UNDP Jobs - 45488- UN Coordination Specialist

UN Coordination Specialist

Location :

BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

03-May-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 year with possibility of extension

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

The Resident Coordinator (RC) system encompasses all organizations of the United Nations system dealing with operational activities for development, regardless of their formal presence in the country. The RC system aims to bring together the different UN agencies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level. As the designated representative of the Secretary General for operational activities and team leader of the UN system organizations, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) assumes the overall responsibility for and coordination of the operational activities of the United Nations system carried out at the country level, in conformity with the objectives and priorities of the Government and mandates and objectives of United Nations system organizations.

Following the integration of the UN presence in the CAR in January 2010, the RC/HC is also the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-general (DSRSG). Her/his functions are supported by the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) on the development side, the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for humanitarian operations, and the Political Mission’s structure (BINUCA) for political issues. However, the RCO and BINUCA’s Strategic Planning Unit works together as an integrated team, in a Joint Strategic Planning and Coordination Unit.

Under the direct supervision of the DSRSG/RC/HC and in close collaboration with the Strategic Planning Advisor, the Coordination Specialist’s main function is to provide timely and substantive support to the DSRSG/RC/HC and the UNCT for coordinating and planning UN assistance strategies in response to the national priorities, for a better impact on post-conflict peace consolidation and recovery processes and priorities within the framework of UN Reform and national processes. The role has a challenging scope and requires substantial experience working with development and humanitarian agencies and other partners in insecure and complex environments. The Coordination Specialist works in close collaboration with the UN Integrated Office (BINUCA), the programme units and operations officers of UN agencies, government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful and transparent coordination of UN activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide support to the RC in the assessment and analytical processes for a coherent and united UN System response to national priorities:

Support and facilitate the definition of the UN’s role, its value added, priorities and strategies by the DSRSG/RC/HC, the UNCT and the various coordination mechanisms, including support to lead agencies of Theme Groups and Inter-Agency Task Forces, in consistency with UNCT mandates and objectives;
Facilitate, at the request of the DSRSG/RC/HC and UNCT, consultations with the Government, donors and organizations of the UN system, and provide technical support for programme development and related strategic initiatives;
Support the DSRSG/RC/HC in the processes to monitor significant developments in the Security Council and the application of relevant Security Councils Resolutions.

Provide technical support to the DSRSG/RC/HC and UNCT on UN System collaborative programming and monitoring processes:

Provide technical support to the RC in strengthening the capacity of the UNCT to develop, coordinate, and implement the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF);
Ensure that appropriate linkages are made to other ongoing programmatic initiatives, including national development plans and priorities as well as donor strategies;
Monitor the planning and management of UN system coordination for post conflict/emergency recovery at the country level, in collaboration with humanitarian teams, in particular that for early recovery.

Provide input to the design and implementation of UN joint strategies, in line with priorities outlined in the UNDAF:

Support the DSRSG/RC/HC and the UNCT in the design, coordination and monitoring of UN joint programmes, based on the needs assessment and other identified priorities and strategies;
Provide input and guidance in the development of appropriate modalities for joint programmes management;
Where appropriate, work with the UN humanitarian teams in CAR, to ensure consistent and complementary approach to development cooperation, early recovery and humanitarian assistance, within the context of the UN System overall mandate.

Advise the UN Resident Coordinator on, and facilitate planning and management of UN System coordination at the country level:

Support the UNCT in the development of a common work plan ensuring timeliness, coherence and quality of results and the promotion and development of proposals for UN System capacity building initiatives in order to achieve shared results;
Ensure the synergies of the UNCT on institutional and organizational issues, to promote a united and coherent UN system, consistent with the organizational mandate;
Draw upon other UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking to provide contributions to UNCT decision-making and learning;
Review existing coordination mechanisms and revise or establish appropriate ones given the changing context. Facilitate the implementation of field level coordination mechanisms including UN projects and other partners;
Ensure effective budgeting, reporting and management of resources of the RC unit. Supervise support staff and consultants hired by the RC unit;
Ensure coordination of the RC Work Plan, reports and proposals for funding preparation, and substantive preparations and support provided for UNCT retreat to review the annual workplan and other UNCT meetings.

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;
Identification of national policies and institutions that require strengthening to ensure effective UNDAF implementation and provision of advice in close consultation with UNCT;
Establishment of electronic and other systems 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.

The key results have an impact on the success of the UN Country Team activities, strengthening of overall coordination capacity, implementation of the UN System reform. In particular, the key results have an impact on the design and operation of UN activities and on the overall UN programmes coherence, creation of strategic partnerships for UNCT Programming including UNDAF implementation and support of national strategies and priorities.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the 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;
Develops deep understanding in UNDAF, UN System reform and MDGs.

Coordination Effectiveness:

Ability to lead the design and implementation of UN programme activities, strengthening of strategic partnerships for UNDAF implementation;
Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with UN Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies.

Management and Leadership:

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
Establishes priorities, 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;
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 behaviour.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

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

Experience:

At least 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in the area of development management and cooperation;
Hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects with some relevant experience in UNDAF development or recovery plans;
Experience with post-conflict issues and peace building processes is an advantage;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language:

Fluency in French which is the official language of the duty station;
A good working language of English is necessary.