Deputy Regional Director

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with 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 worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and other partners 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 role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including providing strategic and advisory support to the Regional Director, leading the technical and programmatic teams, overseeing regional program management, and representing the organization in various forums. The Deputy Regional Director is expected to contribute to the formulation of policies and strategic plans, ensure coherence in program activities across the region, and promote effective collaboration among country offices. The position requires a strong understanding of UNFPA's mission and the ability to lead diverse teams to achieve significant results in population and development initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Regional Director will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Leadership: Supporting the Regional Director in managing the Regional Office, providing leadership in their absence, contributing to policy formulation, and ensuring the achievement of strategic plans.
• Operational Management: Overseeing the management of regional programs, ensuring coherence with corporate priorities, and guiding country offices in program management.
• Resource Management: Providing leadership and guidance to technical and program teams, ensuring quality support to country offices, and managing program resources effectively.
• Representation: Acting as a representative of the Regional Director in key meetings, advocating for new initiatives, and maintaining contacts with stakeholders.
• Coordination: Collaborating with various committees and teams 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, a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public administration and international development is required, with at least 10 years in the field of population and development at the international level. Prior experience in a representative role within the UN and leading complex programs in humanitarian contexts is essential. Strong leadership skills, a proven ability to motivate diverse teams, and a solid understanding of UN humanitarian architecture are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, which is typically a Master's degree or higher, in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Public Health, Sociology, Demography, Gender Studies, International Relations, Economics, International Development, Public Administration, or Management. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of population and development issues and for effectively leading programs within the UNFPA framework.

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 must be in the field of population and development at the international level. Candidates should have prior experience in a representative capacity, preferably within the UN system, and should have demonstrated leadership in managing complex programs, particularly in humanitarian contexts. Field experience is essential, as it provides practical insights into the challenges and dynamics of program implementation in diverse environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages such as Portuguese, French, and/or Dutch would be considered an advantage, as it enhances communication and collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role based in Panama City, Panama. UNFPA emphasizes a work environment that reflects gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. The selection process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.