization and the initiatives being undertaken. The compensation and benefits for this position will be aligned with UN standards, and the organization is committed to promoting gender equality, disability inclusion, and the well-being of its staff.