Deputy Executive Secretary, Programme

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) 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 harmonisation 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 (OES) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Deputy Executive Secretary will provide assistance to the Executive Secretary in the management of ESCWA and reports directly to the Executive Secretary.

Responsibilities

The Deputy Executive Secretary will be responsible for carrying out the following duties:

• Assists the Executive Secretary in directing and managing major programmes of the Commission’s substantive programme of work;
• Contributes to the formulation of the Commission’s substantive strategies and policies by participating in various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, and acting, as required, as an advisor to the Executive Secretary;
• Assists the Executive Secretary in supervising and providing leadership to all ESCWA Programme Managers, in particular on the coordination and effective formulation, implementation and evaluation of the Commission’s substantive policies and programmes;
• Assists the Executive Secretary in formulating development policies and strategies for consideration by governmental, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations in Arab States;
• Assists the Executive Secretary in overseeing the management of substantive activities undertaken by the Commission, and coordinates the work of the substantive divisions to ensure that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Commission and with other organizations of the United Nations System, donors and agencies on substantive issues;
• Initiates action to enhance the Commission’s substantive relations with the League of Arab States, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and other regional organizations on substantive issues;
• Ensures that the outputs produced by ESCWA maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the Divisions under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates;
• Ensures the effective implementation by substantive divisions of actions required by the Secretariat on the resolutions and decisions of the Commission, and other intergovernmental organizations;
• Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision; fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Divisions and across organizational boundaries;
• Chairs meetings, seminars, etc., on substantive-related issues; and as assigned by the Executive Secretary represents the Organization at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conference; provides programmatic/substantive expertise on relevant issues;
• Acts as Officer-in-Charge of the Commission responsible for the overall functioning of the secretariat during the absence of the Executive Secretary as needed;
• Performs other related duties as requested by the Executive Secretary.

Education

An advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in the following areas: Business, finance, accounting, economics, social sciences, political science, international relations, law, public administration or in a related field 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.

Work Experience

• At least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in the management and analysis of socio-economic development issues is required.
• At least ten years of experience in the management of development programmes at the regional and/or international level is required.
• At least ten years of experience in conducting intergovernmental negotiating processes is required.
• Experience in research and publishing research on socio-economic development issues is required.
• Experience in handling a multidisciplinary portfolio of tasks and duties is required.
• At least five years of experience in international organizations is desirable.
• At least ten years of experience in development work including vulnerable groups in the Arab States is desirable. Experience in fundraising and dealing with regional and sub-regional donor organizations and/or national government authorities in the region is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Source: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/232871?language=en