UNDP Jobs - 60387- Head of UN Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO)

Head of UN Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO)

Location :

Harare, ZIMBABWE

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Feb-2016

Application Deadline :

18-Oct-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

In 2015, the 2016-2020 Zimbabwe UN Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF) was signed by the Government and all members of the UN Country Team. This next generation framework provides an ideal opportunity for the Government, Partners and the UN to ensure that the UN’s support is focussed, efficient and results based, in line with the needs and aspirations of Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable. In addition, the UN has been active in supporting Zimbabwe to own and localise the Sustainable Development Goal agenda. As such, the UN Country Team has the continued opportunity to catalyse and galvanise action around this new international development agenda. In addition, due to improvements in the situation, OCHA Zimbabwe has recently closed. Nevertheless, with changing weather patterns, the country does continue to experiences certain vulnerabilities, calling on the RC to proactively engage with UN Agencies, Government and Partners in supporting appropriate responses.

Going forward, the evolving situation in Zimbabwe requires the United Nations to proactively engage on its role with Government and Development Partners. Efforts are continually required to bring forward UN coherence in order to better support the achievement of sustainable and transformative development results. In the same vein, the development cooperation environment has recently been considerably enhanced, with increased engagement between Government and Partners. As such, the UN has the opportunity to continue to build on its role as a trusted convenor and partner in order to further solidify partnerships for development results, humanitarian action and the promotion of human rights.

The implementation of the 2016-2020 ZUNDAF and support on the SDGs requires enhanced synergies, cooperation and coordination from UN agencies to maximise impact of UN programmes in Zimbabwe. There is an opportunity to chart a way forward for a more relevant and responsive UN, one which can better adapt to the changing context, respond to emerging needs, and contribute to improving the lives of Zimbabweans.

The United Nations in Zimbabwe is therefore seeking to recruit a Head of UN Resident Coordinator’s Office / Strategic Planning Specialist. Overarching objectives are to advance UN coherence for development results and ensure a strong, flexible and versatile office with strategic policy, advisory, planning and advocacy skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures the successful management of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, focussing on:

Supervision and guidance of RCO staff as well as oversight and coordination of its activities in a results orientated manner;
Overseeing the mobilization, management and allocations of funds from UN HQ, UN Country Team members and donors while controlling delivery in line with results;
Supervising and coordinating the activities of consultants contracted by the Resident Coordinator’s Office;
Overseeing official correspondences from the RC to high level officials;
Maintaining and enhancing regular communications to facilitate non-resident agency integration.

Ensures the provision of strategic support and advisory services to the RC, collaborating with and supporting members of the UNCT, focussing on:

Strategic support and advice to the RC and UNCT to advance the UN coherence agenda for development results through Delivering as One principles;
Supporting to the RC and UNCT on strategic communications and reporting with Government and partners for strong UN positioning;
Managing and supporting the achievement of results of the UNCT Management and Accountability System, including the UNCT forum, its secretariat, as well as other meetings led by the RC;
Coordinating and contributing to the analysis of the political, social and economic situation in the country and the review and formulation of strategic documents;
Leading all activities related to RC & UNCT reporting, work planning, and implementation, including the RC Annual Report and performance appraisal processes.

Ensures the functioning of results focussed implementation for the 2016-2020 ZUNDAF and the Sustainable Development Goals, focussing on:

Overseeing support to the UN Programme Management Team and ZUNDAF Results Groups, contributing to effective mechanisms for strategic planning, programing, implementation and M&E for the achievement of results;
Advising the RC, UNCT and senior UN programme staff on best practice for joint programming;
Providing support to the coordination of recovery and humanitarian responses;
Overseeing the results of the UN Communications Group and the Policy Advisors Team to ensure the production of results focussed high quality advocacy and knowledge products on major development challenges;
Overseeing the results of the Operations Management Team, such that harmonised business practices continually add value and reduce costs in support of programme results.

Ensures the creation and maintenance of strategic partnerships, focusing on:

Supporting the RC in establishing and maintaining strategic relations with all partners and stakeholders;
Supporting the positioning of the UN within the development effectiveness agenda;
Advising and following up on strategic partnership opportunities with Government, Development Partners and other relevant actors;
Maximizing on partnership opportunities with relevant regional and HQ UN entities, including mobilizing resources for system wide initiatives.

Ensures the establishment of a knowledge culture with effective systems and tools, focusing on:

Maintaining efficient working relationships with UN Agency representatives, UN colleagues and other relevant partners, such as Government counterparts and NGOs, at all levels;
Facilitating the flow of information between UN global systems, the RC, the UNCT and UN staff in Zimbabwe, ensuring that all relevant parties are kept informed of latest initiatives and requests while facilitating follow up action;
Facilitating knowledge building, management and networking.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Leadership:

Ability to persuade others to follow.

Innovation:

Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

People management:

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.

Communication:

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.

Delivery:

Ability to get things done.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
In-depth knowledge on joint UN programme and operational issues;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in relevant practice areas;
Knowledge of UN policies and programmes in development and post-conflict situations;
Knowledge of UN regulations, rules, policies, procedures and practices;
Familiarity with UN System functioning.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to lead and manage corporate strategic initiatives;
Excellent computer and information system skills.

Management and Leadership:

Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates advanced oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrates strong team management skills;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Strategic thinking, strategic decision-making and proven leadership qualities and experience in management of teams and large groups;
Demonstrates capacity to communicate effectively and plan programmes effectively;
Resourcefulness, initiative and mature judgment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced degree in international development studies, law, political science, economics, management, or other relevant field.

Experience:

7 years of progressively responsible work experience in development and/or transitional operations;
At least 3 years of those, experience managing teams and staff;
In-depth knowledge of the UN system, UN reform and its operational mandates;
Previous UN field and coordination experience will be considered an asset.

Language:

Fluency in Englsih with superior drafting skills;
Good knowledge of another UN language will be considered an asset.