Overview
The Director leads the Cities Alliance Secretariat, responsible for the formulation, adoption, financing, and implementation of the Strategic Plan and Annual Work Plans. This role requires strategic and diplomatic collaboration with members, partners, and country stakeholders to achieve the vision and mission of Cities Alliance.
Tasks Summary
- Develop and implement sustainable business strategies.
- Anticipate and perceive the impact of future decisions.
- Treat all individuals with respect and uphold ethical norms.
- Act as a positive role model and contribute to team spirit.
- Build and maintain strong external relationships.
- Establish appropriate courses of action to accomplish goals.
- Take initiative to act on opportunities.
- Understand the responsible use of resources.
- Adapt approach to suit changing circumstances.
- Reflect on experiences and modify behavior.
- Pursue continuous improvements.
- Evaluate data and courses of action to reach logical decisions.
- Apply innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
- Express ideas clearly and concisely.
- Handle conflict effectively.
- Restore and sustain financial viability, securing predictable financing and diversifying revenue streams.
- Develop and manage a resource mobilization strategy.
- Expand and diversify core donors and funding sources.
- Balance core and project financing.
- Lead institutional review and renewal processes.
- Lead the development of the Strategic Plan and Annual Work Plans.
- Ensure alignment with Agenda 2030, Paris Climate Agreement, and New Urban Agenda.
- Oversee organizational adaptation and planning.
- Ensure policies and governance instruments are reviewed and updated.
- Provide high-quality strategic information to the Management Board.
- Facilitate and promote communication between the Management Board and partners.
- Monitor progress toward key targets and report regularly.
- Communicate with the Chair of the Management Board on progress and emerging issues.
- Identify operational challenges requiring Board support.
- Act as spokesperson for Cities Alliance and report to Members.
- Support the Cities Alliance partnership and extend engagement with key stakeholders.
- Represent Cities Alliance at high-level events.
- Articulate and communicate Cities Alliance strategy, vision, and values.
- Ensure Members are appraised of activities and have opportunities to co-create and participate.
- Maintain an active focal point system for consistent interaction with Members.
- Make a positive contribution to the UN system and development coherence.
- Liaise with key relevant organizations and agencies.
- Provide clear and effective leadership to the Secretariat.
- Provide leadership and support to the Management Team.
- Provide supervision and performance appraisal for Management Team members.
- Ensure operational structures, systems, and processes align with UNOPS policies.
- Manage and oversee organizational risks.
- Optimize timely, cost-effective arrangements.
- Cooperate with UNOPS reporting line for operational support.
- Ensure effective planning, recruitment, and development of a flexible workforce.
- Foster a positive work environment and ensure high standards of conduct.
- Champion gender parity, gender mainstreaming, and diversity.
Experience Requirements
- A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible professional experience, including senior executive leadership, institutional transformation, strategy development and implementation, resource mobilization, financing, advocacy, and programme management.
- Senior-level experience operating in an international political/diplomatic environment, including engaging with governance or oversight bodies in support of institutional positioning and strategic decision making, preferably in areas related to urban development and the role of cities.
- Demonstrated capacity to lead and secure significant institutional funding with bilateral (including the EU), multilateral or institutional donors, with experience translating partnership and policy influence into funded programmes.
- Demonstrated experience and capacity in mobilising concessional and/or non-ODA funding, including through development banks, multi-donor funds, philanthropic foundations, the private sector and public-private partnerships.
Qualification Requirements
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), preferably in urban planning, economics, social science, international development, public policy and administration, or related areas is required.
- A first level university degree (Bachelor`s degree or equivalent) in the related fields with an additional two (2) years of experience may be considered in lieu of the Master`s degree.
