Deputy Executive Director, Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, (Assistant Secretary -General), New York, USA

UNICEF

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Executive Director of UNICEF, the Deputy Executive Director (DED), Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations, advises and assists the Executive Director of UNICEF in the overall direction and strategic leadership of the organization, with particular focus on humanitarian policy and response, and on ensuring the delivery of and sustainable access to essential products and services for children in need. The duties of the DED Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations will require frequent interaction with UNICEF Senior Management as well as senior staff within the UN system, representatives of government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector, as well as chairpersons and members of intergovernmental bodies.

Requirements

A distinguished record of progressively responsible leadership experience at the senior executive level.
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, public administration, political or social sciences, business administration, or related area.
Being a strong leader and manager with highly developed diplomatic and public policy skills, including senior managerial experience at the international level.
Demonstrating a strong track record in managing complex organizations and programmes, organizational strategy and development, including results-based management.
A track record in strategic partnership building, management for results, advocacy and resource mobilization, demonstrated commitment and ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and commitment to UNICEF and its vision.
A strong track record in leading humanitarian action in complex environments.
Extensive experience in leading and managing complex security situations.
A results-driven and people-oriented management approach with strong ability to influence, negotiate, and build networks and partnerships.
Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership style, and demonstrated ability to work in a diverse multicultural, multi-ethnic environment, including working effectively in inter-agency and cross-sectoral leadership teams.
Excellent political and diplomatic skills, combined with a proven ability to achieve results in a complex political environment.
A strong capacity to distill, analyze and translate multifaceted and critical issues from various sources.
Knowledge of development and humanitarian issues and policies.
Excellent communication skills, fluency in English, and working knowledge of another official UN language.
Experience in or knowledge of the UN system and knowledge of UNICEF’s work.
Familiarity with the international humanitarian coordination architecture, including the Inter-Agency Standing Committee.
Willingness and ability to undertake extensive travel, including assignments in humanitarian and emergency contexts.

Responsibilities

Leads the implementation of UNICEF's core commitments for children in humanitarian settings (CCCs), and UNICEF’s delivery of products for children in line with UNICEF’s programmatic activities, including rapid response to emergencies.
Provides leadership for UNICEF’s humanitarian policy and action in response to emergencies, including public health emergencies and pandemic preparedness, and UNICEF’s supply operations across UNICEF programmes of cooperation and humanitarian crises, including procurement services on behalf of governments and partners.
Oversees engagement in the children and armed conflict agenda.
Guides and leads UNICEF's work on children on the move, protection against sexual exploitation and abuse, and disaster risk reduction, and provide strategic leadership on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.
Supervises and leads the work of the Office of Emergency Programmes, the Office of the Security Coordinator, and the Supply Division.
Participates with the other Deputy Executive Directors in the formulation and implementation of UNICEF’s institutional strategies and corporate policies.
Provides guidance to and maintains regular contact with Regional Directors and heads of field offices on matters relating to emergency policy and operations.
Effectively and efficiently directs and manages assigned resources in accordance with UNICEF’s rules, policies, procedures, and standards, and promotes a work environment that values and supports staff as the organization’s greatest asset.
Plays an active role in facilitating consultations with Member States, collaborating closely with them and other partners as appropriate.
Carries out any other activities as requested by the Executive Director in support of UNICEF’s mandate and mission and assumes overall responsibility for the functioning of UNICEF in the absence of the Executive Director.
Ensures that UNICEF delivers timely, effective, and accountable humanitarian responses while strengthening organizational preparedness for emergencies and public health crises.
Advances UNICEF’s global leadership and influence in humanitarian policy and inter-agency coordination to better protect the rights and well-being of children and women affected by conflicts and disasters.
Oversees efficient and innovative supply, logistics, and procurement operations that improve equitable access to essential commodities and strengthen national systems.
Ensures effective stewardship of organizational resources, promoting a high-performing and supportive work environment, and driving operational excellence across humanitarian and supply functions.
Ensures accountability to beneficiaries, meaningful community and country engagement as well as duty of care towards the beneficiaries, including prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.