Regional Director, Arab States

Organizational Context

The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO), within the UN Secretariat, manages and oversees the Resident Coordinator (RC) system to accelerate the 2030 Agenda and embody the UN 2.0 shift. The Regional Director, based in Amman, reports to the ASG/Director of UNDCO and leads DCO's regional interface, fostering collaboration across the UN Development System and supporting RCs.

Job Purpose

The Regional Director serves as a strategic leader, thought leader, and partnership broker for sustainable development in the Arab States region. This role is primarily outward-facing, providing strategic support to Resident Coordinators (RCs) and UN Country Teams (UNCTs) to accelerate SDG achievement. The Director convenes regional stakeholders, influences actions through UN 2.0 capabilities, and strengthens partnerships with regional bodies and international financial institutions. They ensure integrated development approaches, manage risks, and support resource mobilization, contributing to coherent and timely SDG delivery across the region.

Responsibilities

The Regional Director leads the UNDCO Regional Office, focusing on thought leadership, partnerships, and SDG acceleration. Key responsibilities include: convening regional development dialogues, providing strategic direction to UN entities, strengthening collaborations with regional commissions and sub-regional bodies, and developing strategic partnerships. The role involves integrating complex development approaches, applying UN 2.0 skills like foresight and behavioral science, and coordinating regional communications. The Director supports RCs and UNCTs with strategic guidance, resource mobilization, and quality assurance for UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs). Additionally, the Director manages the Regional Office's strategy, budget, and operations, oversees staff, promotes digital transformation, and ensures compliance with UN policies on gender, disability, and youth inclusion.

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 experience in strategy/policy formulation, and substantive international development experience. Experience in organizational reform, change management, and performance management is essential. Experience in managing budgets, risk awareness, and complex/humanitarian/conflict settings is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Accountability, Client Orientation, Leadership, Judgment/Decision-Making, Strategic Analysis, Partnership Brokering, Management, Communication, UN 2.0 Capabilities (Foresight, Behavioral Science, Data, Digital, Innovation).

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