Org. Setting and Reporting

In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. The new DCO assumes managerial and oversight functions of the Resident Coordinator system under the collective ownership of the members of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). This position is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, within the Regional Office for Africa of the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO). Under the overall management of the ASG for Development Coordination and under the guidance and direct supervision of the Chief of Business Management Branch or delegated official, the Senior Development Coordination Officer will provide Resident Coordination Offices (RCO) management expertise, strategic and operational guidance and support to enable effective inter-agency collaboration, programming and coordination to deliver on development results in crisis contexts, in support of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The Senior Development Coordination Officer will be a global Resident Coordinator System (RCS) roving capacity pre-positioned at the regional level for rapid deployment to RCOs and UN Country Teams in the event of a significant development. The incumbent will support RCOs in the operationalization of the UNSDCF and other RCS corporate priorities, including through enhanced collaboration, cooperation and coordination with humanitarian action and peacebuilding efforts as well as through the provision of advice and recommendations for risk-informed and agile development support to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in crisis contexts. The Senior Development Coordination Officer works in close collaboration with the Regional Director, Resident Coordinator and UNCT members, programme and operations teams of the agencies, UNDCO staff and government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society. The Senior Development Coordination Officer may be requested to perform the function of Head of RCO a.i. as needed. The Senior Development Coordination Officer is expected to undertake frequent deployments to RCOs (up to three months each time) and travel within short notice (up to 5 days) to provide surge capacity support to priority crisis-affected RCOs in a specific region or globally, as required.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Development Coordination Officer will be responsible of the following duties: Summary of Functions: 1. Undertakes analysis and research of the impact of the current crisis on the development plans by the Government and the UNDS support, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), including opportunities for inter-agency assistance and joint programming; 2. Leads the provision of strategic guidance to the RC and UN Country Team (UNCT) on effective, quality and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UNSDCF. 3. Initiates, establishes and coordinates external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the UNSDCF or development-oriented pledging conferences. 4. Coordinates the Business Operations Strategy and develops business innovations 5. Manages and directs knowledge management and capacity development activities in and outside the UN System 6. Leads and coordinates overall management of the RCO to ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures. Description of Functions: 1. Undertakes analysis and research of the impact of the current crisis on the development plans by the government and the UNDS support, in line with the UNSDCF, including opportunities for inter-agency assistance and joint programming; • Ensure timely analysis and synthesis of developments to inform UN leadership and relevant fora focused in the country and region; • Working closely with UNCT, sub-regional UN and other development partners, as well as counterparts in DPPA, DPO, Special Political Missions or Peacekeeping Missions as applicable and OCHA, identify conflict sensitive development and peacebuilding interventions in the identified conflict/post-conflict state/region integrating a human rights perspective; • Enable joined-up analysis considering possible differences between humanitarian development and peacebuilding approaches with suggestions as to how these could be bridged; • Working closely with partners, suggest how the UN can take a ‘leave no one behind” as well as a risk informed, do-no-harm approach when implementing the UNSDCF; • Present recommendations on how the UN can pilot such integrated approach including how and where synergies can be strengthened as well as where joint ongoing planning/programming activities can be scaled; • Work with the RCO and UNCT in conducting stakeholder consultations with UN, INGOs, development partners, Government, CSOs, communities and potentially others. 2. Leads the provision of strategic guidance to the RC and UNCT of effective, quality and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through a new generation UNSDCF: • Leads and coordinates substantive support to the RC/UNCT in articulating and actively communicating a credible and convincing strategic vision for the UN, articulated through the UNSDCF, which is consistent with national development goals and priorities, UN values, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and committed to the principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind; • Provides strategic direction and develops recommendations to facilitate decision-making by the RC/UNCT in relation to repositioning of the UN System in country, especially related to the Standard Operating Procedures for Delivering as One; • Develops policy recommendations to the RC/UNCT on the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the new generation CCA/UNSDCF as the primary instrument for the planning and implementation of UN development activities in country; • Ensures effective guidance to the RC/UNCT in asserting vision and accountability for the UN to operate as a nimble, innovative and enterprising development partner, demonstrating characteristics of a knowledge-based organization and thought leader; • Leads the strategic design of UN’s policy and programmatic services, operational capabilities, and partnership mechanisms; • Establishes and promotes close engagement across the humanitarian, development and peace domains, as required by the country context; • Leads the identification, analysis and prioritization of joint programmatic work of UN entities in response to national priorities and in line with the UNSDCF and the 2030 Agenda; • Coordinates the UNSDCF and Joint Workplans; directs UNSDCF monitoring, evaluation and learning, as well as reporting through UNINFO; guides preparation and provision of the annual UN Country Results Report to the Government and other stakeholders; • Promotes the engagement of all agencies – regardless of in-country presence – and other relevant UN entities, including at Headquarters and at the (sub-)regional level in inter-agency fora and in discussions with external partners; • Ensures coherence in the different intra-agency coordination bodies, including with Humanitarian Country Teams and the Security Management Team. • Advises on the implementation of the Secretary-General’s transitions directive ensuring greater connectivity between UNCTs and mission planning components in contexts of UN mission reconfiguration, scale up or drawdown, as applicable. 