UN Women Country Representative

Background:

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

Ecuador’s population grew from 15 million in 2010 to an estimated 17.5 million in 2020, with women representing 50.5% of the population. Urban areas show a slightly higher proportion of women, while rural areas have more men. Gender inequality has decreased marginally, as indicated by a reduction in the gender inequality index from 0.425 in 2010 to 0.383 in 2016, though it remains unchanged since. However, the socioeconomic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have deepened poverty, particularly among rural and Indigenous women, and structural issues in the labor market persist, with only 30.4% of the economically active population employed under adequate conditions. The unequal distribution of care work continues to limit women’s participation in the workforce and affects their income and social security access.

Gender disparities extend to political representation and violence. While the 2019 Democracy Code reforms aim for gender parity in candidacies by 2025, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, holding only 36% of seats in the National Assembly and less than 20% of prefectures. Political violence against women is widespread, often perpetuated by other political actors and exacerbated by online attacks. Furthermore, anti-gender rhetoric and violence against women’s rights defenders, especially Indigenous activists, hinder progress on gender equality. The 2019 National Survey on Family Relations and Gender Violence found that 64.9% of women over 15 experienced violence, with Afro-Ecuadorian and Indigenous women facing the highest rates. Most incidents go unreported due to distrust in authorities, highlighting the need for systemic reforms.

Violence against women remains a severe issue, with over 1,600 intentional homicides of women recorded between 2014 and 2022, including 585 femicide cases. During the pandemic, intimate partner violence surged, and emergency services reported 398 domestic violence cases daily in 2021. Ecuador faces significant challenges in addressing gender-based violence, improving political inclusion, and reducing systemic discrimination against marginalized groups.

The Country Representative operates in a matrix management model, primarily accountable and reporting to the relevant UN Women Regional Director on UN Women -specific mandates, activities and results.  Additionally, as a UNCT member, under the Management and Accountability Framework (MAF) of the UN development and resident coordinator system, the Country Representative has mutual accountability with the Resident Coordinator for periodically reporting on contributions and support for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF, formerly UNDAF).The Regional Director conducts the performance review of the Country Representative whilst seeking inputs from the RC on the Country Representative’s contributions as a UNCT member.

The Country Representative is responsible for leading and managing the Ecuador Country Office (CO) portfolio and for translating the UN Women's Strategic Plan (SP) in line with regional and national priorities, into development initiatives and results by developing, implementing and managing programmes and projects under the Ecuador CO; and developing effective partnerships with Government counterparts, UN system agencies and organizations, civil society organizations, and with bilateral and non-traditional donors in order to promote inter-agency partnerships, support for UN reform, and mobilization of visibility and resources to advance gender equality and women's empowerment. Key Functions and Accountabilities

1. Manage the strategic country programme planning and development

• Develop and implement strategic direction of the country;
• Lead the design, planning, formulation, preparation and development of the Country Strategic Note in close consultation and collaboration with the government, civil society, donors, UN system partners and the Regional Director, Resident and/or Humanitarian Coordinator in the country and other national development stakeholders and partners, taking into account national priorities , the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Common Country Analysis and UNSDCF; 
• Provide substantive advice to the Executive Director, Regional Director and Senior Management on the regional strategy, direction and planning of programmes and projects; 
• Manage and ensure the quality of results-based and rights-based programming for the CO; Finalize the annual work plan and budget;
• Lead the monitoring of the results-based management approach to programme planning and design.

2. Manage the Ecuador Country Office

• Lead the office in the delivery of operational goals; Finalize the annual work plan and budget; and oversee the implementation, including providing direction, guidance and technical support;
• Oversee and approve programme work plans and monitor the overall progress and compliance of the CO;
• Manage the preparation of UN Women mandated country reports;
• Manage the audit review process and timely response to audit reports;
• Provide managerial direction, guidance and leadership. Ensure effective workforce planning and timely recruitments; Manage the performance of personnel under their supervision; provide ongoing performance and career development feedback, timely completion of performance assessments and coaching;
• Ensure that personnel are familiar with and follow UN Women’s regulations and rules, policies and procedures in the Policy, Procedures and Guidance Framework (PPG); Ensure personnel are aware in particular or of UN Women’s standards of conduct including but not limited to policies and procedures on preventing, reporting and addressing misconduct, Fraud and Corruption, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and abuse of authority, Protection from retaliation, and ensure mechanisms are in place to support personnel in this regard. 
• Promote teamwork to ensure harmonization, linkages, collaboration and synergy; Ensure a respectful, inclusive safe and healthy work environment for personnel.

