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, providing humanitarian aid, fostering development, and upholding human rights. The UN Development Coordination Office supports the Resident Coordinator system, which is crucial for coordinating UN activities at the country level, ensuring that the UN's efforts align with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) serves as the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system in Sri Lanka, responsible for leading the UN Country Team and ensuring accountability for the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The RC plays a pivotal role in coordinating UN support to the government and other stakeholders in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This position requires a deep understanding of the UN's assets and capabilities, as well as the ability to foster partnerships with various sectors, including government, civil society, and the private sector. The RC is expected to advocate for sustainable development, promote human rights, and ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of the SDGs. The role also involves managing complex inter-agency coordination and addressing challenges related to social cohesion and security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Resident Coordinator is tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including representing the UN at high-level state functions, leading the UN Country Team in developing and monitoring the UN Cooperation Framework, and coordinating system-wide support to the government. The RC must engage with diverse partners to address national needs and sustainable development challenges, promote the values of the UN Charter, and advocate for the SDGs. Additionally, the RC is responsible for governance and oversight of country financing instruments, fostering strategic partnerships, and facilitating access to resources for sustainable development. The role also includes ensuring effective coordination of security for UN personnel, promoting staff learning and adherence to UN policies, and managing a dual reporting system with UN country team heads. In humanitarian contexts, the RC leads coordination efforts among UN and humanitarian actors, integrating development and humanitarian programming for enhanced impact.

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 with relevant experience may be accepted. 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 outside of one's own country. Previous experience as a Resident Coordinator is essential, along with senior-level inter-agency coordination experience. Candidates should demonstrate excellent political judgment, strong diplomatic skills, and the ability to engage with stakeholders in a context-sensitive manner.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in relevant fields is required. For suitably qualified candidates, a first-level university degree combined with relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international development and the UN's role in promoting sustainable development.

Experience:
Candidates must have over 15 years of substantive experience in leadership roles at the international level, with at least five years of cumulative experience in development, human rights, rule of law, peace-building, or humanitarian work at the country level outside of their own country. Previous experience as a Resident Coordinator is required, and senior-level inter-agency coordination experience may be considered in lieu of RC experience. Solid experience in managing multi-sectoral humanitarian programs and operations is desirable, along with excellent political judgment and strong diplomatic skills.

Languages:
English is required 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 United Nations, but English is the primary language required for this role. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The start date for this position is set for July 2027, unless the incumbent is reassigned before that date. The duration of the assignment for C duty stations like Colombo is typically four years, although this may change based on the hardship classification of the duty station. Eligibility for this position is limited to candidates who are members of the Resident Coordinator Pool. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as the United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff. The appointment is specific to the Resident Coordinator System in this duty station, and candidates must adhere to the UN's standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.