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, with a focus on sustainable development and humanitarian assistance. The Resident Coordinator system was established to enhance the coordination of UN development efforts at the country level, ensuring that all UN entities work together effectively to support national priorities and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) serves as the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system in Panama, responsible for leading the UN Country Team (UNCT) and ensuring accountability for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The RC plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and the private sector, to address national development needs and challenges. The position requires a deep understanding of sustainable development principles, the ability to advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the capacity to coordinate complex operational activities across multiple UN agencies. The RC is expected to engage with diverse partners to promote the 2030 Agenda, ensuring that no one is left behind and that poverty is eradicated in all its forms. This role also involves strategic communication to enhance public support for sustainable development initiatives and the management of security for UN personnel in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Resident Coordinator is tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including representing the UN at high levels of government, leading the UNCT in developing and monitoring the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and coordinating system-wide support to the government. The RC must ensure that UN entities contribute effectively to context and trend analysis, promote human rights and gender equality, and engage with various stakeholders to foster strategic partnerships. Additionally, the RC is responsible for overseeing country financing instruments, advocating for the UN's normative agenda, and facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing among UN agencies. The position also requires managing security for UN personnel and assets, promoting staff learning and adherence to UN policies, and advancing common business operations within the UN system. In humanitarian contexts, the RC may lead coordination efforts among humanitarian actors and integrate development work with peacekeeping or political missions in conflict settings.

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. A first-level university degree with relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 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 desirable, along with strong political acumen and the ability to engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including government officials and civil society representatives.

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 a relevant combination of academic qualifications and 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 development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 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 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 disaster response efforts. Strong political acumen and the ability to provide insightful analysis to senior officials are also important for this role.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required, with a minimum UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages. French is also a working language of the UN, but it is not mandatory for this position. Candidates must demonstrate their language skills according to the UN Language Framework, ensuring effective communication within the UN system and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The start date for this position is set for November 2027, unless the incumbent is reassigned before that date. Candidates must be members of the Resident Coordinator Pool to apply, and they should have one year or less of service remaining in their current duty station by the indicated start date. The position is classified as an A duty station, indicating relatively favorable working and living conditions. The duration of the assignment is typically five years, subject to change based on the hardship classification of the duty station. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and encourages female candidates to apply. The appointment is limited to the Resident Coordinator System in this specific duty station.