Director, UNDP Representative Office - Nordic Countries (D-1/D-2)

The Partnerships Bureau (PB) is responsible for UNDP’s External relations and Communications functions. The Bureau leads and supports the organization in cultivating, building and nurturing strategic relationships and alliances that are essential for advancing and successfully achieving the mission of UNDP. These relationships encompass a wide range and number of key constituencies and development partners, that includes programme countries, existing and prospective donor countries/emerging economic powers, multilateral institutions such as the IFIs, the European Commission, civil society, the private sector, foundations, academia and think tanks, the wider UN system, various inter-governmental bodies, as well as the global, regional and national media. The Bureau also leads and manages the organization’s relationship with its Executive Board that is responsible for UNDP’s governance. To all these ends the Bureau leads in the development and advancement of relevant strategies that includes an internal and external consultative process and vetting. The Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland), as a group, are strong advocates for, and supporters of official development assistance (ODA). UNDP and these countries have over the years developed an important partnership, involving Nordic countries’ governments, parliamentarians, academics and NGOs play a leading role in the international debate on development policy and aid effectiveness. UNDP’s partnership with the Nordic countries is strong at various levels, with the group being significant funders of the organization. The Nordic-UNDP cooperation covers policy dialogue, co-financing of projects, joint research/study, joint conferences and seminars, and joint advocacy and publicity activities. The UNDP Nordic office seeks to enable UNDP to position itself strategically vis-à-vis the full range of partners – public and private - in each of the Nordic countries. Impact of Results: The role of the Director of the UNDP Representative Office in Nordic Countries is strategically important in ensuring UNDP‘s positioning vis-à-vis government and nongovernmental partners in the Nordics countries. It is also indispensable in terms of UNDP’s understanding of the political climate in the Nordics countries in order to strengthen partnerships with various branches of the government.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Administrator and Bureau Director, Partnerships Bureau, the Director for the UNDP Representative office for Nordic countries is responsible for the following: Serves as the principal interface between UNDP and the respective governments including relevant ministries, parliamentarians, and other government institutions of the five Nordic countries, and within that context, works to build and strengthen the knowledge, understanding, and importance of UNDP’s work, including building on common interests, towards enhancing the UNDP relationship with each of the countries. Develops and maintains strong relationships with Nordic ministers and parliamentarians, Nordic countries’ think-tanks, business groups and private corporations, NGOs and other policy-makers – and participates in important high-level fora in Nordic countries that promote the strategic interests of UNDP. Scans and analyzes the environment (political, economic, social) in the Nordic countries and advises how best to ensure maximum support for UNDP. Acts as prime corporate adviser on optimal corporate strategies and policies to deepen and broaden UNDP’s existing partnership with the Nordic countries, including communications, outreach and resource mobilization strategies. Participates in and contributes to policy discussions relating to development in general and in areas of concern to UNDP specifically. Organizes special events (such as seminars, symposia, briefings, etc) with the purpose of educating members of government, media, NGOs, potential development constituencies, on the work of UNDP. In consultation with UNDP’s Communications Office and other UNDP Headquarters units, supports various media efforts in spreading the news of UNDP’s work, including support in crisis communications, as well as reviews various UNDP publications for presentation to various constituencies in the Nordic countries. Provides regular advice to UNDP headquarters concerning attitudes and trends among Nordic policy and opinion makers on development assistance matters, the role of the UN development system and emerging issues such as governance, post-conflict situations and human rights. Facilitates visits to any of the Nordic countries by senior officials of UNDP for meetings with relevant government officials, parliamentarians, NGOs, professional groups and associations, and other existing/potential partners. When requested, represents UNDP at important conferences and meetings held in any of the Nordic countries. Collaborates with other Nordic-based representative offices of UN agencies, in advancing the role of the UN system with a wide range of Nordic constituencies. Supports (in consultation with the Assistant Administrator, BoM) the work of the Chief of OHR/SAS (in consultation with the Director BOM/OHR) by providing input to strategic planning as well as ongoing coaching. Serves as Chairperson of the UN House Team. Leads and manages the staff of the UNDP Representative office in Nordic countries.

Competencies

Demonstrated management skills with ability and willingness to lead and motivate a dynamic team; Effective team-building skills combined with a willingness to innovate; Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain excellent relationships with key partners; political astuteness with existing network of high-level contacts in the Nordic countries; Proven negotiating, representational and diplomatic skills and ability to interface effectively at the senior government officials, parliamentarians, head of development agency, NGO and CEO levels; Strong communications and advocacy skills and ability to mobilize support for UNDP from a wide range of audiences (public, private, academic, civil society etc.); Knowledge and understanding of UNDP’s programmatic and UN development coordination activities; and Proven ability to promote the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master’s degree in international development, international relations, public administration and/or management, or other relevant social sciences Experience: A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, including management at a senior level Language Requirements: Fluency in English is essential (written and verbal). A working knowledge of a Nordic language is an asset.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Director, UNDP Representative Office - Nordic Countries (D-1/D-2)