UN Development Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System (UNDS) is a collective of various UN entities that work together to support sustainable development initiatives globally. Established to enhance coordination among UN agencies, the UNDS aims to ensure that development efforts are aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UNDS operates in numerous countries, including Kosovo, where it focuses on addressing local development challenges and promoting peace and stability. The UNDS is committed to leaving no one behind and eradicating poverty in all its forms, guided by international frameworks and norms agreed upon by UN member states.

Job Overview:
The UN Development Coordinator in Kosovo plays a pivotal role in leading and coordinating the United Nations Kosovo Team (UNKT) to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. This position requires a strategic leader who can engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and the private sector, to address Kosovo's development needs and challenges. The Development Coordinator is responsible for ensuring effective coordination of UN activities, promoting sustainable development goals (SDGs), and advocating for actions that accelerate progress towards these goals. The role involves overseeing the development and monitoring of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, ensuring alignment with Kosovo's priorities, and fostering partnerships to enhance the impact of UN initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Development Coordinator's responsibilities include representing the UN development system at high levels of government, leading the UNKT in operational activities, coordinating support to the government, and advocating for the SDGs. The Coordinator will also manage the development of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, engage with diverse partners, and promote human rights and gender equality. Additional duties involve conducting context and trend analysis, facilitating knowledge-sharing, securing funding for joint UN efforts, and ensuring effective communication of UN initiatives. The Coordinator will also oversee security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security coordination for UN personnel and assets, promote staff learning and adherence to UN policies, and manage a dual reporting system with UNKT heads. Furthermore, the Coordinator will lead efforts to enhance common business operations and coordinate humanitarian responses when necessary, ensuring alignment with UN Security Council resolutions.

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 a minimum of 15 years of substantive experience in leadership roles at the international level, including five years in development, human rights, or humanitarian work outside of one's home country. Previous experience as a Resident Coordinator or in security decision-making roles is desirable, along with strong diplomatic skills and the ability to navigate politically sensitive environments. Excellent communication and advocacy skills are essential, as is the ability to analyze socio-political developments and facilitate preventive actions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or an equivalent postgraduate qualification in relevant fields. Candidates with a first-level university degree and substantial relevant experience may also be considered. The emphasis is on qualifications that equip candidates with the necessary skills to address complex development challenges and engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Experience:
The position demands a minimum of 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 one's own country. Previous experience as a Resident Coordinator is highly desirable, as is experience in managing humanitarian programs and coordinating disaster response efforts. Candidates should demonstrate excellent political judgment, strong diplomatic skills, and the ability to analyze socio-political dynamics effectively.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While French is also a working language of the United Nations, it is not specified as a desirable language for this role. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills in English to effectively engage with various stakeholders and fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Additional Notes:
The start date for this position is set for March 2028, unless the incumbent is reassigned before that date. Candidates must be members of the Resident Coordinator Pool to be eligible for this position. The duration of the assignment is typically four years, subject to change based on the hardship classification of the duty station. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The position is classified as a B duty station, indicating moderate difficulty in working and living conditions. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its hiring practices.