UN Women has commissioned the services of SRI Executive Search to identify suitable candidates for this position. Potential candidates may be contacted by SRI Executive Search (Lea Vercoustre LVercoustre@sri-executive.com and Gabriela Behrend gbehrend@sri-executive.com) accordingly. However, all applications should be submitted formally online via the UN Women’s careers portal in order to be considered.
Background
UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.
Under the China/United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and China’s national priorities on gender equality and women’s empowerment, the UN Women China Country Office (CO) implements its triple mandate of supporting normative standard-setting to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment; strengthening UN Coordination; and implementing programmes on women’s economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls, and enhancing south-south cooperation to accelerate realization of Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. UN Women China Office has close partnerships with the Government of China, private sector and civil society in realizing national priorities on women’s empowerment.
The Head of Office operates in a matrix management model, primarily accountable and reporting to the UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. Additionally, as a UNCT member, under the Management and Accountability Framework (MAF) of the UN development and resident coordinator system, the Head of Office has mutual accountability with the UN Resident Coordinator for periodically reporting on contributions and support for the implementation of the UNSDCF.
The Head of Office operates in a matrix management model, primarily accountable and reporting to the UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. Additionally, as a UNCT member, under the Management and Accountability Framework (MAF) of the UN development and resident coordinator system, the Head of Office has mutual accountability with the UN Resident Coordinator for periodically reporting on contributions and support for the implementation of the UNSDCF.
The UN Women China CO Head of Office is responsible for leading and managing the China Office programme portfolio under the UNSDCF and as per the global UN Women Strategic Plan where it complements national priorities as agreed to under the UNSDCF; guiding UN Women’s enhanced global partnership with the Government of China as a driver of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and developing effective partnerships with Government counterparts, UN system agencies and organizations, civil society organizations, and with bilateral and non-traditional donors in order to promote inter-agency partnerships, support for UN reform, and mobilization of visibility and resources to advance gender equality and women's empowerment.
Key Functions and Accountabilities
1. Manage the strategic country programme planning and development
• Develop and implement strategic direction of the CO;
• Lead the design, planning, formulation, preparation and development of the Country Strategic Note in close consultation and collaboration with the government, civil society, donors, UN system partners and the UN Women Regional Director, the UN Resident Coordinator and other national development stakeholders and partners, taking into account national priorities , the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Common Country Analysis and UNSDCF;
• Identify planning and programme needs, opportunities and approaches to strengthen UN Women country presence and relevance;
• Supporting UN Women’s enhanced global partnership with the Government of China as a key driver of gender equality and the empowerment of women
• Provide strategic advice and leadership to UN Women’s Executive Director, Regional Director and Senior Management on the regional and country direction;
• Manage and ensure the quality of results-based and rights-based programming for the CO;
• Finalize the annual work plan and budget;
• Lead the monitoring of the results-based management approach to programme planning and design.
• Engage and collaborate with senior partners in the UN System.
• Develop and implement strategic direction of the CO;
• Lead the design, planning, formulation, preparation and development of the Country Strategic Note in close consultation and collaboration with the government, civil society, donors, UN system partners and the UN Women Regional Director, the UN Resident Coordinator and other national development stakeholders and partners, taking into account national priorities , the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Common Country Analysis and UNSDCF;
• Identify planning and programme needs, opportunities and approaches to strengthen UN Women country presence and relevance;
• Supporting UN Women’s enhanced global partnership with the Government of China as a key driver of gender equality and the empowerment of women
• Provide strategic advice and leadership to UN Women’s Executive Director, Regional Director and Senior Management on the regional and country direction;
• Manage and ensure the quality of results-based and rights-based programming for the CO;
• Finalize the annual work plan and budget;
• Lead the monitoring of the results-based management approach to programme planning and design.
• Engage and collaborate with senior partners in the UN System.
