Regional Director, Africa

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) is a stand-alone coordination office within the UN Secretariat, responsible for the Resident Coordinator (RC) system. This role, based in Addis Ababa, reports to the ASG/Director of UNDCO and supports the RC system's alignment with UN 2.0 principles, focusing on data, digital innovation, and strategic foresight to accelerate the 2030 Agenda.

Job Purpose

The Regional Director serves as a strategic leader, convenor, and facilitator for sustainable development at the regional level, driving SDG acceleration. This outward-facing role provides strategic support to Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams, fostering collaboration across UN entities, regional mechanisms, and with external partners. The Director leads thought leadership, develops regional partnerships, integrates complex development approaches, and influences stakeholders using UN 2.0 capabilities. They also manage the Regional Office, oversee operations, ensure efficient delivery of mandates, and contribute to UNDCO's strategic direction, promoting innovation and effective coordination for system-wide SDG delivery.

Responsibilities

The Regional Director leads regional sustainable development efforts, focusing on thought leadership, partnerships, and SDG acceleration. This includes convening stakeholders, directing regional strategies in collaboration with UN entities and partners, and strengthening collaborations with regional economic commissions and sub-regional bodies. The role involves integrating development approaches considering conflict, crises, and human rights, utilizing foresight and data analytics. Responsibilities extend to coordinating regional communications, supporting resource mobilization, and ensuring quality assurance for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks. The Director manages the UNDCO Regional Office, including strategy, work programs, budgets, and staff, while also supporting the day-to-day operations of the RC system, managing dispute resolution, and promoting UN 2.0 competencies. They contribute to UNDCO policy formulation, oversee regional reporting, and manage staff recruitment and development.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in development cooperation coordination, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles in international settings. Requires 5 years of field experience, demonstrated strategy/policy formulation, and substantive international development experience. Experience in organizational reform, change management, performance management, and budget management is necessary. Experience in the Africa region, UN Resident Coordinator system, digital/data/foresight tools, strategic resource mobilization, and regional/sub-regional coordination is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Accountability, Client Orientation, Leadership, Judgement/Decision-making, Strategic Foresight, Behavioral Science, Data Analysis, Digital Innovation, Partnership Building, Management, Communication, Risk Management, Change Management, Gender Equality, Youth Inclusion.

Explore related opportunities