UN Regional Director Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat as endorsed by the UN General Assembly in its Resolution A/RES/72/27

• The DCO is responsible for overseeing the resident coordinator system and ensuring effective collaboration across the UN Development System. The office aims to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven organizational culture. The DCO operates globally, with a significant presence in various countries, including Ethiopia, where this position is based.

Job Overview:
The UN Regional Director for Africa plays a pivotal role in leading the DCO's regional interface, ensuring effective collaboration across the UN Development System. This position is primarily focused on providing strategic support to Resident Coordinators (RCs) and UN Country Teams (UNCTs) in their efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda. The Regional Director is expected to lead thought leadership initiatives on sustainable development, facilitate partnerships, and drive SDG acceleration at both regional and country levels. The role requires a strong strategic and management capacity, as well as the ability to influence stakeholders and coordinate communications effectively. The Regional Director will also oversee the management of the Regional Office, ensuring that all activities align with the UN's goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Regional Director will be responsible for leading the Regional Office in several key areas:

• Providing thought leadership on strategic regional issues related to SDG acceleration.
• Convening and directing regional collaboration with various UN entities and stakeholders.
• Strengthening partnerships with Regional Economic Commissions and other bodies to unlock SDG opportunities.
• Leading the development of regional partnerships to address regionally identified priorities.
• Integrating development approaches that consider conflict, crises, and humanitarian needs.
• Influencing stakeholders to promote innovation and SDG acceleration.
• Coordinating communications for the RC system at the regional level.
• Supporting joint resource mobilization efforts.
• Providing strategic guidance to RCs and UNCTs for effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda. 1
• Overseeing the management of the Regional Office, ensuring timely execution of activities and compliance with UN policies. 1
• Facilitating links to global and regional funding mechanisms. 1
• Contributing to the overall management of the Office's activities and operations as a senior management team member.

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 in international settings. Substantive international development experience is essential, particularly in public-private sector interfaces, SDG financing, and innovation. Experience in organizational reform and change management is required, along with a strong background in managing both programmatic and administrative functions. Familiarity with the UN Resident Coordinator system or comparable international organizations is desirable, as is experience 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 area is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation coordination, including at least ten (10) years in senior leadership roles. Experience in managing budgets in complex humanitarian or conflict settings is desirable, as is experience in a regional capacity coordinating development actions across multiple countries.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporary until 30 April 202

• The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the UN Secretariat is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.