Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO and Strategic Planner

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, and to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System has undergone significant reforms to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCO) play a crucial role in supporting countries to achieve their development priorities and the SDGs, with the Head of RCO serving as a key adviser to the UN Resident Coordinator (RC).

Job Overview:
The Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO, is responsible for managing the resources of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Accra, Ghana. This position involves providing strategic guidance to the RC and the UN Country Team (UNCT) to ensure effective support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The Head of RCO will facilitate partnerships, coordinate resource mobilization efforts, and oversee the implementation of the efficiency agenda within the UN system. This role requires a deep understanding of sustainable development, strategic planning, and the ability to manage complex inter-agency coordination efforts. The Head of RCO will also be accountable for the quality and timeliness of the office's work, ensuring alignment with national development goals and UN values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic guidance to the RC and UNCT on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
• Facilitate the establishment and coordination of external partnerships and resource mobilization efforts for the UNSDCF.
• Coordinate the roll-out and implementation of the efficiency agenda, including Business Operations Strategy and Common Premises.
• Manage knowledge management and capacity development activities within the UN system.
• Ensure effective coordination and management of the RCO, adhering to organizational policies and procedures.
• Lead the identification and prioritization of joint programmatic work in response to national priorities.
• Promote engagement across humanitarian, development, and peace domains.
• Ensure quality control over strategic communications and advocacy related to the UNSCDF implementation.
• Supervise RCO staff and manage performance to ensure timely delivery of outputs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a proven knowledge and understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts. They should demonstrate the ability to identify strategic issues and risks, generate innovative solutions, and communicate effectively. Strong analytical skills are essential for producing reports and policy recommendations. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the UN system's programs and activities related to the SDGs, as well as the ability to think strategically and manage performance effectively. Experience in negotiating and applying good judgment is crucial.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, project/programme management, or related areas is required. Candidates must have experience in UN interagency coordination and multi-stakeholder coordination in development cooperation. Experience in designing and implementing partnership and resource mobilization strategies is desirable, as is experience in team leadership and promoting knowledge management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is considered an advantage. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'Fluent' in all four areas (reading, speaking, writing, and understanding).

Additional Notes:
The appointment is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on funding availability. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not charge any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. Candidates are expected to adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and must not have committed violations of international human rights law or other serious offenses.