Head of Resident Coordination Office

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was reformed on January 1, 2019, under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a pivotal role in this reform, supporting countries in their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. The UN RCO operates under the guidance of an empowered UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System at the country level. This position is part of a new generation of resident coordinator offices equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to fulfill the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. The office is integrated with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reports directly to the Head of the Integrated Office (D-1).

Job Overview:
The Head of Resident Coordination Office is responsible for providing strategic guidance to the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UN Country Team (UNCT) to ensure effective, quality, and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA). This role involves initiating and coordinating external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the new generation UNDAF, managing the Business Operations Strategy, and directing knowledge management and capacity development activities both within and outside the UN System. The position requires a strong focus on ensuring adherence to organizational policies and procedures while promoting a collaborative environment among UN entities and external partners. The Head of RCO will also lead the strategic design of UN's policy and programmatic services, operational capabilities, and partnership mechanisms, ensuring that the UN operates as a nimble and innovative development partner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic guidance to the RC and UNCT on effective UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the CCA and UNSFA.
• Initiate, establish, and coordinate external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the UNSFA.
• Coordinate the Business Operations Strategy and develop business innovations.
• Manage and direct knowledge management and capacity development activities in and outside the UN System.
• Ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures.
• Lead team efforts to collect and analyze data for data-driven planning and decision-making.
• Promote engagement across humanitarian, development, and peace domains.
• Oversee strategic messaging and communication initiatives by RC/UNCT.
• Manage RCO resources and supervise activities to ensure timely execution of programmed activities. 1
• Foster a work environment conducive to innovation and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, sustainable development, economics, social sciences, or a related area. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate proven knowledge and understanding of sustainable development theories, concepts, and approaches, as well as the ability to identify key strategic issues and generate compelling organizational direction.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, sustainable development, economics, social sciences, or a related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, project/programme management, or resource mobilization in the context of development cooperation or a related area is required. Experience with multi-stakeholder coordination in development cooperation is essential. Candidates should have experience in team leadership and management, and experience in UN interagency coordination is desirable. Familiarity with data analytics or related areas is also desirable, as is prior work experience in Afghanistan or in contexts of de facto authority rule.

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 United Nations Secretariat, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for details on language proficiency levels.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary assignment until December 14, 202

• If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. The position may involve relocation and requires adherence to the UN's policies on mobility and geographic diversity. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and reasonable accommodation may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.