Director, Regional Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, population and development, and gender equality. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of human rights and aims to achieve transformative results in the areas of maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

Job Overview:
The Director of the Regional Office plays a crucial role in providing strategic vision, direction, and leadership for UNFPA's operations in the Latin American and Caribbean region. This position involves overseeing the Regional Office and its sub-regional offices, as well as managing relationships with Country Representatives. The Director is responsible for ensuring that the Regional Office fulfills its terms of reference by leading the strategic positioning of UNFPA, advocating for political and financial support for ICPD goals, and ensuring effective responses to humanitarian crises. The role requires a strong commitment to UNFPA's mission and the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve high-impact results.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director's responsibilities include providing strategic direction and management for the Regional Office, ensuring the integration of UNFPA's strategic vision into regional and country strategies, and leading the Regional Management Team. The Director must also oversee the implementation of regional and country programmes, ensuring they reflect local priorities and adhere to results-based management principles. Additionally, the Director is tasked with resource management, including proposing annual allocations and developing a resource mobilization strategy. The role requires establishing partnerships and networks within the region, advocating for UNFPA's agenda, and ensuring compliance with audit recommendations and UNFPA accountability standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree, preferably a PhD, in fields such as Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, or Public Administration. They should have over 15 years of progressively responsible experience in public administration and international development, with at least 10 years in the field of population and development at the international level. A deep understanding of the political, social, and economic landscape of Latin America and the Caribbean is essential, along with a proven track record of leadership in development programmes and the ability to motivate diverse teams.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (preferably PhD) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, International Development, Economics, or Public Administration is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of population and development issues at an international level.

Experience:
Candidates should have over 15 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public administration and international development, with a minimum of 10 years specifically in the field of population and development at the international level. Field experience is essential, and candidates should demonstrate a strong leadership track record in development programmes.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, while knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be considered an asset. Strong verbal and written communication skills in these languages are essential for effective advocacy and representation.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. The term for this position is limited to five years, with the possibility of a one-year extension at the discretion of the Executive Director. Candidates selected for positions with term limits will receive fixed-term appointments, and there is no expectancy of renewal. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance, with a commitment to ensuring gender parity and encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.