Chief of Service, Economic Affairs (Cluster 6, Governance and Conflict Prevention)

About the role

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a UN regional commission covering 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. This temporary assignment, based in Beirut, is for the Director of Cluster 6 "Governance and Conflict Prevention", reporting to the Deputy Executive Secretary for Programmes and under the overall supervision of the Executive Secretary. The post is open for three months from appointment, subject to availability of the post, budget and continued need.

Key responsibilities

• Formulate and implement the substantive work programme of the Governance and Conflict Prevention Cluster, direct its activities, manage its resources and guide substantive methodological and development work in governance and conflict analysis, mitigation and spillover effects.
• Oversee programme and administrative tasks, including resource mobilization, budget preparation, budget and programme performance reporting, and staff performance evaluation.
• Ensure activities and analytical deliverables are delivered on time, with high quality and on the basis of comprehensive, evidence-based data.
• Advise the Executive Secretary and the Deputy for Programmes on strategic direction, technical cooperation, relations with Member States and partners, and policy issues on countries in transition, peacebuilding, crisis management and institutional recovery.
• Oversee technical cooperation, capacity-building and change management programmes supporting evidence-based policies and sustainable development.
• Identify strategies needed to improve the programme, flag delivery risks and propose mitigating measures.
• Coordinate and oversee reports for intergovernmental bodies, and carry out other functions assigned by senior management.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in economics, development economics, law, political science, public administration, social sciences or a related field; a first-level degree plus qualifying experience may be accepted instead.
• A Ph.D. in one of those fields is desirable.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience at international and regional level in high-level research and analysis on development issues.
• At least five years in conflict analysis and governance, including directing such research and managing development programmes.
• Experience in policy and technical development in conflict, institutional building or innovative programmes, and five years of strategic and managerial experience in complex development projects in conflict or post-conflict settings.
• Desirable: partnership formation experience in conflict and institutional building, and experience with the UN Common System or other international organizations.
• Arabic at UN Level II reading, writing, listening and speaking; English at UN Level II is also required.