3. Initiates, establishes and coordinates external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the UNSDCF: • Initiates, establishes and coordinates effective working relationships with national and international public and private partners to ensure knowledge sharing in support of CCA/UNSDCF development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation; • Directs substantive support for positioning the UN as a key provider of integrated services and as a platform in support of the SDGs, in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders; • In close collaboration with the Development Partnerships Officer, leads the formulation and implementation of the Resource Mobilization Strategy, and other initiatives in support of SDG achievement through the UNSDCF; • Based on UNSDCF and joint programmes, coordinates joint resource mobilization and partnering efforts at country level; • Supports establishment and manages the implementation of the SDG Country Fund or equivalent (where relevant) in support of the UNSDCF and SDG acceleration; • Oversees strategic messaging and communication initiatives by RC/UNCT. • Leads the preparations for pledging conferences or other resource mobilization initiatives. 4. Coordinates the Business Operations Strategy and develops business innovations: • In collaboration with the Operations Management Team (OMT), directs substantive support to the RC/UNCT on business innovations for the UN in country; • Provides substantive direction in formulating, implementing and monitoring the UN Country Business Operations Strategy; • Guides the OMT in implementing common premises, and in establishing a common back office for location-dependent services; • Promotes a culture of continuous improvement and client-orientation in operational service delivery; • Ensures effective guidance on the establishment of common services arrangements to participating organizations/agencies at the country level. 5. Manages and directs knowledge management and capacity development activities in- and outside the UN System: • Coordinates the transfer of knowledge and effective communications across different UN and non-UN entities; • Leads the sharing of best practices, trends, knowledge and lessons learned across the UN system and with external partners; • Directs thematic activities and knowledge-sharing forums and encourages others to participate; • Coordinates knowledge sharing (including through training and facilitating peer exchange) amongst UN staff on issues related to UN strategic planning frameworks, methodologies and tools, in particular on cooperation, collaboration and coordination between humanitarian, development and peace efforts at country level; • Oversees the analysis of UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking to contribute to strategic planning processes. 6. Leads and coordinates overall management of the RCO to ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures: • Coordinates the formulation and implementation of the substantive work programme of the UNCT; allocates and monitors RCO resources for delivery of outputs and reporting on results; • Supervises the activities undertaken by the RCO, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion; • In close collaboration with UN Secretariat Service Providers and UNDP, manages processes related to human and financial resource management, procurement, general administration, security, and information technology for the RCO; • Manages, guides and trains staff under his/her supervision; promotes teamwork and communications among staff in the RCO and across organizational boundaries; • Establishes and maintains a work environment in the RC Office and across UN entities that is conducive to innovation and engagement with a diverse set of stakeholders and delivers results in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. • Liaises with UNDSS and DOS on security-related matters pertaining RCO staff and on operational planning and crisis preparedness.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Proven knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to sustainable development in crisis contexts. Proven knowledge of the UN’s humanitarian coordination mechanisms and crisis risk management including prevention, preparedness, and response. Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. Proven ability to analyze complex data and produce reports leading to sound policy recommendations for achieving sustainable development; Solid understanding of the political environment and the programmes and activities of the UN system in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals; Ability to think strategically, to identify key emerging sustainable development issues and related policy implications. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING: Identifies key issues in complex situations, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

Masters or equivalent university degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Economics or Political Science. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in development, humanitarian affairs, and implementation of development policies and strategies in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization context is required. Field experience in crisis management context is required. Experience in inter-cluster/agency coordination in the crisis management context is desirable Experience in development context, particularly in crisis and post-conflict situations, within the UN common system or other comparable international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of any other UN official language is an advantage. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and “knowledge of” equals a rating of “Confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available for a finite period of 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up-to-date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. Individual contractors and consultants (Non-Staff Personnel) who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link. NOTE: While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.