Country Representative

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Position Title: Country Representative
Location: Quito
Country: Ecuador
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization combines resources and mandates from four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing on the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, the empowerment of women, and the achievement of gender equality. UN Women operates in multiple countries, working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing issues such as gender-based violence, political representation, and economic empowerment. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting mutual respect and equality among its employees.

Job Overview:
The Country Representative for UN Women in Ecuador is responsible for leading and managing the Ecuador Country Office (CO) portfolio. This role involves translating UN Women's Strategic Plan into actionable development initiatives that align with regional and national priorities. The Country Representative will develop, implement, and manage programs and projects, ensuring effective partnerships with government counterparts, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and donors. The position requires a strategic approach to country program planning, operational management, and advocacy for gender equality and women's empowerment. The representative will also engage with the UN Country Team to integrate gender issues into broader UN programming processes and ensure accountability for gender mainstreaming.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the strategic country programme planning and development, including the design and implementation of the Country Strategic Note in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Lead the Ecuador Country Office, overseeing operational goals, work plans, and compliance with UN Women regulations.
• Provide support to the Resident Coordinator and serve as a member of the UN Country Team, ensuring gender issues are integrated into UN programming.
• Represent UN Women in intergovernmental forums and lead advocacy strategies for gender equality.
• Create and maintain strategic partnerships and manage resource mobilization strategies to support program development.
• Lead knowledge management and capacity building initiatives within the Country Office.
• Oversee the safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and well-being of personnel and organizational assets.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office and organization.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree or equivalent in development-related disciplines, economics, public policy, or social sciences. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A project/programme management certification (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) is an added advantage. Candidates must demonstrate excellent program formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills, as well as strong people management abilities in a multicultural environment. Knowledge of gender equality and women's empowerment issues is essential, along with excellent analytical and conceptual thinking skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as development, economics, public policy, or social sciences. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. A project/programme management certification is desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible development experience, including strategic and managerial leadership in international development cooperation. Experience in gender and women's issues programming at the international level, preferably within the UN system, is required. Field-based experience working with multicultural teams and leading/coaching staff in international settings is essential. Proficiency in using office software and web-based management systems is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position. Working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is desirable, as well as knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, or Russian).

Additional Notes:
The position involves leading a team of 50 personnel, including direct reports and affiliate personnel. The role is full-time and may require international travel. UN Women offers a competitive compensation package and is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure adherence to UN Women’s policies and standards of conduct.