Head of Resident Coordinator Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, and to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System, which includes the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), was reformed in 2019 to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN RCOs support countries in their development priorities and are led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator, who acts as the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System in the country. The UN operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a significant presence in areas requiring humanitarian assistance and development support.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) plays a crucial role in managing the resources of the office to support the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Papua New Guinea. This position is responsible for providing strategic guidance and ensuring effective coordination of UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The Head of RCO serves as a key adviser to the RC, ensuring that the office's work is of high quality and delivered in a timely manner. The role involves leading the development of strategic partnerships, overseeing resource mobilization efforts, and managing knowledge and capacity development activities within the UN system. The Head of RCO is expected to facilitate collaboration across various UN entities and external partners to achieve sustainable development goals, ensuring that the UN operates as a cohesive and effective development partner in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic guidance to the RC and UNCT on effective UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through CCA and UNSDCF.
• Facilitate and oversee the establishment of external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the UNSDCF.
• Coordinate the implementation of the Efficiency agenda, including Business Operations Strategy and Common Premises.
• Manage knowledge management and capacity development activities within and outside the UN System.
• Lead and coordinate the overall management of the RCO, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and procedures.
• Supervise RCO staff and manage performance, ensuring timely delivery of programmed activities.
• Promote teamwork and communication among staff and establish a conducive work environment for innovation and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure quality control and oversight of strategic communications and advocacy activities related to the UNSCDF implementation.
• Coordinate the formulation and implementation of the substantive work programme of the UNCT, allocating and monitoring RCO resources effectively. 1
• Engage with various stakeholders to promote the UN's role as a key provider of integrated services in support of the SDGs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven knowledge and understanding of sustainable development theories, concepts, and approaches. They should demonstrate the ability to identify strategic issues, opportunities, and risks, and to generate compelling organizational direction. Strong analytical skills are required to produce reports leading to sound policy recommendations for sustainable development. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the political environment and UN system programs related to the SDGs. The ability to think strategically and identify emerging sustainable development issues is essential. Candidates should 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. Alternatively, 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 in the context of development cooperation or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience in multi-stakeholder coordination, team leadership, and management. Experience in UN interagency coordination, designing and implementing partnership and resource mobilization strategies, and promoting knowledge management is desirable. Familiarity with complex or developing country contexts is also preferred, along with two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related area.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is also a working language, but proficiency in English is mandatory for this job opening. Candidates should consult the UN Language Framework for details on the minimum required level for each skill in these languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The role involves significant responsibilities and requires a high level of expertise in sustainable development and UN operations. The UN offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.