Development Coordination Officer

Development Coordination Officer

United Nations Secretariat

November 6, 2025November 11, 2025Panama CityPanama
United Nations Secretariat About
United Nations Secretariat is the executive arm and one of the major organs of the United Nations. It has an keyrole in agenda setting, decision making and decision implementaion. The Secretary-General is the head of the secretariat.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations, an international organization founded in 1945, which aims to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN operates in over 190 countries and has a mission to address global challenges, including sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, and human rights. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working across various sectors to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Development Coordination Officer position is designed to provide management expertise and strategic guidance to Resident Coordination Offices (RCOs) in crisis contexts. The incumbent will play a crucial role in facilitating inter-agency collaboration and ensuring effective programming to achieve development results aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). This role requires a proactive approach to support RCOs in operationalizing the UNSDCF and addressing the challenges posed by crises. The officer will be expected to deploy rapidly to various RCOs and UN Country Teams, providing surge capacity support and strategic advice to enhance collaboration between humanitarian and development efforts. The position demands a strong understanding of sustainable development, crisis management, and the ability to work closely with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, and civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Development Coordination Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:
  • Providing strategic guidance to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team (UNCT) on implementing the 2030 Agenda through the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UNSDCF.
  • Initiating and coordinating external partnerships and resource mobilization efforts for the UNSDCF.
  • Coordinating the Business Operations Strategy and contributing to business innovations within the UN system.
  • Managing knowledge management and capacity development activities both within and outside the UN.
  • Leading the overall management of the RCO to ensure effective coordination support to the RC/UNCT, adhering to organizational policies and procedures. The officer will also facilitate the establishment of partnerships, oversee the implementation of the efficiency agenda, and ensure effective communication and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, project/programme management, or resource mobilization in development cooperation contexts. Field experience in development cooperation or mission settings is essential, along with experience within the UN common system. At least three years of inter-agency coordination experience in sustainable development is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to manage complex projects, and a commitment to the principles of sustainable development.

Educational Background:
A Master's or equivalent university degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Economics, or Political Science is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of development issues and the frameworks guiding UN operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience, emphasizing strategic planning and sustainable development. Candidates should have a proven track record in project management and resource mobilization, particularly in crisis contexts. Experience in inter-agency coordination within the UN system is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate the complexities of UN operations and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
English and Spanish are mandatory for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a desirable language, which may enhance communication within the UN system and with international partners. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective collaboration and reporting in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days, indicating a limited-term assignment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The role may involve frequent deployments to crisis-affected areas, requiring flexibility and readiness to travel on short notice. The UN Secretariat emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible.
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