Country Representative

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Position Title: Country Representative
Location: Addis Ababa
Country: Ethiopia
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. The organization merges the work of 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 equality between women and men. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to support the UN's goals in various countries, including Ethiopia, where it aligns its initiatives with national priorities and the 2030 Development Agenda. The Ethiopia Country Office contributes to sustainable development and humanitarian priorities, addressing issues such as multidimensional poverty, inequalities, and social exclusion, particularly for youth, women, and girls. The office emphasizes sustainability and ownership of interventions that align with national policies and strategies.

Job Overview:
The Country Representative for UN Women in Ethiopia is responsible for leading and managing the Ethiopia Country Office (ECO) portfolio. This role involves translating UN Women's Strategic Plan into development initiatives that align with regional and national priorities. The representative will develop, implement, and manage programs and projects, ensuring effective partnerships with government counterparts, UN agencies, and donors. The position requires a strategic approach to program planning, focusing on peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and humanitarian action, while also addressing emerging issues in the country. The representative will provide regular updates to senior management and ensure the quality of results-based programming, fostering a collaborative environment within the office and with external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the strategic country programme planning and development, including the implementation of strategic direction on peace and security/humanitarian action.
• Provide substantive advice to the Regional Director and Senior Management on program planning and emerging issues.
• Ensure quality results-based programming and lead monitoring efforts.
• Oversee the Ethiopia Country Office's operational goals, including annual work plans and budgets.
• Manage personnel performance and development, ensuring adherence to UN Women’s regulations and policies.
• Serve as a member of the UN Country Team and Humanitarian Country Team, integrating gender equality into UN programming processes.
• Lead resource mobilization strategies and maintain relationships with stakeholders and donors.
• Promote knowledge management and capacity building within the office.
• Ensure safety and security of personnel and organizational assets, complying with UN security policies. 1
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent in development-related disciplines, economics, public policy, or social sciences.
• A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.
• Project/programme management certification (e.g., PMP®, PRINCE2®, MSP®) is an advantage.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible development experience at the international level, with a focus on strategic and managerial leadership.
• Experience in gender and women's issues programming, preferably in developing countries within the UN system.
• Field-based experience with multicultural teams and experience in leading and coaching staff in international settings.
• Proficiency in using computers and office software, including web-based management systems.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as development, economics, public policy, or social sciences. A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may also be acceptable. A project/programme management certification is considered an added advantage.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation at the international level. Candidates should have experience in gender and women's issues programming, particularly in developing countries, and should be adept at leading and coaching diverse teams in international settings. Field experience is essential, along with proficiency in using modern office software and web-based management systems.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is desirable, enhancing communication and collaboration in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The Country Representative position is a senior role that involves managing a team of 42 personnel, including four direct reports. The office operates in a full-time capacity, focusing on strategic leadership and program implementation. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that recruitment and employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and expects all personnel to adhere to its standards of conduct.