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 UN Development Coordination Office supports the Resident Coordinator system, which is essential for coordinating UN activities at the country level.

Job Overview:
The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) serves as the highest-ranking representative of the United Nations development system in South Africa. This role involves 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 partnerships with government, civil society, and other stakeholders to address national needs and advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The position requires a deep understanding of the UN's assets and capabilities to promote sustainable development and peace, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The RC must engage with various entities, including academia, the private sector, and international partners, to enhance the UN's impact 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 UN country team in operational activities, and coordinating support to the government in implementing the 2030 Agenda. The RC must ensure effective communication and collaboration among UN entities, promote human rights and gender equality, and engage with diverse stakeholders to foster strategic partnerships. Additionally, the RC is responsible for overseeing country financing instruments, managing security for UN personnel, and facilitating access to resources for sustainable development initiatives. The role also involves integrating humanitarian efforts with development programming, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings, and promoting UN common business operations to enhance efficiency and coherence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in fields such as development studies, international relations, political science, or social sciences. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree if combined with relevant experience. The position requires over 15 years of substantive experience in leadership roles at the international level, including 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 strong analytical skills, the ability to engage high-level actors, and experience in addressing complex situations across the peace-humanitarian-development nexus.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in relevant fields is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree and significant relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the position, emphasizing development studies, international relations, political science, or related disciplines.

Experience:
Candidates must have over 15 years of substantive experience in leadership roles at the international level, including at least five years of cumulative experience in development, human rights, or humanitarian work outside their home country. Previous experience as a Resident Coordinator is required, and senior-level inter-agency coordination experience may be considered as a substitute. The role demands solid experience in managing multi-sectoral humanitarian programs and engaging with high-level stakeholders.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the UN Secretariat, but no additional desirable languages are specified for this role.

Additional Notes:
The start date for this position is set for December 2027, unless the incumbent is reassigned earlier. The assignment duration for A duty stations is typically five years, subject to change based on the hardship classification of the duty station. Eligibility is limited to candidates who are members of the Resident Coordinator Pool, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.