UNDP Jobs - 23490- Area Coordinator, United Nations Country Team in t

Area Coordinator, United Nations Country Team in the DRC

Location :

Kananga, Mbuji Mayi, Matadi, CONGO, DEM. REPUBLIC

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Aug-2011

Application Deadline :

06-Jun-11 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English French

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 the current transition of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) towards a post-peacekeeping phase, the UN Country Team (UNCT) is called upon to play a greater role in support of stabilization, recovery and of national systems that will allow for sustainable development. In this regard, the UNCT is giving a particular focus to provinces where the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) is drawing down on its presence as it is increasingly focusing its efforts on the remaining areas of instability in the eastern parts of the country.

This transition process is guided by an Integrated Strategic Framework (ISF), defining a shared vision of the UN system for the DRC with common objectives and key results as well as agreed responsibilities and timelines for the achievement of these. The ISF draws on and is aligned with national development objectives outlined in, inter alia, the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRSP), the Country Assistance Framework (CAF) and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).

In order to reinforce coordination amongst members of the UNCT and facilitate the development and implementation of integrated workplans following on the ISF at the provincial level of those parts of the country that are in a post-peacekeeping phase, the UNCT has decided to establish an Area Coordinator Function in key provinces. The Area Coordinator will represent the Resident Coordinator and support Country Team coordination towards common results for the UN System. They will be the main coordinators of the UN system in these areas and the key drivers of the transition process that the UN will be engaging in support to national and provincial authorities. Moreover, with the perspective of the establishment of Joint Peace Consolidation Teams as per the ISF, the Area Coordinators will be the most senior UN representatives in these key provinces.

The Area Coordinator will ensure UN system coherence across MONUSCO and the UNCT in the implementation of the ISF. On the continued drawdown of MONUSCO in non-conflict affected provinces, the Area Coordinator may assume leadership for an Integrated Peace Consolidation Team comprising MONUSCO (or a successor mission) and UNCT capacities in support of a continued UN System engagement at the provincial level.

The Area Coordinator will report to and be directly supervised by the DSRSG (RC/HC) who, in turn, reports to the SRSG.

Duties and Responsibilities

On behalf of the DSRSG (RC/HC) and for the UNCT, in accordance with the 17 January 2006 Note of Guidance on Integrated Missions, and as the most senior UN representative in the province, the Area Coordinator will be responsible for the strategic analysis and for the overarching supervision of the planning and coordinating of the UNCT’s support of stabilization, recovery and development efforts in his/her geographic area of operation. S/he will be working closely with UNCT members, MONUSCO (and an eventual successor mission), international partners and national counterparts including civil society in planning and coordinating the interventions of the key actors involved in the implementation of the ISF. This entails:

To define the strategic direction and be the lead for the elaboration of the integrated (UNCT/MONUSCO) workplans and other common planning documents for peace consolidation, recovery and development activities in the province;
To supervise and oversee, coordinate, monitor and regularly report on the implementation of the integrated workplan and other common activities of the UN system towards peace consolidation, recovery and development;
On the establishment of Joint Peace Consolidation Teams as per the ISF, serve as the most senior representative of the UN system in the province including, inter alia, liaison and close cooperation with provincial authorities;
To provide follow-up on political developments in the province and representation of the views of the UN system to authorities and civil society in accordance with the mandates of the UN;
To act as the humanitarian focal point in provinces where the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has no presence, monitor the humanitarian situation, notify OCHA of any change in this situation and lead the United Nations system, on behalf of the Humanitarian Coordinator and with the support of OCHA as required, in response to breaking humanitarian crisis in the province in close cooperation with humanitarian partners and government counterparts;
To lead and chair the Integrated Mission Planning Team (IMPT) at the provincial level;
To chair UNCT meetings at the provincial level, bringing to the attention of mission management - and addressing - concerns raised by members of the UNCT;
To chair the Area Integrated Security Management Team meetings (ISMT);
To chair the Satellite Management Operations Teams (SOMT);
To manage, in areas where established, all aspects of the UN Joint Offices, including common services, in accordance with agreed terms of reference;
To work with MONUSCO, the UNCT and Provincial Governments for the establishment of coordination mechanisms and structures that will lead and support recovery and development processes in the province;
To co-chair, as appropriate, with relevant Government representatives, forums at the provincial and district level to coordinate recovery and development in the province;
To facilitate continuous information-sharing on peace consolidation, recovery and development activities among stakeholders;
To facilitate and coordinate capacity assessments of local government institutions and entities as well as civil society institutions;
To coordinate United Nations system support of development of capacity and functioning of local authorities, particularly in regards to governance and the delivery of basic government services;
To monitor, report on and coordinate UN activities in support of the development of civil society.

Impact of Results

A more efficient and coherent UN partnership with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the provincial level to address national priorities in line with “Delivering as One” reform principles;
Improved provincial government leadership, coordination and delivery capacities;
Economies of scale for UN system operations;
Improved strategic orientation, monitoring and evaluation of UN – system interventions at the provincial level.

Competencies

Corporate 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.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge and Learning Management

Shares knowledge and experience from within and outside the UN Country Team;
Encourages UN staff to share knowledge;
Promotes knowledge management in the UN and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
Develops deep understanding in UN System reform and MDGs;
In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development and applies newly acquired skills.

Coordination Effectiveness

Solid Knowledge and relevant experiences in coordination and related fields;
Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to lead the design and implementation of UN programme activities, strengthening of strategic partnerships;
Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with UN Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies.

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients (and external actors), focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
Establishes priorities for self and other members of the office; 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;
Manages conflict and stress, remaining composed and working as a mediator in crisis or antagonistic situations;
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

Education:

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

Experience:

Minimum of 7 years relevant experience preferably with the UN and/or multilateral organizations;
Professional experience in management including but not limited to development, strengthening of organizations and systems including minimum three years of experience in transitional / developing countries;
Excellent knowledge of post conflict and recovery issues, and of the UN system and its procedures;
Relevant experience in information management, and external communications especially in transition environments;
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries.

Language Requirements:

Proven fluency in French and a good written and spoken command of English essential.