Director, UN System and Intergovernmental Affairs Office; SIGA), UNOPS

The Director of the UN System and Intergovernmental Affairs Office (SIGA) at UNOPS provides leadership and strategic direction on inter-governmental affairs and relations with Member States and UN system-wide engagement. The role involves representing UNOPS in New York, advising the Executive Director, and managing relationships with the Executive Board, UN Member States, and other UN entities.

• Provide leadership and strategic direction on all inter-governmental affairs and relations with Member States and UN system-wide engagement.
• Advise and support the Executive Director of UNOPS on matters related to the Executive Board and coordination with Member States and UN-wide processes.
• Represent UNOPS in New York and act as the strategic link between the UNOPS Executive Office in Copenhagen and the UN Headquarters in New York.
• Promote effective relationships between the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS, governance and oversight bodies of the UN system, Member States, and other UN entities.
• Ensure effective organization, preparation, management, and servicing of Executive Board sessions.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the organization through the 4-year strategic plan and achievement of leadership priorities.
• Strategically position UNOPS in inter-governmental and inter-agency processes and mechanisms.
• Advise the Executive Director and senior management on emerging trends, risks and opportunities across the UN system.
• Represent UNOPS at the Executive Board Bureau and liaise with Permanent Missions to the United Nations.
• Lead and coordinate preparations for Executive Board sessions and ensure Board decisions are understood and acted upon.
• Oversee UNOPS positioning in key inter-governmental fora including the General Assembly, Security Council and ECOSOC.
• Advise on preparations for the UN Chief Executives Board and the UN Sustainable Development Group.
• Represent UNOPS at high-level meetings in New York as requested by the Executive Director.
• Lead UNOPS participation in New York-based forums of Member States such as SIDS, LDCs, G77.
• Support advocacy, public information and communication activities related to the GA and ECOSOC.
• Engage with Member States on behalf of regional and country offices including Host Country Agreements and Designation of UNOPS representatives.
• Role-model UNOPS values and behavioural competencies as a member of the global leadership team.
• Drive leadership development and talent pipelines, promote teamwork and collaboration.
• Foster a positive working environment respectful of all and ensure focus on well-being, empowerment, diversity and inclusion.
• Champion organizational learning, continuous improvement, and a high-performance culture.
• Manage resources within budgetary parameters and delegated authority.

• A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, International Development, Political Science, International Relations or related studies.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience working in multilateral organizations or bilateral diplomacy, including 5 years in a governance, policy, or liaison function is required.
• Experience working with a network of development partners, governing bodies, and donors.
• Demonstrated understanding of UN system organizations, rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in navigating complex political dynamics with diplomacy and ability to influence.
• Demonstrated ability to craft politically sensitive briefing material and documents.
• Broad understanding of UNOPS, its mandate and its partners, and its positioning within the UN (desired).

• Governance Policy
• Liaison Functions
• Multilateral Diplomacy
• Development Partner Engagement
• UN System Knowledge
• UN Rules and Procedures
• Political Diplomacy
• Stakeholder Influence
• Briefing Material Preparation
• Intergovernmental Affairs
• Strategic Leadership
• UNOPS Mandate Understanding
• Executive Board Relations
• UN Member States Engagement

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