2. Manage the CO
• Lead the CO in the delivery of operational goals; finalize the annual work plan and budget; and oversee the implementation, including providing direction, guidance and technical support;
• Oversee and approve programme work plans and the optimum and appropriate allocation and use of resources; monitor the overall progress and compliance of the CO;
• Manage the preparation of UN Women mandated country reports;
• Manage the audit review process and timely response to audit reports;
• Provide managerial direction, guidance and leadership. Ensure effective workforce planning and timely recruitments; Manage the performance of personnel under their supervision; provide ongoing performance and career development feedback, timely completion of performance assessments and coaching;
• Ensure that personnel are familiar with and follow UN Women’s regulations and rules, policies and procedures in the Policy, Procedures and Guidance Framework (PPG); Ensure personnel are aware in particular or of UN Women’s standards of conduct including but not limited to policies and procedures on preventing, reporting and addressing misconduct, Fraud and Corruption, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and abuse of authority, Protection from retaliation, and ensure mechanisms are in place to support personnel in this regard.
• Promote teamwork to ensure harmonization, linkages, collaboration and synergy; Ensure a respectful, inclusive safe and healthy work environment for personnel.
• Lead the CO in the delivery of operational goals; finalize the annual work plan and budget; and oversee the implementation, including providing direction, guidance and technical support;
• Oversee and approve programme work plans and the optimum and appropriate allocation and use of resources; monitor the overall progress and compliance of the CO;
• Manage the preparation of UN Women mandated country reports;
• Manage the audit review process and timely response to audit reports;
• Provide managerial direction, guidance and leadership. Ensure effective workforce planning and timely recruitments; Manage the performance of personnel under their supervision; provide ongoing performance and career development feedback, timely completion of performance assessments and coaching;
• Ensure that personnel are familiar with and follow UN Women’s regulations and rules, policies and procedures in the Policy, Procedures and Guidance Framework (PPG); Ensure personnel are aware in particular or of UN Women’s standards of conduct including but not limited to policies and procedures on preventing, reporting and addressing misconduct, Fraud and Corruption, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and abuse of authority, Protection from retaliation, and ensure mechanisms are in place to support personnel in this regard.
• Promote teamwork to ensure harmonization, linkages, collaboration and synergy; Ensure a respectful, inclusive safe and healthy work environment for personnel.
3. Provide support to the Resident Coordination and serve as a member of UN Country Team
• Serve as member of the UN Country Team (UNCT) under the strategic guidance and coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator (RC), collaborate on and lead as needed UNCT programming and advocacy to ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment issues are fully integrated into UN programming processes, including the Common Country Assessment (CCA) and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) planning, budgeting, resource mobilization, implementation, monitoring and evaluation through UN results groups and respective joint workplans, and in an enhanced response to national partners;
• Partner with RC and UN system partners to strengthen UN system interagency coherence, collaboration, planning, cooperation, and harmonization of programming, advocacy, common services, and operations; Facilitate joint programming and promote UN competencies to advance gender equality and women’s human rights; report to the UN RC on these issues as required;
• Actively engage in regular UNCT consultations and decision-making processes;
• Actively engage in and contribute to UNCT strategic communications that advance UN system efforts and collective results to promote Agenda 2030, including for national goals and priorities for sustainable development to generate positive public support and ownership;
• Ensure UN Women’s active participation in UN system thematic and other working groups to establish effective networks and keep abreast of ongoing debates and thinking on development;
• Ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNSDCF development planning and agenda/priority setting for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Ensure enhanced accountability of the UNCT on gender mainstreaming and works for with the RC and to on the implement the UNCT SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard;
• Participate in RC and UNCT members’ performance appraisal, as requested;
• Serve as member of the UN Country Team (UNCT) under the strategic guidance and coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator (RC), collaborate on and lead as needed UNCT programming and advocacy to ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment issues are fully integrated into UN programming processes, including the Common Country Assessment (CCA) and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) planning, budgeting, resource mobilization, implementation, monitoring and evaluation through UN results groups and respective joint workplans, and in an enhanced response to national partners;
