High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS)

HEADQUARTERS | SIEGE | NEW YORK, NY 10017 TEL.: + 212 963 1234 | seniorleadershipvacancies@ un.org REFERENCE: EOSG/SLA/202 6/3

High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS)

The Secretariat of the United Nations welcomes applications for the position of High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). This position is at the Under-Secretary-General level and is based in New York, USA. The High Representative is a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Senior Management Group, and as such, serves as a role model for the Organization’s core values (Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity) and the desired behaviours of the United Nations System Leadership Framework. Background

UN-OHRLLS was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001 through resolution 56/227 with detailed functions outlined by the Secretary- General’s report A/56/645.

UN-OHRLLS works with Member States, development partners, other UN organizations as well as various stakeholders ranging from: civil society, private sector, academia and foundations to coordinate and advocate for the implementation of programmes of action for the LeastDeveloped Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States in the economic, social and environmental spheres and meeting the targets laid out by the Sustainable Development Goals.

Further information is available in the Secretary-General’s Bulletin ST/SGB/2020/2 of 12 August 2020 on the Organization of the UN-OHRLLS and the following website: https://www.un.org/ohrlls/

Applications must be submitted through the link to the Senior Leadership Vacancies online form located at the following web address: https://www.un.org/sg/en/vacancies/index.shtml by Monday, 16 November 2026 (11 :59 pm New York time).

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidenciality and short-listed candidates will be contacted directly to undergo a rigorous assessment process, reference and background checks, including human rights and conflicts of interest screening. Consent will be requested to authorize former employers and educational institutions to release information about background.

Duties and Responsibilities

The High Representative is accountable to the Secretary-General and is responsible for:

• The overall direction, supervision and management of the UN-OHRLLS in the implementation of its mandates and approved programme of work;

Engaging in high- level consultations with Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, multilateral financial institutions and civil society groups, and assisting the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council in their reviews and assessments of progress achieved in the implementation of the programme s of action pertaining to the three group of countries , notably the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2022–2031 (DPoA), the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024–2034 (APoA ), and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) for the Decade 2024–2034.

Skills and Expertise

The Secretary-General is seeking an individual with the following attributes:

• A proven leader with extensive knowledge and experience in advocating, shaping policy and demonstrating thought leadership on sustainable development in countries under special situations;
• Strong knowledge of development finance and debt sustainability, and demonstrated ability to mobilize climate and development finance in support of countries in special situations.
• Familiarity with the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index and its role in advancing the sustainable development priorities and financing of LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS;
• Demonstrated ability to mobilise support and build effective partnerships with Member States, international financial institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively across the United Nations system, building coherence and joint results with other UN entities, the Resident Coordinator system and interagency mechanisms;
• Demonstrated leadership experience with proven skills in change management, reform, organizational development and leading organizational transformations;
• Demonstrated leadership experience with strategic vision and proven skills to manage a complex organization with staff of diverse cultural backgrounds in multiple locations;
• Demonstrated commitment to the values and guiding principles of the United Nations, the mandate, work and objectives of OHRLLS, as well as familiarity with the United Nations system.
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural team and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, including gender equality, geographical diversity, disability inclusion , and environmental stewardship;

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this position, fluency in English is required. A working knowledge of another United Nations official language will be an advantage.

Human rights screening

Individuals who seek to serve with the United Nations in any individual capacity will be required, if short-listed, to complete a self-attestation stating that they have not committed, been convicted of, nor prosecuted for, any criminal offence and have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law, including sexual exploitation and abuse.

Conflicts of interest screening

All United Nations staff members are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. Senior leaders in particular, have the responsibility to serve as role models in upholding the organization’s ethical standards.

A conflict of interest occurs when, by act or omission, a staff member's personal interests interfere with the performance of their official duties and responsibilities, or call into question their integrity, independence and impartiality. Risk for conflicts of interest may arise from a staff member's engagement in outside (non- UN) employment or occupation; outside activities, including political activities; receipt of gifts, honours, awards, favours or remuneration from external (non-UN) sources; or personal investment. In particular, no staff member shall accept any honour, decoration, favour, gift or remuneration from any Government (staff regulation 1.2 (j)).

Where a real or perceived conflict of interest does arise, senior leaders are obligated to disclose this to the organization without delay. In order to avoid real or perceived family influence or preferential treatment and conflicts of interest that could stem from such situations, the United Nations Staff Rules provide that appointments “shall not be granted to anyone who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister of a staff member” (staff rule 4.7 (a)).

Short-listed individuals will also be required to complete a pre-appointment declaration of interests for senior positions to identify possible conflicts of interest that may arise and to proactively prevent and manage, as much as possible and in a timely manner, situations in which personal interests may conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the United Nations, should the individual be appointed to this position.

19 October 2026