Deputy Regional Director

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is an international development agency that aims to deliver 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 workforce of more than 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues, working to improve the lives of individuals and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Regional Director position is a senior leadership role based in the Regional Office in Panama, reporting directly to the Regional Director. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including providing strategic and advisory support to the Regional Director, leading the technical and programme teams, and overseeing the management of regional programmes. The Deputy Regional Director is expected to represent the organization in various forums and ensure that the regional office operates effectively in alignment with UNFPA's mission and goals. The position requires a strong understanding of international development and humanitarian contexts, as well as the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of professionals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Regional Director will be responsible for several key functions:

• Leadership: Support the Regional Director in managing the Regional Office (RO) and provide leadership in their absence. Contribute to the formulation of UNFPA policies and strategic plans, ensuring alignment with regional priorities.
• Operational Management: Oversee the management of the regional programme, ensuring coherence with corporate priorities and integration of results-based management. Provide direction to regional technical staff and support country offices in programme management.
• Resource Management: Lead and guide the technical and programme teams, ensuring quality support to country offices. Collaborate on budget and finance management, and promote a harmonious working environment.
• Representation: Serve as a representative of the region in various inter-agency forums and advocate for new programme initiatives. Maintain contacts with key stakeholders and ensure the region's voice is unified in discussions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (minimum Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, 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 progressively 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 function within the UN and leading complex programmes in humanitarian contexts is essential.

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 crucial for understanding the complexities of population and development issues on a global scale.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public administration and international development. Out of these, at least 10 years should be specifically in the field of population and development at the international level. Candidates should have prior experience in a representative-type function, preferably within the UN, and in leading complex programmes in humanitarian contexts. Field experience is essential to understand the operational challenges and dynamics in various regions.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position. Knowledge of additional languages such as Portuguese, French, and/or Dutch would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role based in Panama City, Panama. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects the 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. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.