Overview
The Director of the German Representation Office represents and strategically positions UNDP to key constituencies, mobilizes resources, and demonstrates accountability for investments. The role serves as a connector between UNDP programmes and German constituencies, influencing discussions and raising the profile of UNDP's work.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as UNDP’s Representative to Germany, representing a gateway between UNDP and German development constituencies.
- Meet regularly with key focal points and policymakers at the Bundestag, Foreign Affairs, BMZ, Chancellery, sectoral ministries and other executive and legislative branch counterparts.
- Lead engagement with German NGOs and foundations, private sector, German local authorities and other opinionmakers to promote the interests of UNDP.
- Advocate for UNDP policy positions and deliver presentations on flagship reports and policy papers.
- Position UNDP by participating in public and academic debates and organize or personally deliver UNDP presentations to the various German development audiences.
- Lead the organization of UNDP public events.
- Seek opportunities for media exposure for UNDP through special events.
- Oversee the preparation of special events, ensure timely preparation of periodic publications and promote organizational presence in local media.
- Participate in local academic fora.
- Advise the BERA Director on optimal corporate strategies and policies to maintain, nourish, deepen and broaden UNDP’s partnership with Germany.
- Scan and analyse the policy and partnership environment in Germany and provide advice as to how best position UNDP and mobilize support and resources.
- Negotiate agreements on behalf of the Director in close collaboration with appropriate units at headquarters and country office levels, including for non-core cost-sharing agreements with German officials.
- Persistently obtain, and process information with respect to political, economic, institutional and policy developments and trends that may impact UNDP.
- Provide strategic advice and guidance and supervise training and support to Country Offices on German development policy and support Country Offices in the management of their relationship with Germany.
- Implement strategic initiatives that advance the cause of flexible resources including core and non-core resources, actively supporting the diversification of UNDP’s funding base.
- Lead, as the senior focal point, the UNDP relationship with Germany.
- Overall supervision and management of office staff, including matrixed staff.
- Supervise the preparation of annual work plans and budgets for the Germany RO.
- Oversee the Office’s work plan and ensure financial integrity of the Office and full accountability of human resource management.
- Ensure office plans and activities support the UNDP Strategic Plan and the strategic objectives of BERA and other related bureaux.
- Interface regularly with other UN agencies in Germany for effective UN partner positioning and common messaging regarding German counterparts.
- Engage closely with the other RO Directors and the Public Partnerships Group to implement best practices in advocating for the work of UNDP to various German constituencies.
Required Experience
- A minimum of fifteen (15) years with master’s Degree and seventeen (17) years with bachelor’s Degree, of relevant work experience is required;
- Proven representational, diplomatic, resource mobilization and negotiation skills and ability to interface effectively at the high political level, senior levels of government, development agencies, and other organizations;
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain excellent relationships with key partners; politically astute in partnership building, especially in the European setting and within the UN system;
- Strong communications and advocacy skills and the ability to mobilize support from a wide range of audiences, including government organizations, parliamentarians, academics, CSOs, and private firms;
- Field experience related multilateral development work in a Country Office setting at senior management level is required;
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of UN System policies, and operational activities is desirable;
- Experience in dealing with the media, and sensitivity to media concerns and interests;
- Fully conversant in current issues and trends in development policy and practice.
Qualifications
- Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Law, Economics, International Development, International Relations, Public Administration, Management or related field.
- OR A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
