Deputy Executive Secretary for Strategy, Innovation and Partnerships

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Position Title: Deputy Executive Secretary for Strategy, Innovation and Partnerships
Location: Beirut
Country: Lebanon
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a part of the United Nations Secretariat and operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Established to serve 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa, ESCWA aims to provide a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies among its member states. It acts as a platform for congress and coordination, a repository of expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA's activities are coordinated with various divisions and main offices of the United Nations Headquarters, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The organization is committed to enhancing regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Arab region, making it a vital player in addressing socio-economic challenges.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Executive Secretary for Strategy, Innovation, and Partnerships plays a crucial role in directing program planning, strategy development, technical cooperation, communication, external relations, and resource mobilization within ESCWA. Reporting directly to the Executive Secretary, the incumbent is expected to lead the development and implementation of ESCWA’s long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with the 2030 Agenda and regional priorities. The position requires fostering data-driven decision-making and promoting the use of emerging technologies to enhance ESCWA’s implementation of UN 2.0, thereby improving technical assistance to member states and supporting policy-making processes. The Deputy Executive Secretary will also be responsible for enhancing engagement with sub-regional organizations and national government authorities, as well as strengthening the Commission's outreach to civil society and non-governmental partners in the region. This role is pivotal in driving institutional transformation and embedding innovation into strategic planning frameworks to enhance ESCWA’s impact on sustainable development in the Arab region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Executive Secretary for Strategy, Innovation, and Partnerships will carry out a variety of duties, including: leading the development and implementation of ESCWA’s long-term strategy; ensuring alignment with the 2030 Agenda and results-based management principles; fostering data-driven decision-making; promoting the use of emerging technologies; advising the Executive Secretary on strategic direction and policy issues; formulating and directing program planning, monitoring, and evaluation; overseeing technical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives; providing strategic direction to ESCWA’s specialized centers; coordinating resource mobilization and partnership building; identifying strategies for improving program support delivery; supervising knowledge dissemination products and e-learning materials; implementing effective communication strategies; and undertaking any other functions as assigned by the Executive Secretary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven experience in management of people, resources, and assets, with the ability to perform duties in a diplomatic manner and negotiate effectively with various partners. They should demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter, be conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, and show persistence in facing challenges. Strong planning and organizational skills are essential, as well as the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Leadership qualities are crucial, including the ability to empower others, anticipate and resolve conflicts, and drive for change and improvement. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to gender balance and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in business, management, public administration, international development, innovation, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, management, human resources, administration, logistics, financial management, budget, emerging technology, and/or innovation. A minimum of 10 years of experience in managing development programs at the regional or international level is required, along with at least 5 years of experience in leading and implementing development strategies aligned with the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. Experience in international organizations and working in the Arab region is also required, as well as experience in facilitating intergovernmental negotiations and dealing with regional and sub-regional donor organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from female candidates and individuals from underrepresented member states. Staff members appointed to this position are required to submit a financial disclosure statement upon assignment or appointment and annually thereafter. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.