Background

Duties and Responsibilities

• Effective coordination and communication across the UN Resident Coordinator’s multiple responsibilities
• Effective support to UNCT in preparation and implementation of country programming processes and products, including UNTP and UN programmes
• Preparation and implementation of the UNCT Work Plan
• Effective advocacy of UN activities
• Implementation of a resource mobilization strategy for UN activities
• Facilitation of knowledge building and management

• Provides analysis and research on the political, social and economic situation in the country in coordination with relevant national counterparts and UN staff, and prepares background notes, sitreps, briefings, speeches and reports as required.
• Manages, in close collaboration with the Executive Officer, all internal and external meetings and ensures the appropriate briefing materials and talking points are prepared.
• Reviews in-coming communications and prepares a reply or channels them to the appropriate recipients for action.
• Maintains and monitors a table of priority actions.
• Prepares mission travel, visiting missions and special events.
• Full compliance with UNDSS requirements on security. Participation in the work of the UN Security Management Team.

• Participation in the work of the Cluster, Sector and Outcome groups as requested.
• Participation in the work of the UNCT Programme Working Group as requested.
• Monitoring of all Joint/Collaborative programmes/initiatives of the UNCT and provision of periodic reports as necessary.
• Identification of strengths and weaknesses in UN Agencies programmes in the context of the CAP, UNTP, UN System reform and MDGs. Preparation of high quality documents summarizing the developments in areas of UN common planning and programming.

• Supports the development of the UNCT Work Plan, RC/HC/RR/DO appraisals and related activities and ensures timely submission to HQ.
• Technical support for UNCT Retreats and other UNCT meetings.

Ensures effective advocacy of UN activities in close consultation with the information/ communication focal points of the UN system focusing on the achievement  of the following results:

• Maintenance of the systematic information on UN system activities.
• Arrangement of regular forums and events on issues related to UN activities with media, NGOs, communities, etc.
• Collecting inputs for speakers notes, talking points, speeches for major advocacy events in close consultation with the UNCT and partners.

• Preparation of proposals for funding in collaboration with the RC Office, OCHA, DSS and UNDP.
• Development of partnerships with IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society.
• Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of reports on donors strategies.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification of sources of information related to coordination. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to country policy goals.
• Provision of referral services for agencies without field representation to access national institutions and processes and for national partners to access the expertise of agencies without field representation.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Organization of trainings to UN staff on coordination issues.

Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

• Shares knowledge and experience from within and outside the UN Country Team.
• Encourages UN staff to share knowledge
• Develops deep understanding in humanitarian affairs, UNTP, UN System reform and MDGs

• Ability to facilitate the implementation of joint UN programme activities and strengthen strategic partnerships for effective implementation.
• Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with UN Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies.

• Focuses on impact and result for the client
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
• Establishes priorities for self; schedules activities to ensure optimum use of time and resources; monitors performance against development and other objectives and corrects deviations from the course
• In providing advice to the RC, has the capacity to gather comprehensive information on complex problems or situations; evaluates information accurately and identifies key issues required to resolve problems
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
• Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Sciences or related field.

• 5 years of relevant experience in providing management advisory services in development cooperation or humanitarian affairs, including hands-on experience in project development.
• Prior experience with UN Agencies or other international organizations, including at least one year work experience in a conflict or post-conflict environment.