• Partner with RC and UN system partners to strengthen UN system interagency coherence, collaboration, planning, cooperation, and harmonization of programming, advocacy, common services, and operations; Facilitate joint programming and promote UN competencies to advance gender equality and women’s human rights; report to the UN RC on these issues as required;
• Actively engage in regular UNCT consultations and decision-making processes;
• Actively engage in and contribute to UNCT strategic communications that advance UN system efforts and collective results to promote Agenda 2030, including for national goals and priorities for sustainable development to generate positive public support and ownership;
• Ensure UN Women’s active participation in UN system thematic and other working groups to establish effective networks and keep abreast of ongoing debates and thinking on development;
• Ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNSDCF development planning and agenda/priority setting for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Ensure enhanced accountability of the UNCT on gender mainstreaming and works for with the RC and to on the implement the UNCT SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard;
• Participate in RC and UNCT members’ performance appraisal, as requested;
4. Represent UN Women and lead advocacy strategies
• Represent UN Women in intergovernmental forums, public information/relations events and key meetings, participate in policy dialogue; discuss policy initiatives, report on progress achieved and/or present policy papers/ideas;
• Build relations and partnerships with high level and senior government officials as well as multi-lateral, bi-lateral agencies and NGOs; and participate in regional, country and other critical meetings and events;
• Lead and support advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment to ensure that UN support towards realization of the national plans and priorities are done in a gender responsive manner, and within agreed international frameworks that promote and protect gender equality.
• Represent UN Women in intergovernmental forums, public information/relations events and key meetings, participate in policy dialogue; discuss policy initiatives, report on progress achieved and/or present policy papers/ideas;
• Build relations and partnerships with high level and senior government officials as well as multi-lateral, bi-lateral agencies and NGOs; and participate in regional, country and other critical meetings and events;
• Lead and support advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment to ensure that UN support towards realization of the national plans and priorities are done in a gender responsive manner, and within agreed international frameworks that promote and protect gender equality.
5. Create and maintain strategic partnerships and manage resource mobilization strategies
• Lead and oversee the development of resource mobilization strategies and manage the implementation of resource mobilization strategies, plans, and efforts for the CO;
• Establish and maintain relationships with government, partners, stakeholders and donors to achieve active collaboration, cooperation and alliances on programme development and implementation and resource mobilization, in support of the UN Women China portfolio;
• Facilitate and expand Government of China/UN Women corporate south-south cooperation for the advancement of the SDGs, gender equality and women's empowerment.
• Finalize donor reports, and negotiate and/or approve cost-sharing agreements with donors; Establish reporting accountability framework to ensure that donors are duly informed on a timely basis.
• Working closely with UN Women Headquarters and the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, facilitate enhanced corporate coordination with the Government of China in support of gender equality.
6. Manage and oversee knowledge management, innovation and capacity building
• Manage the development and implementation on the CO’s communication plans, based on UN Women’s communication strategy;
• Approve the implementation of innovation and best practices in the CO;
• Promote learning and development by providing opportunities for training and capacity guiding to enhance the competencies/productivity of staff members;
• Lead the production of knowledge products.
• Lead and oversee the development of resource mobilization strategies and manage the implementation of resource mobilization strategies, plans, and efforts for the CO;
• Establish and maintain relationships with government, partners, stakeholders and donors to achieve active collaboration, cooperation and alliances on programme development and implementation and resource mobilization, in support of the UN Women China portfolio;
• Facilitate and expand Government of China/UN Women corporate south-south cooperation for the advancement of the SDGs, gender equality and women's empowerment.
• Finalize donor reports, and negotiate and/or approve cost-sharing agreements with donors; Establish reporting accountability framework to ensure that donors are duly informed on a timely basis.
• Working closely with UN Women Headquarters and the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, facilitate enhanced corporate coordination with the Government of China in support of gender equality.
6. Manage and oversee knowledge management, innovation and capacity building
• Manage the development and implementation on the CO’s communication plans, based on UN Women’s communication strategy;
• Approve the implementation of innovation and best practices in the CO;
• Promote learning and development by providing opportunities for training and capacity guiding to enhance the competencies/productivity of staff members;
• Lead the production of knowledge products.
