Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific

Organizational Context

This role is situated within the Global Operations Division of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bangkok. The incumbent will serve as the Regional Director for the Asia-Pacific region, reporting directly to the Division Director. This position is key to OHCHR's operational presence and strategic engagement in the region.

Job Purpose

The Regional Director for Asia-Pacific is responsible for formulating and implementing the substantive work program of the Regional Office and its supervised country leads. This includes overseeing all activities, ensuring timely execution, and coordinating efforts within the Division and with other UN entities. The role involves directing and supervising technical cooperation projects, planning and evaluating human rights field presences, and fostering cooperation with governments, national institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders. A critical aspect is engaging in strategic resource mobilization, communications, and advocacy as the High Commissioner's representative, ensuring high-quality outputs and effective management of staff and resources to advance human rights across the region.

Responsibilities

The Regional Director is accountable for formulating and implementing the regional work program, overseeing its execution, and coordinating activities with country leads and other UN System organizations. This includes leading and supervising the Regional Office's work, reviewing drafts, and directing the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of technical cooperation projects. The role involves maintaining cooperation with Member States, national human rights institutions, civil society, media, academia, and UN country teams. Additionally, the Director ensures support for fact-finding mechanisms, engages in strategic resource mobilization, communications, and advocacy. Oversight extends to ensuring high-quality outputs, managing budgets, performance evaluations, staff recruitment, and fostering teamwork and communication within the office and across organizational boundaries. The Director also represents the Regional Office at various meetings.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in human rights or a related field is required, with at least 10 years at the international level. Significant experience (at least 7 years) in supervisory, management, and leadership roles is essential. Experience working within an international organization in a multicultural setting is also required. Desirable experience includes managing project implementation, strategic resource mobilization, and working in or on the Asia-Pacific region.

Skills

Professionalism, Communication, Leadership, Vision, Performance Management, Strategic Resource Mobilization, Strategic Communications, Advocacy, Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills.

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