UN Resident Coordinator

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, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries worldwide, with a focus on sustainable development and humanitarian assistance. The UN Development Coordination Office supports the Resident Coordinator system, which is essential for coordinating UN activities at the country level, ensuring that the UN's efforts align with national priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) serves as the highest-ranking representative of the United Nations development system at the country level. This position is pivotal in leading the UN country team and ensuring accountability for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The RC is responsible for fostering collaboration among various UN entities, government bodies, civil society, and other stakeholders to address national needs and sustainable development challenges. The role requires a deep understanding of the UN's assets and capabilities to promote peace and sustainable development, with a commitment to leaving no one behind in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The RC must engage with diverse partners, advocate for the SDGs, and ensure that the UN's support is effectively aligned with the country's development priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Resident Coordinator's duties include representing the UN at high levels of government, leading the UN country team in operational activities, and ensuring effective coordination of UN support to the government. The RC is responsible for developing, monitoring, and reporting on the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, engaging with various partners to facilitate its implementation. The RC must also promote the UN's fundamental values, advocate for human rights and gender equality, and foster strategic partnerships at national and sub-national levels. Additionally, the RC is tasked with identifying risks to the achievement of the SDGs, managing country financing instruments, and ensuring effective communication of the UN's efforts to promote the 2030 Agenda. The RC must also oversee security coordination for UN personnel and assets, manage staff learning and implementation of policies, and facilitate collaboration among UN entities to enhance operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in development studies, international relations, political science, economics, social sciences, human rights, law, or closely related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with relevant experience may be accepted. A minimum of 15 years of substantive experience in leadership roles at the international level is required, including at least five years in development, human rights, rule of law, peace-building, or humanitarian work at the country level outside of one's own country. Previous experience as a Resident Coordinator is desirable, along with strong political acumen, diplomatic skills, and the ability to engage with senior government officials and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as development studies, international relations, political science, economics, social sciences, human rights, or law. Candidates with a first-level university degree and significant relevant experience may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international development and the UN's role in promoting sustainable solutions.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of substantive experience in leadership roles at the international level, with a focus on development, humanitarian work, and peace-building. Candidates should have at least five years of cumulative experience in these areas at the country level, preferably outside their home country. Previous experience as a Resident Coordinator is highly desirable, as is experience in managing humanitarian programs and coordinating responses in complex environments. Strong analytical skills and the ability to provide insightful advice to senior UN officials are also important.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and French, both of which are working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages at UN Level III, which indicates a high level of fluency and the ability to communicate effectively in a professional context. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The start date for this position is set for February 2028, unless the incumbent is reassigned before that date. Candidates must be members of the Resident Coordinator Pool to apply. The duration of the assignment is typically five years, subject to change based on the hardship classification of the duty station. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. The position is classified as an A duty station, indicating relatively favorable working and living conditions. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment.