Diane Quarless assumed responsibilities as Director of the ECLAC Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean on November 2, 2011. She previously served for six years as Chief of the Small Island Developing States Unit, and also as Head of Partnerships for Sustainable Development in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations.

She began her career as a diplomat in the Foreign Service of the Government of Jamaica, serving as policy analyst, adviser and practitioner in development management. She was twice assigned to the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations in New York, more recently as Deputy Permanent Representative during 1998 to 2002, when she actively participated in advancing the broader strategic interests of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS) and the G-77 developing countries. She was elected a Vice Chair and Rapporteur on the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.

She has in-depth knowledge of the development challenges facing the Caribbean, and experience in the management and oversight of capacity building programmes for the Caribbean and the wider group of Small Island Developing States. She has wide knowledge of the United Nations system, and a strong network of inter-agency partners. Trained in international relations, she also holds a Masters degree in Development Studies with specialization in Environmental Management.