UNDP Jobs - 61992- Head of Resident Coordinator's Office

Head of Resident Coordinator's Office

Location :

Baghdad, IRAQ

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

02-Dec-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-6

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year (with possibility of extension)

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

Under the supervision of the DSRSG/RC/HC/UNDP RR, the incumbent will provide strategic and operational guidance on all issues relating to the Resident Coordinator function. The incumbent is expected to strengthen the capacity of the UN Country Team to coordinate and plan an integrated UN response to humanitarian, stabilization, recovery and development issues in Iraq. In addition, the incumbent will manage the day-to day operations of the teams under the supervision of the DSRSG/RC/HC/UNDP RR within UNAMI, and their budgets. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring appropriate policy, administrative and financial links with headquarters bodies, but particularly with the Development Group Office, which supports the Resident Coordinator system. The incumbent is responsible for establishing and strengthening strong linkages with the Government of Iraq officials, both at the federal, regional and provincial levels and with officials in multi-lateral and bi-lateral missions. The incumbent will be working in close collaboration with programme and project teams and operations staff of UN Agencies and mission sections. The incumbent is most particularly expected to direct and lead the strategic communications of the UNCT, a vital function which has been under-resourced for many years.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the DSRSG/RC/HC/UNDP RR, incumbent will perform the following functions:

Coordination, Policy and Planning:

Serve as the focal point for all strategic and operational planning within the UNCT and in support of the mission;
Lead core processes and mechanisms that enable the integrated delivery of the UNCT mandate, including programme management, reform/change management, information management and crisis management;
Transform policy intent and high-level direction of UNCT leadership into viable tasks and ensure their implementation;
Oversee the preparation of all strategic UN frameworks including the integrated strategic framework, UNDAF and Country Assessments;
Advise and guide the preparation and implementation of the UNCT workplan;
Provide strategic advice on relationships with high Government officials and maintain close relations with Government counterparts;
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and relations with agency representatives and UN colleagues at all levels;
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and relations with diplomatic mission and donors and guide resource mobilization efforts for the UNCT, including the UNDAF;
Serve as interface with UN Development Group Office and facilitate effective communication channels with United Nations Headquarters in New York;
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with civil society;
Advocate for a cooperative and effective operating environment within the UNCT and the mission to achieve the national development goals;
Provide guidance on United Nations policies and procedures;
Ensure that advice and information on mission-related issues are coordinated with the UNCT;
Oversee inputs into UN reports including reports of the Secretary General;
Promote high functioning of the UNCT and UNCT working groups, including troubleshooting and conflict resolution to increase impact and results;
Oversee the organization of and follow up to UNCT and other meetings chaired by the DSRSG/RC/HC/UNDP RR.

Strategic Communication:

Chair the UN’s Communication Group;
Spearhead the development of a full-range of strategic communications products, including situation reports, media alerts, press statements, diplomatic briefings, project updates, parliamentary briefings, and policy notes;
Develop an outreach strategy aimed at deepening knowledge of UN aims and work in Iraq; ensure the strategy is implemented across all sectors of civil society and the government;
Lead the development of advanced outreach tools including websites, social media and scholarly journals;
Convene regular pressers and maintain excellent relations with national and international media;
Act as the spokesperson for the RC function when required.

Policy Development and Planning:

Lead the UNCT to develop and implement Joint Programmes;
Oversee the implementation of UN common programming processes;
Liaise with non-resident agencies to represent their views, and ensure exchange of information, as well as with HQs and UNDG regional technical focal points;
Advocate for increased UNCT support to the Government in developing and implementing poverty reduction strategies and papers;
Provide guidance and support to the analysis and subsequent strategies undertaken by the UN system.

Knowledge Management:

Strengthen RC information and reporting systems, ensuring efficient flows of information between the RC, the UNCT, and the UN Global system; Ensure dissemination of information related to UN reform;
Promote the implementation of harmonized approaches to data collection and analysis including through the use of DevInfo;
Guide the implementation of knowledge management approaches for the teams under the supervision of the DSRSG/RC/HC/UNDP RR including handover notes, after-action reviews and end-of-assignment reports;
Ensure M&E systems are in place for RC functions.

Management:

Lead and oversee the internal management of the UNCT on behalf of, and as directed by the RC, including the development, advice and promotion of policies and procedures on management issues;
Direct the day-to-day operations of the mission teams that report to the DRSG/RC/HC/UNDP RR including field offices;
Guide the preparation of proposals for the allocation of RC and UNDGO funds; ensure that the use of these funds is monitored and well managed;
Lead the preparation of budget submissions for the teams under the supervision of the DSRSG/RC/HC/UNDP RR;
Oversee the preparation of all documentation related to Common Services and Common Premises;
Ensure the UNCT is informed of training opportunities for UN staff;
Ensure the development and implementation of management policy among the various components of UNCT and UNAMI, when required.

Competencies

Leadership:

Ability to persuade others to follow;
Inspires organization to take on new challenges, reach higher performance;
Inspires others to reach new heights;
Conveys a vision that staff and clients can see and charts a clear course to achievement;
Positions the organization as a centre of expertise and influence

Innovation:

Ability to make new and useful ideas work;
Transforms and Inspires Action;
Expands understanding of subject by clients and inspires action;
Influence critics to change strategic positions;
Models integration of highest standards with highest levels of performance and achievement

People Management:

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction;
Creates culture of ownership;
Empowers team managers to act independently;
Holds units accountable for setting challenging goals;
Sets high peer standards for measuring success and provides encouragement;
Anticipates and solves organizational conflicts;
Models best corporate practices and highest ethical standards;
Creates atmosphere of trust; builds acceptance and seeks diverse views, cultures and individual needs within the team;
Actively mentors and develops leaders.

Communication:

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform;
Represents organization, inspires, influences and changes intractable positions;
Transforms ideas, behaviours, and organizational culture;
Represent organization at highest managerial, political, stakeholder levels;
Resolve institutional conflict;
Institutional role model;
Inspirational communicator, especially in crisis.

Delivery:

Ability to get things done;
Creates new opportunities for work;
Creates new opportunities for programmes to serve;
Enhances reputation of teams and programmes;
Builds performance culture to deliver outcomes across the organization;
Holds self and managers accountable for team results;
Establishes strategic relationships and influences delivery partners.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master's level university degree or higher, in a related field such as but not limited to international relations, social sciences, political science, legal, economics, international development and/or management.

Experience:

A minimum of 15 years relevant work experience in one or several of key fields including recovery, development, humanitarian, political and/or transitional operations, including work experience in the field;
Extensive global experience in outreach;
Extensive experience in providing high-level guidance on strategic communications, political developments and policy;
Detailed knowledge of UN system policies, priorities, and programming especially in crisis situations;
Substantial knowledge of aid effectiveness;
Previous experience in joint programme development would be an asset;
Proven ability to work in an environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors;
Proficiency in all basic computer application programs.

Languages:

Fluency in English;
Working knowledge of Arabic and other UN languages is an asset.