Director of the UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre in the Republic of Korea

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is the United Nations Entity dedicated to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, established in July 201

• It serves as a global champion for transforming the rights of women and girls, supporting UN Member States in setting global standards for achieving gender equality. UN Women operates in multiple countries, focusing on four strategic priorities: women's leadership and participation, economic security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and autonomy, freedom from violence, and contributions to sustainable peace. The organization works globally to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and coordinates the UN system's efforts in advancing gender equality. The UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre in Seoul was established in 2022 through a multi-year agreement with the Government of the Republic of Korea, expanding its focus to include the care economy and tech-facilitated violence against women.

Job Overview:
The Director of the UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre in the Republic of Korea is responsible for leading and managing the Centre, ensuring alignment with the UN Women Global Strategic Plan and Regional Strategic Note. This role involves developing partnerships and mobilizing resources with government actors, private sector entities, civil society, and foundations to advance gender equality and women's empowerment. The Director operates under a matrix management model, reporting primarily to the UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, while also collaborating with the Chief of Public Partnerships in New York. The position requires strategic oversight of partnership strategies, program implementation, and ensuring compliance with UN Women’s policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and oversee the Partnership strategy and relations with RoK-based partners, collaborating with the UN Women corporate team. Develop innovative strategies for global partnerships to support SDG 5 and international commitments on gender equality. Maintain and deepen partnerships with the Government of RoK and key stakeholders. Support outreach to the private sector for women's economic empowerment. Act as a strategic interface between funding partners and UN Women, providing analysis of the policy and resource mobilization environment. Represent UN Women in intergovernmental forums and key meetings.
• Manage the strategic direction of the UN Women Centre in RoK, developing and implementing its strategic direction in consultation with partners. Lead the design and planning of the Centre’s work, ensuring quality results-based programming. Finalize annual work plans and budgets, ensuring compliance with corporate requirements. Provide strategic coordination with UN entities in RoK.
• Oversee safety, security, and well-being of personnel and organizational assets, ensuring compliance with UN security policies.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Centre and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
Master's degree or equivalent in gender/women's studies, international development studies, public administration, public policy, or relevant social science fields is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic partnership development, resource mobilization, and communications/advocacy is required. Experience working with the private sector is considered an asset. At least 10 years of experience in social inclusion, gender equality, or women's issues at the international level, preferably in developing countries, is required. Experience leading and coaching staff in international settings is required.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in gender/women's studies, international development studies, public administration, public policy, or other relevant social science fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:
At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic partnership development, resource mobilization, and communications/advocacy is required. Experience working with the private sector is considered an asset. At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in social inclusion, gender equality, or women’s issues, preferably at the international level and in developing countries, is required. Experience leading and coaching staff in international settings is required.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of the local language (Korean) is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is also desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves supervisory responsibilities, overseeing approximately 15-20 personnel and consultants. The Director will ensure compliance with UN Women’s policies and procedures, including those related to conduct and safety. The role requires a commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.