UN Resident Coordinator

UN Resident Coordinator

United Nations Secretariat

August 12, 2026September 26, 2026VientianeLaos
Job Description
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. The UN operates in various sectors including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a focus on sustainable development goals (SDGs). The UN Development Coordination Office supports the Resident Coordinator system, which is essential for coordinating UN activities at the country level. The UN aims to ensure that development efforts are aligned with national priorities and that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) serves as the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system in the country, responsible for leading the UN country team and ensuring accountability for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The RC plays a crucial role in fostering partnerships with government, civil society, and other stakeholders to address national needs and challenges related to sustainable development. This position requires a deep understanding of the UN's mission and the ability to navigate complex political environments to advocate for the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The RC is expected to coordinate operational activities, promote human rights, and ensure that the UN's efforts are effectively aligned with the country's development priorities.

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 developing and implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and ensuring system-wide accountability for the UN's development efforts. The RC must coordinate support to the government, engage with diverse partners, and promote the UN's values and principles. Additionally, the RC is responsible for overseeing country financing instruments, fostering strategic partnerships, and facilitating access to resources for sustainable development. The role also includes managing security for UN personnel, promoting staff learning, and ensuring compliance with UN policies and standards. In contexts requiring humanitarian assistance, the RC coordinates the response efforts of 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. 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, or humanitarian work at the country level. Previous experience as a Resident Coordinator is desirable, along with strong political acumen and the ability to work with senior government officials. Experience in security decision-making in complex environments is also preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in relevant fields. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have a suitable combination of academic qualifications and experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international development and the UN's operational frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of substantive experience in leadership roles at the international level, with a focus on development, human rights, and humanitarian work. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing and coordinating programs, particularly in challenging environments. Previous experience as a Resident Coordinator or in similar roles is highly desirable, as is experience in security management and political analysis.

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, but there are no specific desirable languages for this role beyond English.

Additional Notes:
The start date for this position is set for October 2027, with a potential for earlier deployment if the incumbent leaves before that date. The assignment duration for this position is four years, subject to change based on the hardship classification of the duty station. Candidates must be members of the Resident Coordinator Pool to apply, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and diversity within its workforce, and the appointment is limited to the Resident Coordinator System in this specific duty station. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.
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