3. Provide support to the Resident Coordination and serve as a member of UN Country Team 

• Serve as member of the UN Country Team (UNCT) under the strategic guidance and coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator (RC)/Humanitarian Coordinator (HC), collaborate on and lead as needed UNCT programming and advocacy to ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment issues are fully integrated into UN programming processes, including the Common Country Assessment (CCA) and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) planning, budgeting, resource mobilization, implementation, monitoring and evaluation through UN results groups and respective joint workplans, and in an enhanced response to national partners;
• Partner with RC and UN system partners to strengthen UN system interagency coherence, collaboration, planning, cooperation, and harmonization of programming, advocacy, common services, and operations; Facilitate joint programming and promote UN competencies to advance gender equality and women’s human rights; report to the UN RC on these issues as required
• Actively engage in regular UNCT consultations and decision-making processes
• Actively engage in and contribute to UNCT strategic communications that advance UN system efforts and collective results to promote Agenda 2030, including for national goals and priorities for sustainable development to generate positive public support and ownership
• Ensure UN Women’s active participation in UN system thematic and other working groups to establish effective networks and keep abreast of ongoing debates and thinking on development
• Ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNSDCF development planning and agenda/priority setting for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 
• Ensure enhanced accountability of the UNCT on gender mainstreaming and works for with the RC and  on the implement the UNCT SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard
• Participate in RC and UNCT members’ performance appraisal, as requested

4. Represent UN Women and lead advocacy strategies 

• Represent UN Women in intergovernmental forums, public information/relations events and key meetings, participate in policy dialogue; discuss policy initiatives, report on progress achieved and/or present policy papers/ideas;
• Build relations and partnerships with high level and senior government officials as well as multi-lateral, bi-lateral agencies and NGOs; and participate in regional, country and other critical meetings and events;
• Lead and support advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment to ensure UN support towards realization of the national plans and priorities are done in a gender responsive manner, and within agreed international frameworks that promote and protect gender equality.

5. Create and maintain strategic partnerships and manage resource mobilization strategies

• Lead the development of resource mobilization strategies and manage the implementation of resource mobilization strategies, plans, and efforts;
• Establish and maintain relationships with government, partners, stakeholders and donors to achieve active collaboration, cooperation and alliances on programme development and implementation and resource mobilization;
• Finalize donor reports, and negotiate and/or approve cost-sharing agreements with donors; Establish reporting accountability framework to ensure that donors are duly informed on a timely basis.

6. Lead knowledge management, innovation and capacity building

• Manage the development and implementation on the CO communication plans, based on UN Women’s communication strategy;
• Promote critical thinking and implementation of innovation and best practices in the CO
• Promote learning and development by providing opportunities for training and capacity guiding to enhance the competencies/productivity of personnel;
• Lead the production of knowledge products.

7. Oversee safety, security and well-being of personnel, programmes and organizational assets

• Maintain and update CO security strategy, plan, and measures to ensure full compliance with UN security policies, procedures and requirements.
• Serve as member of the Security Management team (SMT) and undertake relevant security and crisis management training. Guide and influence decisions and standards related to security of personnel, premises and assets
• Oversee the implementation of the Security Mainstreaming & Compliance and Business Continuity Management and Organizational Resilience requirements 
• Ensure all personnel are made fully aware of safety and security procedures and policies and undertake mandatory training

8. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: 

Incumbent leads a team of 50 personnel, which includes 10 staff members of which 7 are direct reports (2 NOC, 2 NOB, 1 GS7 and 2 GS6) and 40 affiliate personnel (SC and consultants)

Competencies :

Core Values:

• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework: 

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent programme formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills
• Excellent people management skills in a multicultural environment; ability to deal with individuals from all backgrounds
• Results-oriented;  Ability to develop detailed operational plans, budgets, and deliver on them 
• Ability to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all
• Leading, developing and empowering people
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice and interact with high level decision makers
• Excellent knowledge of gender equality and women's empowerment in country
• Excellent analytical and conceptual thinking
• Strong knowledge of UN system
• Ability to envision and lead the strategic direction for UN Women in the country
• Excellent networking skills
• Ability to identify and analyze trends, opportunities and threats to fundraising and develop strategies
• Excellent diplomatic and written and verbal communication skills

Education and certification :

• Master's degree or equivalent in development related disciplines, economics or public policy or other social science fields is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A project/programme management certification (such as PMP®, PRINCE2®, or MSP®) would be an added advantage.

Experience :

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible development experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in development cooperation at the international level is required.
• Experience in gender and women’s issues programming, at the international level, preferably in developing countries within the UN system, Agencies, Funds or Programmes or UN Mission is required.
• Field based experience working with multi-cultural teams is required.
• Experience leading and coaching staff in international settings is required.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.
• Experience in the use of a modern web-based ERP System, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable.

Language Requierments :

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• Working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is desirable.
• Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable ( Arabic, Chinese, or Russian).

Statements :

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)