Head, Subregional Office for North and Central Asia

Organizational Context

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) promotes sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. As a UN Secretariat arm, it provides policy research, analysis, and capacity-building assistance. This role is based in the Subregional Office for North and Central Asia (SONCA), covering multiple countries, and reports to the Deputy Executive Secretary for Partnerships and Coordination.

Job Purpose

The Head of the Subregional Office for North and Central Asia (SONCA) serves as ESCAP's representative in the subregion, fostering member government participation and promoting development cooperation. The role involves formulating and implementing the office's work program, aligning subregional priorities with ESCAP's strategic framework, and supporting initiatives like the Special Programme for Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). The incumbent advises senior leadership on emerging subregional issues, provides policy advice and technical assistance to governments, and coordinates with various stakeholders, including UN entities and development partners. This position also oversees programmatic, administrative, and managerial tasks to ensure the effective functioning of the SONCA, including budget management, staff supervision, and quality assurance of outputs.

Responsibilities

Represent ESCAP in the North and Central Asian subregion, encouraging member government engagement and promoting subregional cooperation. Formulate, lead, and implement the subregional office's work program in consultation with ESCAP Headquarters, ensuring effective resource utilization and timely delivery of outputs. Support the Special Programme for Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) and related initiatives, ensuring alignment with ESCAP's strategic framework. Advise ESCAP leadership on subregional socio-economic and political issues, providing actionable recommendations. Provide inputs to ESCAP Headquarters on work program development and implementation for the subregion, coordinating with government officials, UN entities, and other stakeholders. Ensure high-quality standards for all office outputs and reports. Participate in meetings, offering policy advice and technical assistance to governments. Promote partnerships and knowledge sharing among diverse development actors. Oversee programmatic, administrative, and managerial functions, including budgeting, recruitment, staff development, and performance management.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressive international experience in economic/social analysis, policy, or program management is required. Demonstrated experience in regional representation, advising senior leadership, and building partnerships is essential. Experience in managing administrative functions, including budgeting and staff supervision, is also required. Experience in the Asia-Pacific region, with regional cooperation frameworks, and UN systems is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, strong analytical skills, good judgment, report writing and editing, application of UN rules and regulations, planning and organizing, effective communication (written and verbal), leadership, performance management, gender mainstreaming, and staff development.

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