CHIEF OF SERVICE, ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, D1

  • Organisation: ESCWA - Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
  • Location: Beirut
  • Contract: J
  • Deadline: 17 November 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA unescwa.org) forms part of the United Nations Secretariat and, like the other regional commissions, operates under the supervision of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. ESCWA comprises 21 Arab countries in Western Asia and North Africa. ESCWA provides a framework for the formulation and harmonization of sectoral policies for member countries, a platform for congress and coordination, a home for expertise and knowledge, and an information observatory. ESCWA is commitment to advance just, peaceful and inclusive societies, especially for people living under occupation, in conflict or post conflict settings, and to improve governance and strengthen effective, efficient and accountable public institutions and service delivery. Reporting to the Deputy Executive Secretary for Programmes and under the overall supervision of the Executive Secretary, the Director will lead Cluster 6 “Governance and Conflict Prevention”; overseeing its substantive and operational work.

Responsibilities

The Director of the Governance and Conflict Prevention Cluster will be responsible for carrying out the following functions: - Formulate and implement the substantive work programme of UNESCWA Governance and Conflict Prevention Cluster. Direct the activities and manage resources of Cluster 6, provide guidance supervision to substantive methodological and development in areas of governance and conflict analysis mitigation, and its spillover effects. - Undertake and oversee the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of Cluster 6, including resource mobilization, the preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, and evaluation of staff performance. - Ensure that programed activities and analytical deliverables are carried out in timely fashion, and with high quality, and based on comprehensive and evidence-based data. - Advise the Executive Secretary and the Deputy for Programmes on strategic direction of programmatic work, technical cooperation, relationships with Member States, regional and global developmental partners and stakeholders, as well as other programmatic policy issues in relation to countries in transition, emerging trends, institutional development, peacebuilding, crisis management, conflict mitigation and institutional recovery; - Oversee technical cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, and change management programmes to support member states in adopting evidence-based policies and sustainable development practices. - Identify broad strategies required for the improvement of programme and highlight risks to planned delivery, proposing mitigating measures. - Coordinate and oversee the preparation of reports for presentation to UNESCWA intergovernmental bodies, as appropriate; - Undertake any other functions as assigned by senior management.

Competencies

Professionalism - Knowledge of socio-economic development and conflict related issues, in general and in Arab States/ESCWA countries in particular, and a publication record on the Arab Region in refereed Journals; ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Communication - Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and Organizing - Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. Leadership - Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands; provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Vision - Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Education

Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in one or more of the following disciplines: economics, development economics, law, political science, public administration, social sciences or related field. A first-level university degree in addition to qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Ph.D degree in economics, development economics, law, political science, public administration, social sciences or related field is desirable.

Work Experience

At least 15 years of progressively responsible work experience at the international and regional level in high level research and analysis on development issues is required. At least five years experience in conflict analysis and governance, including experience in directing such research, and in managing development programmes is required. Experience in policy and technical development in areas of conflict, institutional building or research and innovative programme is required. A minimum of five years of strategic and managerial experience in managing complex development projects in conflict and / or post conflict settings is required. Experience in forming partnerships in the fields of conflict and institutional building is desirable. Experience working with the United Nations Common System or other international organizations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, Arabic is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Arabic UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include one or more assessments which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

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