Deputy Regional Director

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Position Title: Deputy Regional Director
Location: Dakar
Country: Senegal
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, while also focusing on the broader goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Deputy Regional Director plays a crucial role in providing leadership and guidance to the regional team of technical and programme staff within the West and Central Africa Region (WCARO). Reporting directly to the Regional Director, the Deputy is responsible for overseeing the management of the regional programme, ensuring coherence with corporate priorities, and integrating results-based management into programme activities. The Deputy also represents the Regional Director in their absence and is a key member of the Regional Management Team. This position requires a strategic thinker who can contribute to the formulation of UNFPA policies and strategic plans, while also providing operational support to ensure the achievement of programme goals. The Deputy will work closely with various committees and stakeholders to promote regional-specific strategies and ensure effective aid assistance within the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Regional Director's duties and responsibilities include:

• Leadership: Supporting the Regional Director in managing the Regional Office (RO) and providing leadership in their absence; contributing to the formulation of UNFPA policies and strategic plans; ensuring the preparation and clearance of various reports and documents; coordinating the review and analysis of Country Office Annual Reports (COARs); and providing leadership to regional programmes and operations.
• Operational Management: Overseeing the management of the regional programme; providing direction and support to regional technical and programme staff; ensuring coherence with organizational and national priorities; enhancing integration of technical and programme support; monitoring programme implementation; and supporting resource mobilization efforts.
• Management of Resources: Providing leadership and guidance to the technical and programme team; supporting the Regional Director in programme formulation and budget management; promoting a team-based working environment; supervising technical and programme staff; and ensuring an ethics-based approach to resource management.
• Representation: Liaising with headquarters and representing the region in various forums; advocating for new programme initiatives; maintaining contacts with key stakeholders; and carrying out other duties as required by the Regional Director.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (minimum Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, including Public Health, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, Economics, International Development, Public Administration, Management, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public administration and international development, with at least 10 years in the field of population and development at the international level. Prior experience in a Representative-type function, preferably within the UN, is also required, along with a strong understanding of UN humanitarian architecture and a proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (minimum Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Public Health, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, Economics, International Development, Public Administration, or Management is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Deputy Regional Director has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage and lead the regional programme.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public administration and international development. This experience must include at least 10 years in the field of population and development at the international level. Prior experience in a Representative-type function, preferably within the UN, is essential, along with a strong track record of leadership in development programmes and the ability to lead, develop, and motivate a diverse team of technical and programme specialists.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position. Additionally, fluency in any other official UN language is considered desirable, as it would enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of UNFPA's work.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA is committed to providing a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.