Regional Representative

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Regional Office for the Andean Region and the Southern Cone (ROCOL) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). UNODC was established to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs and international crime. The organization operates globally, with a focus on drug control, organized crime, crime prevention, countering corruption, and terrorism prevention. UNODC has a significant presence in various countries, working collaboratively with governments and other stakeholders to enhance capacities and implement effective strategies.

Job Overview:
The Regional Representative heads the Regional Office for the Andean Region and the Southern Cone (ROCOL) and is responsible for the effective implementation of UNODC programmes and activities across multiple countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. The incumbent will support Member States in addressing issues related to drug control, organized crime, crime prevention, countering corruption, and terrorism prevention. This role requires strategic leadership, policy advice, and the ability to engage with high-level government officials and various stakeholders to promote adherence to international conventions and treaties. The incumbent will also be involved in UN-wide strategic planning and cooperation, ensuring that drug and crime-related issues are integrated into key UN programmatic instruments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will provide strategic and policy advice to governments, represent UNODC in various forums, and promote partnerships with governments and civil society. Responsibilities include advising on planning and management of response policy measures, leading programme development and resource mobilization efforts, ensuring effective implementation and monitoring of ongoing activities, managing human, financial, and physical resources, overseeing recruitment and development of personnel, and ensuring compliance with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security management protocols. The incumbent will also be responsible for reporting on progress and maintaining communication with UNODC headquarters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate professional competence in programme development and execution, advocacy, and providing specialized advice on drug control and crime prevention. They should possess strong negotiation skills, the ability to manage complex issues, and a proven track record in administrative and financial management. The role requires sensitivity to political issues and adaptability to local environments, as well as the ability to analyze data for decision-making.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, law, public administration, political or social sciences, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in international technical assistance programme management related to UNODC’s mandates is required. This includes hands-on experience in coordinating and leading programme implementation at the field level, overseeing compliance with rules and regulations in large organizations, and managing diverse teams. Experience in negotiation and resource mobilization for development cooperation programmes is desirable, as is familiarity with data analytics.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of other UN official languages is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded from extra-budgetary resources, and the initial appointment will be for a period of one year, subject to funding availability. Staff members must fulfill lateral move or geographical requirements to be eligible for this position. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The position is classified as a family duty station, and reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities.