UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director, Asia and the Pacific
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a senior international development leader for the position of Assistant Administrator and Director, Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP). This is a high-level ASG-grade executive leadership position based at UNDP headquarters in New York, USA.
The position offers a two-year Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA) and is classified within the managerial and executive career track. The successful candidate will report directly to the UNDP Administrator and provide strategic leadership across a region encompassing 38 countries and territories.
About the Role
UNDP works across nearly 170 countries and territories, supporting governments and partners to address poverty, inequality, resilience, governance and sustainable development.
The Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP) oversees 24 Country Offices and one Regional Service Centre covering 38 countries and territories. Its regional priorities include democratic governance and inclusive growth, climate and environmental transformation, development financing, disaster and conflict risk reduction, digital access and advancing women’s empowerment.
The Regional Director will serve as a senior member of UNDP’s corporate leadership and participate in the organization’s Executive Group. The position combines regional leadership with significant corporate responsibilities, including shaping UNDP’s strategic direction and ensuring that country-level operations remain aligned with corporate priorities.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of UNDP’s strategic objectives across Asia and the Pacific. This includes overseeing the Regional Programme, supporting Country Offices and strengthening strategic partnerships that can increase development financing and resource mobilization.
A major component of the role will involve building relationships with governments, international financial institutions, private-sector partners and other development organizations. The Regional Director will also represent UNDP at high-level policy forums and events and advocate for the organization’s priorities across the region.
The position requires someone capable of navigating complex political and institutional environments while identifying opportunities for collaboration and sustainable development financing.
The Regional Director will also provide leadership and strategic guidance to Resident Representatives and senior Country Office managers. This includes monitoring Country Office performance, managing risks, supporting organizational change and ensuring alignment with United Nations development system reforms.
In addition, the incumbent will oversee important organizational functions including financial management, human resources, procurement, audit and evaluation. The role includes direct performance management responsibilities for senior regional leaders and more than 20 Resident Representatives.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should hold an advanced university degree, preferably a master’s degree or equivalent. A bachelor’s degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.
Candidates must have at least 15 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial international-level experience in development programming, resource mobilization, advocacy and partnership building, particularly in Asia and the Pacific.
Experience managing complex organizational structures and change processes is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in interagency cooperation, international partnerships, resource mobilization and oversight of complex operations.
UNDP is looking for a leader with demonstrated political judgment, crisis-management capability and the ability to influence discussions at global and regional forums. Experience gained outside the UN system—including government, international financial institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society or other development organizations—is also relevant.
Skills and Leadership Competencies
The role requires exceptional strategic thinking, results-based management, communication and partnership-building skills. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate innovative thinking, adaptability, determination and the ability to build high-stakes multi-partner alliances.
Strong people-management and change-management capabilities are particularly important given the scale of the regional operation.
Fluency in English is required, while knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This is a senior UN leadership opportunity for an experienced international development professional capable of combining strategic vision, political engagement, organizational leadership and resource mobilization.
The successful candidate will help shape UNDP’s engagement across one of the world’s most diverse and rapidly changing regions while contributing to the organization’s broader development agenda.
Professionals with extensive international leadership experience, strong government and multilateral relationships, and a proven record of delivering development results may find this position particularly relevant.
