Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA unescwa.org) forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA activities are coordinated with the divisions and main offices of the Headquarters of the United Nations, specialized agencies, and international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and its subsidiary bodies, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This post is located within the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme reports directly to the Executive Secretary. Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary (Under-Secretary-General), the incumbent directs several key aspects of ESCWA’s work related to programmes (economic and social development, data science, governance etc). Additional responsibilities include enhancing engagement with the sub-regional organizations and national government authorities and the Commission's outreach to civil society and other non-governmental partners in the region. ResponsibilitiesThe Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme will be responsible for carrying out the following duties: • Leads the development and implementation of ESCWA's long term strategy, ensuring alignment with the 2030 Agenda, ESCWA's vision and regional priorities, and results-based management (RBM) principles. • Advises the Executive Secretary on strategic direction of programmatic work, technical cooperation, relationships with Member States, regional and global developmental partners and stakeholders, as well as other programmatic policy issues as they arise. • Formulates, implements, leads and directs programme of substantive work, monitoring, evaluation, and the preparation of strategic framework and performance reports. • Oversees technical cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, and change management programmes to support member states in adopting evidence-based policies and sustainable development practices • Identifies broad strategies required for the improvement of programme and highlights risks to planned delivery, proposing mitigating measures. Provides leadership to the development of change management programmes including with respect to the transition to the ESCWA reform agenda. • Undertakes any other functions as assigned by the Executive Secretary. CompetenciesProfessionalism Proven experience in management of programmatic work in a large international development organization. Ability to perform duties in a diplomatic manner and successfully negotiate difficult situations with a wide variety of external partners as well as partners internal to the UN system. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Planning and organizing Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Communication Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Leadership Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Judgement/Decision-making Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary. EducationAdvanced university degree in programme management, economic sciences, social sciences, international development or related fields. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceAt least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, economic or/and social development, international development, planning and related fields is required. At least ten years of experience in management of development programmes at the regional and/or international level is required. At least fifteen years working experience in the Arab region is required. At least five years of experience in leading, and Implementing development strategies and aligning them with the 2030 Agenda, SDGs, and/or RBM principles is required. At least ten years of experience in international organizations are required. Experience in facilitating and conducting intergovernmental negotiations is required. Experience in dealing with regional and sub-regional donor organizations and/or national government authorities in the region is required. Experience in fostering regional cooperation is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Arabic are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).