UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director Job 2026 in New York – Apply Before 27 November
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for the prestigious position of Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP), based in New York, United States.
This senior executive leadership opportunity is aimed at highly experienced international development professionals with a strong background in strategic leadership, development programming, resource mobilisation, international partnerships and organisational management.
The successful candidate will lead UNDP’s engagement across Asia and the Pacific, overseeing 24 Country Offices and one Regional Service Centre covering 38 countries and territories.
The position is offered at the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) level under a two-year Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA). Interested candidates must submit their applications before 27 November 2026.
UNDP Assistant Administrator Job Overview
- Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Job Title: Assistant Administrator and Director, Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific
- Duty Station: New York, USA
- Grade: Assistant Secretary-General (ASG)
- Department: Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific
- Contract Type: International Fixed-Term Appointment
- Contract Duration: Two years
- Career Track: Managerial and Executive
- Application Deadline: 27 November 2026
- Required Language: English
- Additional Language: Knowledge of another UN language is desirable
- Mobility Requirement: No mobility requirement
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme works in nearly 170 countries and territories, supporting governments and communities to address poverty, inequality and other development challenges.
Under its Strategic Plan for 2026–2029, UNDP focuses on eradicating poverty, accelerating structural transformation and building resilience to crises and shocks.
The Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific plays a central role in advancing these priorities across the region. Its work includes democratic governance, inclusive economic growth, climate and environmental transformation, development financing, disaster risk reduction, digital access and women’s empowerment.
The Assistant Administrator and Regional Director will provide strategic leadership to ensure that UNDP’s regional programmes and country operations contribute effectively to these objectives.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will report directly to the UNDP Administrator and serve as a member of the organisation’s Executive Group, contributing to corporate-level strategic decisions.
The main responsibilities include:
1. Corporate Leadership and Strategic Direction
- Participate in UNDP’s highest-level corporate decision-making processes.
- Monitor regional development trends and emerging challenges.
- Lead the development of regional strategies and organisational positioning.
- Represent the Administrator in high-level policy and programme meetings.
- Strengthen relationships with governments and permanent missions.
2. Regional Programme Leadership
- Lead the development and implementation of UNDP’s regional strategic objectives.
- Oversee the Regional Programme and its delivery.
- Provide intellectual guidance for regional policy and knowledge products.
- Strengthen partnerships with regional and subregional institutions.
- Promote resource mobilisation and development financing.
3. Support to Country Offices
- Provide strategic guidance to Resident Representatives and senior management teams.
- Oversee the performance of UNDP Country Offices.
- Ensure alignment with UN development system reforms.
- Identify operational risks and support timely problem-solving.
- Lead organisational change management across the region.
4. Management and Organisational Leadership
- Oversee the Bangkok Regional Hub and its support to Country Offices.
- Approve annual workplans and budgets.
- Guide financial sustainability and resource mobilisation strategies.
- Oversee financial, human resource, procurement, audit and evaluation functions.
- Mentor senior managers and develop future organisational leaders.
Education Requirements
Applicants must hold an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent).
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree), combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree.
Work Experience Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate at least 15 years of relevant professional experience at the international level.
The experience should include progressively responsible leadership roles in areas such as:
- International development programming.
- Resource mobilisation and development financing.
- Strategic advocacy and partnership building.
- Public-private partnerships.
- Management of complex organisational structures.
- Organisational transformation and change management.
- International cooperation and partnership negotiations.
- Oversight of complex programmes and operations.
Applicants must also demonstrate substantial knowledge of the United Nations system or other intergovernmental institutions and international organisations.
Relevant leadership experience gained outside the UN system, including in government, international financial institutions, academia, civil society or the private sector, is also recognised.
A particular focus on Asia and the Pacific is required.
Language Requirements
Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage.
Core Competencies
UNDP is seeking an experienced executive who demonstrates strategic thinking, strong leadership and the ability to manage complex political and institutional environments.
Important competencies include achieving results, innovative thinking, continuous learning, adaptability, determination, partnership building and promoting diversity and inclusion.
The successful candidate must also demonstrate strong abilities in results-based management, organisational change, communication, business acumen and UNDP representation.
How to Apply
Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official UNDP recruitment platform.
Applicants should carefully review the vacancy requirements and ensure their applications demonstrate the required senior-level leadership experience, international development expertise and strategic management capabilities.
Application Deadline: 27 November 2026.
Important Information
This is a senior international executive appointment at the Assistant Secretary-General level. It is particularly suited to candidates with extensive international development leadership experience and a proven record of managing large organisations, building strategic partnerships and influencing development policy.
Applicants should use official UNDP recruitment channels. UNDP does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
