Director, German Rep Office [Open to internal and external applicants] Post level D1 Apply by A[...]

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1 : Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2 : UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated : All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

For six decades, and in some 170 countries and territories, UNDP has shaped the progress of human development, providing integrated support at scale to improve lives for millions of people worldwide. UNDP’s strategic plan helps countries and communities in their progress towards high human development while protecting the planet through four strategic objectives – prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and healthy planet. The plan is powered by three accelerators: digital and AI transformation; gender equality; and sustainable finance. All are underpinned by a commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind.

The Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy leads UNDP to build and deliver essential strategic relationships and alliances. It creates and delivers a strong public narrative about the organization, impact of our work, and how we align with partners to identify and build solutions towards achieving sustainable development. It leads UNDP’s work with traditional donors and builds funding relationships. BERA partnership work enables strong strategic relationships aligning with financial backing and provides partners and supporters with a clear understanding of what UNDP does and how our mission, capabilities and services reinforce global, regional, and national development priorities.

The UNDP Representation Office in Germany, located in Berlin, reflects the complementary agenda between UNDP and Germany and the shared ambition of supporting country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through the promotion of democratic governance, poverty eradication and prosperity, stabilization and recovery in fragile contexts and action on inequalities, climate change and the environment. The Office is expected to sustain and deepen the partnership with Germany, increase UNDP visibility among German constituents and the German public, and support UNDP at HQ, regional and country levels in better positioning with German counterparts. The office cultivates strategic relationships including with parliament and its committees, Chancellery, Ministries, civil society, the private sector, foundations, academia, think tanks and the media.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

Under the supervision of the BERA Deputy Director, the Director of the Germany Representation Office represents and strategically positions UNDP to key constituencies, mobilizes resources for UNDP work, and demonstrates accountability for investments. The Director serves as the connector between UNDP programmes and countries and key German constituencies, such as parliamentarians, public servants, the private and philanthropic sectors, civil society and public, showing how German government investments create impact and acceleration towards development goals; influences discussions for decisions and policy options in favor of multilateralism, development and the SDGs; raises UNDP’s profile through strategic and targeted communications, marketing and advocacy in collaboration with HQ communications teams; coordinates and advises on creating and strengthening partnerships with Germany; leads and coordinates UNDP presence in Germany as the senior relationship focal point.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Represent and strategically position UNDP to key constituencies and influence policy options

• Represent UNDP as its Representative to Germany, serving as a gateway between UNDP and German development constituencies.
• Meet regularly with key focal points and policymakers at Bundestag, Foreign Affairs, BMZ, Chancellery, sectoral ministries and other executive and legislative counterparts.
• Lead engagement with German NGOs, foundations, private sector, German local authorities and other opinionmakers to promote UNDP interests.
• Advocate for UNDP policy positions and deliver presentations on flagship reports and policy papers.
• Position UNDP by participating in public and academic debates and delivering UNDP presentations to German development audiences.
• Undertake other representational activities as requested by the BERA Director.

2. Raise the profile and visibility through strategic communications, marketing and advocacy

• Organize UNDP public events, including national/regional showcases and other relevant events.
• Seek opportunities for media exposure for UNDP through events and related activities.
• Oversee preparation of publications and promote UNDP presence in local media (interviews, newspapers).
• Participate in local academic fora and briefings for expert or diplomatic groups.

3. Coordinate and advise on partnerships with Germany

• Advise the BERA Director on strategies to deepen UNDP’s partnership with Germany.
• Analyze the policy and partnership environment in Germany and advise on positioning and resource mobilization.
• Negotiate agreements on behalf of the Director with headquarters and country office units.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to Country Offices on German development policy and stakeholder management.
• Advance flexible resources and diversify UNDP’s funding base.

4. Lead and coordinate the UNDP presence in Germany

• Lead the UNDP relationship with Germany as the senior focal point.
• Oversee office staff, work plans, budgets and financial integrity; ensure HR management quality and project oversight as applicable.
• Ensure activities align with UNDP Strategic Plan and related standards; coordinate with other UN agencies for joint positioning.
• Engage with other RO Directors and the Public Partnerships Group to advocate UNDP work to German constituencies.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• 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) with two additional years of qualifying experience in lieu of the advanced degree.

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 for high-level interface.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with key partners; strong partnership-building in European context and within the UN system.
• Strong communications and advocacy skills to mobilize support from diverse audiences.
• Field-level multilateral development experience in a Country Office setting at senior management level.
• Knowledge of UN System policies and operations is desirable.
• Experience with media relations and understanding of media considerations.
• Current issues and trends in development policy and practice.

Language Requirement:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and German; working knowledge of additional EU languages is an asset.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core

• Achieve Results: Level 4 – prioritize team workflow, mobilize resources, drive scalable results/impact
• Think Innovatively: Level 4 – navigate complexity, foster innovation, show foresight
• Learn Continuously: Level 4 – create learning systems and development opportunities
• Adapt with Agility: Level 4 – lead organizational change and new processes
• Act with Determination: Level 4 – make difficult decisions and inspire confidence
• Engage and Partner: Level 4 – build strategic multi-partner alliances in high-stakes situations
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Level 4 – foster an ethical, inclusive culture

People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies are available on the UNDP site.

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Note: The following bullets are kept for reference only and are reformatted in the lists above to meet the required structure.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Our decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is committed to an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, and have access to career opportunities.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination or abuse of authority. All selected candidates undergo checks and are expected to adhere to standards and principles.

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed-term appointments (FTA) exceeding one year, continuation beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy and may retain applications for other similar positions at the same grade level and with similar requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in recruitment and selection.

Scam alert

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