7. Oversee safety, security and well-being of personnel, programmes and organizational assets
• Maintain and update the CO’s security strategy, plan, and measures to ensure full compliance with UN security policies, procedures and requirements.
• Serve as member of the Security Management team (SMT) and undertake relevant security and crisis management training. Guide and influence decisions and standards related to security of personnel, premises and assets
• Oversee the implementation of the Security Mainstreaming & Compliance and Business Continuity Management and Organizational Resilience requirements
• Ensure all personnel are made fully aware of safety and security procedures and policies and undertake mandatory training
• Maintain and update the CO’s security strategy, plan, and measures to ensure full compliance with UN security policies, procedures and requirements.
• Serve as member of the Security Management team (SMT) and undertake relevant security and crisis management training. Guide and influence decisions and standards related to security of personnel, premises and assets
• Oversee the implementation of the Security Mainstreaming & Compliance and Business Continuity Management and Organizational Resilience requirements
• Ensure all personnel are made fully aware of safety and security procedures and policies and undertake mandatory training
8. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:
Incumbent leads a team of 25-30 personnel, including 7 Fixed-Term positions, and personnel on other contractual modalities. The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for members of the Senior Management team in the Office.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:
Incumbent leads a team of 25-30 personnel, including 7 Fixed-Term positions, and personnel on other contractual modalities. The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for members of the Senior Management team in the Office.
Core Values
Integrity;
- Professionalism;
- Respect for Diversity.
Core Competencies
- Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
- Accountability;
- Creative Problem Solving;
- Effective Communication;
- Inclusive Collaboration;
- Stakeholder Engagement;
- Leading by Example.
Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework:
Functional Competencies
• Excellent programme formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills
• Excellent people management skills in a multicultural environment; ability to deal with individuals from all backgrounds
• Results-oriented; Ability to develop detailed operational plans, budgets, and deliver on them
• Ability to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all
• Leading, developing and empowering people
• Ability to develop detailed operational plans, budgets, and deliver on them
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice and interact with high level decision makers
• Excellent knowledge of gender equality and women's empowerment in country
• Excellent knowledge of UN system
• Ability to envision and lead the strategic direction for UN Women in the country
• Excellent networking skills
• Ability to identify and analyze trends, opportunities and threats to fundraising and develop strategies
• Excellent diplomatic and written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent people management skills in a multicultural environment; ability to deal with individuals from all backgrounds
• Results-oriented; Ability to develop detailed operational plans, budgets, and deliver on them
• Ability to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all
• Leading, developing and empowering people
• Ability to develop detailed operational plans, budgets, and deliver on them
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice and interact with high level decision makers
• Excellent knowledge of gender equality and women's empowerment in country
• Excellent knowledge of UN system
• Ability to envision and lead the strategic direction for UN Women in the country
• Excellent networking skills
• Ability to identify and analyze trends, opportunities and threats to fundraising and develop strategies
• Excellent diplomatic and written and verbal communication skills
Education and certification
• Master’s degree or equivalent in international development, public administration, public policy or other relevant social science fields is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A project/programme management certification (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) would be an added advantage.
Experience:
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A project/programme management certification (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) would be an added advantage.
Experience:
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible development experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in development cooperation at the international level is required.
• Experience in gender and women’s issues programming, at the international level, preferably in developing countries within the UN system, Agencies, Funds or Programmes or UN Mission is required.
• Field based experience working with multi-cultural teams is required.
• Experience leading and coaching staff in international settings is required.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.
• Experience in the use of a modern web-based ERP System, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable.
Language Requirements:
• Experience in gender and women’s issues programming, at the international level, preferably in developing countries within the UN system, Agencies, Funds or Programmes or UN Mission is required.
• Field based experience working with multi-cultural teams is required.
• Experience leading and coaching staff in international settings is required.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.
• Experience in the use of a modern web-based ERP System, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable.
Language Requirements:
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
• Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
Statements
In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.
Diversity and inclusion
At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.
If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.
UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)
Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.