Resident Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System (UNDS) is a collective of various UN entities that work together to coordinate and implement development activities at the country level. Established through the General Assembly resolution 72/279 on May 31, 2018, the UNDS aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the UN's development efforts globally. The organization operates in numerous countries, focusing on sustainable development, poverty eradication, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UNDS is committed to leaving no one behind and ensuring that all development efforts are inclusive and equitable, aligning with international frameworks and standards agreed upon by member states.

Job Overview:
The Resident Coordinator (RC) serves as the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system at the country level, tasked with leading the UN country team and ensuring accountability for the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The RC is responsible for fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and private sector partners, to address national development needs and challenges. This role requires a deep understanding of the UN's mission to promote sustainable development and the ability to navigate complex political environments. The RC must advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure that the UN's support aligns with the country's priorities. The position demands strong leadership, strategic communication, and the ability to coordinate diverse UN entities to achieve collective results in line with the 2030 Agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Resident Coordinator has a wide range of responsibilities, including representing the UN at high levels of government, leading the UN country team in developing and monitoring the UN Cooperation Framework, and coordinating system-wide support to the government. The RC is expected to engage with various stakeholders to promote the SDGs, facilitate partnerships, and ensure that UN efforts are aligned with national development goals. Additional duties include overseeing country financing instruments, advocating for human rights and gender equality, managing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security for UN personnel, and fostering an enabling environment for collaboration and knowledge sharing. The RC also plays a critical role in integrating humanitarian assistance with development efforts, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings, and is responsible for ensuring that the UN's normative agenda is pursued effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in fields such as development studies, international relations, political science, economics, social sciences, human rights, or law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with relevant experience may be accepted. The position requires over 15 years of substantive experience in leadership roles at the international level, including at least five years in development, human rights, or humanitarian work at the country level. Previous experience as a Resident Coordinator is essential, along with senior-level inter-agency coordination experience. Candidates should demonstrate solid experience in managing humanitarian programs and possess strong negotiation and representational skills. Familiarity with humanitarian strategic planning frameworks and a good understanding of the West African political context are desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or an equivalent postgraduate qualification in relevant fields. Candidates with a first-level university degree and significant relevant experience may also be considered. The emphasis is on advanced academic qualifications that align with the responsibilities of the Resident Coordinator role, particularly in areas related to sustainable development, international relations, and human rights.

Experience:
The position demands over 15 years of substantive experience in leadership roles at the international level, with a strong emphasis on development, human rights, and humanitarian work. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex environments, particularly in roles that require inter-agency coordination and collaboration. Previous experience as a Resident Coordinator is highly valued, and candidates with senior-level experience in humanitarian operations and advocacy will be preferred. The role also requires excellent political judgment and diplomatic skills, particularly in navigating complex geopolitical contexts.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and French, both of which are required at UN Level III proficiency. Candidates must demonstrate strong reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in both languages. Arabic is considered a desirable language, and proficiency in it would be an asset for candidates applying for this role. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for engaging with diverse stakeholders and fulfilling the responsibilities of the Resident Coordinator.

Additional Notes:
The selected candidate may be designated as Humanitarian Coordinator and is expected to start as soon as possible. The position is classified as a D duty station, indicating challenging working and living conditions, with a typical assignment duration of three years. Niamey is a non-family duty station, and eligibility for this position is limited to candidates who are members of the Resident Coordinator Pool. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. The appointment is specific to the Resident Coordinator System in this duty station, and applicants must adhere to the UN's recruitment policies, including nationality restrictions for positions in the Field Service category.