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 capacities across the globe, with a focus on sustainable development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. The UN Development Coordination Office supports the Resident Coordinator system, which is integral to the UN's development efforts 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, tasked with leading the UN country team and ensuring accountability for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The RC plays a pivotal role in coordinating operational activities for development, engaging with government and various stakeholders to address national priorities and sustainable development challenges. The position requires a deep understanding of the UN's mission and the ability to advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while fostering partnerships across sectors to advance the 2030 Agenda. The RC is responsible for promoting human rights, gender equality, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development. This role demands strategic leadership, effective communication, and the ability to navigate complex political environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Resident Coordinator is responsible for a wide range of duties, including representing the UN at high levels of government and fostering engagement with civil society, bilateral and multilateral partners, and the private sector. The RC leads the UN country team in developing, monitoring, and reporting on the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, ensuring alignment with government priorities. The role involves coordinating UN system-wide support to the government, identifying risks to the achievement of the SDGs, and advocating for the work of UN agencies. The RC also promotes the UN's fundamental values, engages in strategic partnerships, and facilitates knowledge-sharing and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Additionally, the RC oversees country financing instruments, leads security coordination efforts, and manages the Resident Coordinator's Office, ensuring effective governance and oversight of UN operations in the country.

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. For suitably qualified candidates, a first-level university degree combined with relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. 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 sound analytical skills, insight, and judgment, with a proven track record of engaging high-level actors and addressing complex situations across the peace-humanitarian-development nexus.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification is required, with fields of study including development studies, international relations, political science, economics, social sciences, human rights, or law. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with relevant experience. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in the principles and practices of international development and cooperation.

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 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, as is experience in engaging with high-level actors and addressing complex situations across various sectors.

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 United Nations Secretariat, but there are no additional desirable languages specified for this role.

Additional Notes:
The start date for this position is December 2027, unless the incumbent is reassigned before that date. The duration of the assignment is typically five years, subject to 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, and the UN is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff. The appointment is limited to the Resident Coordinator System in this specific duty station, and candidates must adhere to the UN's standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.