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 ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to promote gender equality. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda, particularly in the context of the Decade of Action leading up to 203

• UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and who are dedicated to delivering high-impact results.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Regional Director position is crucial for 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 role also involves strategic support to the Regional Director, representation of the region in various forums, and liaising with key stakeholders. The Deputy Regional Director is expected to lead the Regional Office in the absence of the Regional Director, contributing to the formulation of policies and strategic plans, and ensuring the achievement of programme goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Regional Director will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Leadership: Supporting the Regional Director in managing the Regional Office (RO) and providing leadership in their absence.
• Operational Oversight: Ensuring coherence of all programme activities in the region with corporate priorities and guiding regional technical and programme staff in programme management.
• Resource Management: Providing leadership and guidance to the technical and programme team, ensuring integrated support to Country Offices (COs).
• Representation: Acting as a representative of the region in key meetings and forums, advocating for new programme initiatives, and maintaining contacts with government partners and donors.
• Reporting: Ensuring the preparation and clearance of various reports and documents, and coordinating the review of Country Office Annual Reports (COARs).
• Humanitarian Response: Supporting UNFPA's preparedness and response to humanitarian crises in the region.

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 within the UN and leading complex programmes in humanitarian contexts is essential. Strong leadership skills, a proven ability to motivate diverse teams, and a solid understanding of UN humanitarian architecture are also required.

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, Management, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of population and development issues and for effectively leading programmes that address these challenges.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public administration and international development. Of this, at least 10 years should be in the field of population and development at the international level. Experience in a Representative-type function within the UN and leading complex programmes in humanitarian contexts is highly desirable. Field experience is essential, as it provides the necessary context for understanding the challenges and opportunities in the region.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position. Additionally, fluency in any other official UN language is considered desirable, as it enhances communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes 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 is committed to ensuring gender parity and equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.