Deputy Regional Director

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which was established in 196

• UNFPA is a leading global organization that aims to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, focusing on reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population dynamics.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Regional Director position is a senior leadership role based in the Regional Office in Panama. This role is crucial as it involves providing leadership and guidance to the regional team of technical and programme staff. The Deputy Regional Director will report directly to the Regional Director and will take on the responsibilities of the Regional Director in their absence. The position requires a strategic mindset to support the Regional Director in managing the Regional Office (RO) and ensuring that the regional programme aligns with corporate priorities. The Deputy will also be responsible for overseeing the management of the regional programme, ensuring coherence across all programme activities, and providing advisory support to the Regional Director. This role is integral to the success of UNFPA's mission in the region, as it involves liaising with various stakeholders, including government partners, donors, and international organizations, to advocate for new programme initiatives and mobilize resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Regional Director will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Leadership: Supporting the Regional Director in managing the RO, providing leadership in their absence, contributing to the formulation of UNFPA policies, and ensuring the achievement of strategic plans and programme goals.
• Operational Management: Overseeing the management of the regional programme, ensuring coherence with corporate priorities, providing direction to regional technical and programme staff, and supporting resource mobilization efforts.
• Management of Resources: Leading and guiding the technical and programme team, ensuring quality support to Country Offices (COs), promoting a harmonious working environment, and addressing staff management issues in line with UNFPA policies.
• Representation: Ensuring the region is represented in various forums, advocating for new programme initiatives, and maintaining contacts with key stakeholders.
• Reporting: Preparing and clearing various reports and documents, coordinating the review of Country Office Annual Reports, and providing leadership to regional programmes and operations.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of increasingly 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. Candidates should have prior experience in a Representative-type function, preferably within the UN, and a strong understanding of UN humanitarian architecture. A proven track record of leadership in development programmes, the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team, and extensive networking within the development community are essential. Field experience is also a critical requirement for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (minimum Master’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, including Public Health, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, Economics, International Development, Public Administration, Management, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and the challenges faced in the region.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position is significant, with a minimum of 15 years in relevant fields. This includes a strong emphasis on public administration and international development, with at least 10 years specifically in population and development at the international level. Candidates should have experience leading complex programmes in humanitarian contexts and a strong understanding of the UN's operational frameworks.

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 effectively in a diverse regional context.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Panama City, Panama. The Deputy Regional Director will be expected to engage in international travel as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects 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 process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements, and UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application process.