Regional Director, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an organization established by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urbanization and human settlements. It focuses on creating socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, working with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities. UN-Habitat operates globally, engaging with developing countries across Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and the Arab States. The organization aligns its work with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11, which emphasizes making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. UN-Habitat's mission is to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty through urbanization as a transformative force for communities.

Job Overview:
The Regional Director position at UN-Habitat involves overseeing the planning, implementation, and monitoring of regional programs and activities related to human settlements in the Asia and Pacific region. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Regional Programme Division Director, contributing to policy and strategy development, leading the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2026-2029, and ensuring alignment with global priorities. The role requires promoting international cooperation, representing UN-Habitat at high-level events, and engaging with various stakeholders to advance the New Urban Agenda. The Regional Director will also be responsible for formulating annual work programs, monitoring emergency needs, and maintaining productive relationships with host governments and partner institutions. This position is crucial for ensuring that UN-Habitat's core mandates are prioritized in regional program development and policy engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Director include:

• Contributing to the overall policy and strategy development of UN-Habitat, particularly in regional contexts.
• Providing leadership for the implementation of UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan 2026-2029, ensuring alignment with regional and country portfolios.
• Leading the formulation and implementation of the regional annual work program.
• Monitoring emergency needs related to human settlements and implementing appropriate response strategies.
• Maintaining relationships with host governments and mobilizing resources for regional activities.
• Promoting integrated urban and territorial planning and sustainable urban development.
• Strengthening accountability for advancing core mandates of adequate housing, land, and basic services.
• Leading efforts in knowledge management, data analysis, and capacity development across the region.
• Expanding partnerships and resource mobilization strategies to support sustainable urbanization. 1
• Managing the office's administration, personnel, procurement, and financial management. 1
• Ensuring timely reporting to headquarters and funding agencies. 1
• Promoting a high-performing and collaborative regional culture among staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in urban and regional planning, urban development, housing studies, human settlements, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of UN intergovernmental processes, negotiation skills with high-level officials, and the ability to manage a multi-national team effectively. Familiarity with UN policies and procedures is also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as urban and regional planning, urban development, housing studies, or human settlements. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. Completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics or related areas is considered desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of fifteen years of relevant work experience in multi-disciplinary human settlements development is required, with at least ten years at a senior leadership level in an international setting or within the UN system. Candidates should have experience in leading large-scale programs related to housing, land, basic services, and sustainable urban development. Experience in partnership development, resource mobilization, and engagement with various stakeholders, including multilateral development banks and the private sector, is essential. Experience in data analytics is also desirable.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Japanese is considered a desirable language, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I. Candidates should demonstrate effective communication skills in both languages, particularly in a professional context.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed-Term Limited (FTL) appointment, initially for one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The role emphasizes the importance of gender balance and diversity within the UN Secretariat, encouraging female candidates to apply. The appointment is limited to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, and external candidates selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited to this position. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.