Senior Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO and Strategic Planner

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was reformed on January 1, 2019, to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this reform, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The organization focuses on supporting countries in their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs, operating in numerous countries worldwide with a mission to foster sustainable development and cooperation among nations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO and Strategic Planner is a pivotal role within the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Papua New Guinea. This position is responsible for providing strategic guidance to the UN Country Team (UNCT) and the Resident Coordinator (RC) to ensure effective support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The officer will lead the development and coordination of the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), facilitating partnerships and resource mobilization efforts. The role requires a strong focus on strategic planning, programming, and advocacy, ensuring that the UN operates as a cohesive and innovative development partner. The officer will also manage knowledge management and capacity development activities, ensuring that the RCO adheres to organizational policies and effectively supports the RC and UNCT in their functions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic guidance to the RC and UNCT on UN support for the 2030 Agenda through CCA and UNSDCF.
• Facilitate and oversee the establishment of external partnerships and resource mobilization for UNSDCF.
• Coordinate the implementation of the Efficiency agenda, including Business Operations Strategy and Common Premises.
• Manage knowledge management and capacity development activities within the UN System.
• Lead the overall management of the RCO, ensuring effective coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to policies.
• Develop policy recommendations for the RC/UNCT regarding the implementation of CCA/UNSDCF.
• Ensure quality control over strategic communications and advocacy related to UNSDCF.
• Promote engagement across humanitarian, development, and peace domains.
• Supervise RCO staff and manage performance, ensuring timely delivery of outputs. 1
• Foster a work environment conducive to innovation and stakeholder engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a proven knowledge of sustainable development theories and concepts, with the ability to identify strategic issues and opportunities. Strong analytical skills are required to produce reports that lead to sound policy recommendations. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to negotiate effectively and apply good judgment in complex situations. A solid understanding of the UN system's programs and activities related to the Sustainable Development Goals is essential. The candidate should also exhibit professionalism, planning and organizing skills, client orientation, leadership, and the ability to empower others.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, and program development and management is required. Experience in multi-stakeholder coordination in development cooperation is essential, along with team leadership and management experience. Familiarity with UN interagency coordination and experience in designing partnership and resource mobilization strategies are desirable. Experience in complex or developing country contexts is also preferred, along with two or more years in data analytics or related areas.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the UN, but English is the primary requirement for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to extension based on funding availability. The position emphasizes gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The UN Secretariat is committed to diversity and inclusion, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are urged to apply online as soon as possible.