Regional Director, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP)
Organizational Context
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) promotes sustainable urban development globally. As the UN's focal point for urbanization, it collaborates with partners to create inclusive, safe, and resilient cities. This role is within the Regional Programme Division, overseeing regional and country activities, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 11. The position is based in the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) in Fukuoka.
Job Purpose
The Regional Director will provide strategic leadership for UN-Habitat's operations in the Asia and Pacific region, ensuring alignment with the organization's Strategic Plan and global priorities. This involves developing and implementing regional strategies, fostering international cooperation, and representing UN-Habitat at high-level events and within UN platforms. The role focuses on advancing adequate housing, land, and basic services, promoting integrated urban planning, and strengthening participatory governance. Key responsibilities include leading programme development, resource mobilization, partnership building with governments and diverse stakeholders, and managing the regional office to achieve organizational goals and enhance UN-Habitat's influence and impact across the region.
Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership for the implementation of UN-Habitat's Strategic Plan in the region, translating global priorities into regional approaches and measurable results. Lead the development and execution of the regional annual work programme, monitoring human settlement needs and implementing response strategies. Foster international cooperation, represent UN-Habitat at high-level events and UN platforms, and build productive relationships with host governments and partner institutions. Strengthen accountability for core mandates including adequate housing, land, and basic services, and promote integrated urban and territorial planning, investment, and financing solutions. Enhance multi-level governance, SDG localization, and engagement with national and local governments. Lead evidence-based decision-making, urban data utilization, innovation, and capacity development. Expand strategic partnerships, mobilize diversified resources, and facilitate investment. Manage and supervise the regional office operations, including administration, personnel, procurement, and financial management, ensuring organizational sustainability and performance.
Work Experience
A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in human settlements development is required, with at least 10 years in senior leadership within an international or UN setting. Experience in leading large-scale housing, land, and basic services programs, as well as partnership development, resource mobilization, and investment facilitation, is essential. Experience with regional portfolios and implementing strategic priorities is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Communication, Teamwork, Leadership, Judgment/Decision-Making, Negotiation, Management, Data analysis, Strategic planning, Partnership development, Resource mobilization, Investment facilitation.