Deputy Regional Director

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, population and development issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively to promote gender equality and empower women and girls.

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 position is crucial for providing leadership and guidance to the regional team of technical and program staff. The Deputy Regional Director will take on significant responsibilities, including advisory and strategic support to the Regional Director, oversight of regional program management, and representation of the organization in various forums. The role requires a strong commitment to achieving strategic plans and program goals, ensuring coherence in program activities across the region, and fostering collaboration among country offices. The Deputy will also lead the regional office in the absence of the Regional Director, making this position vital for the continuity of leadership and operational effectiveness within the organization.

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 Regional Office (RO) and providing leadership in their absence. This includes contributing to the formulation of UNFPA policies and strategic plans, ensuring the achievement of program goals, and preparing various reports and documents.
• Operational Management: Overseeing the management of the regional program, ensuring coherence with corporate priorities, and integrating results-based management in program activities. This involves providing direction to regional technical staff, supporting country offices in program management, and monitoring program implementation.
• Resource Management: Leading and guiding the technical and program team to ensure quality support to country offices, managing program resources, and promoting a harmonious working environment.
• Representation: Representing the region in key meetings, advocating for new program initiatives, and maintaining contacts with key stakeholders, including government partners and donors.
• Collaboration: Working closely with various committees and stakeholders to ensure effective program implementation and resource mobilization efforts.

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 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. Prior experience in a representative-type function within the UN and leading complex programs in humanitarian contexts is essential. A strong understanding of UN humanitarian architecture and a proven ability to lead and motivate diverse teams are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Public Health, Sociology, Demography, Gender, International Relations, Economics, International Development, Public Administration, or Management. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of population and development issues and for effectively leading programs in these areas.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of 15 years in progressively responsible roles within public administration and international development. Of this experience, at least 10 years should be 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 should have demonstrated leadership in managing complex programs, particularly in humanitarian contexts. Field experience is essential to understand the operational challenges and dynamics of the region.

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 diverse contexts and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Panama City, Panama. 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. UNFPA is committed to ensuring gender parity and equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. Selection and appointment 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.