Historique

In November 2006, the UN Secretary General’s High Level Panel on System-Wide Coherence produced a set of far-reaching recommendations for UN reform aimed at improving the coherence and effectiveness of the UN system at country level. The report highlights that the UN system is not currently equipped to respond to the challenge posted by the Millennium Development Goals, due to fragmentation, duplication, high overhead costs, and lack of focus.
In January 2007, Rwanda was selected as one of eight pilot countries where the ‘One UN’ models (one country, ‘One Office’, ‘One Programme’, ‘One Leader’, ‘One Budgetary Framework’) will be tried out. Subsequently, the UNCT elaborated the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for 2008-2013, thus providing further programmatic coherence for the implementation of the ‘One Programme’ model in Rwanda.
 
As part of the reform implementation, it was agreed by Heads of Agencies that it would be necessary to strengthen the Office of the Resident Coordinator, to enable him to carry out the tasks required for the reform. The post of UN Policy Advisor helps pushing forward the idea of division of labour within the UNCT, where different agencies take on a lead role (rather than an inflated coordination system as such).
 
Under the guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator and direct supervision of the Senior Policy Advisor, the UN Coordination Specialist will lead efforts to strengthen the capacity of the UN Country Team and provide support to the RC in coordinating and planning an integrated UN response to national development priorities – in line with UN reform objectives, the MDGs and the United Nations Development Assistance Programme (UNDAP), as well as emerging priorities. 

The incumbent will lead the coordination of activities emanating from the RC Office, setting priorities, and ensuring follow-up and feedback; and identifying and recommending proposals and actions for enhancing inter-agency coordination in line with UN reform objectives, the simplification and harmonization procedures and, as appropriate, initiating actions for implementation.

The UN Coordination Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Senior Policy Advisor, works in close collaboration with the Resident Coordinator and UNCT members, programme and operations teams of the agencies, UNDOCO staff and government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful planning and implementation of UNCT activities.

Devoirs et responsabilités

Provides policy guidance and support to RC, through the coordination of the Senior Policy Advisor, based on analysis of development and political trends and their possible impact on UN work, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
  • Through analysis and research of political, social and economic situation in country, advise RC on developments having consequences for UN agencies’ work and priorities;
  • Support and coordinate the process of continuously identifying, analyzing and prioritizing needs in order to facilitate an appropriate, coherent programmatic response by UNCT, reflecting RC Work Plan, UNDAF priorities and MDGs;
  • Support and facilitate assessments and other analytical work to help determine UNCT strategy and priorities, reflecting the overall framework of UNDAF and MDGs;
  • Advise on adjusting strategies and implementation modalities, cost-effective and efficient implementation of joint UN programmes, common services and other UN functions;
  • Support and facilitate the RC in defining the UN’s role, priorities and strategies and the various coordination mechanisms, including support to lead agencies of Results Groups and Inter-Agency Task Forces;
  • Monitor relevant developments in the General Assembly, Security Council, and within the peace and security departments of the United Nations HQ;
  • Advance the UN reform agenda and UN system coherence.
Manages strategic planning process, providing input and guidance in the design of annual RC  Work Plans, reports and reviews in line with UNDAF, national MDG action plan and the Post 2015 Development agenda, BoS, and based on analysis of UN reform and Paris Declaration objectives, focusing on the achievement of the following results:
  • Support RC in preparation and coordination of RC Work Plan, based on assessments and other identified priorities and strategies;
  • Provide strategic guidance and technical support to RC in strengthening capacity of UNCT to continuously design, coordinate and implement joint development assistance initiatives;
  • Support RC and UNCT in the preparation of a Common Country Assessment (CCA) and preparation of UNDAF, annual and midterm reviews, when appropriate;
  • Ensure appropriate linkages are made to other ongoing initiatives – e.g., preparation of the national budget, PRSPs, donor strategies, etc.;
  • Ensure synergies of 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;
  • Promote use of simplification and harmonization strategies, including opening of common premises, etc., in order to reduce burden on national partners and maximize effectiveness of integrated UN operations;
  • Ensure the UNDAF M&E framework is followed-through and well reported upon;
  • Ensure the BoS is followed through and well reported upon;
  • Mobilize resources for the UNDAF.
Oversees and manages the day to day work of UN Coordination Office staff:
  • Coordinate all activities emanating from the RCO, set priorities, develop the annual work-plan and ensure follow-up and feedback;
  • Oversee, manage and guide the work of the UN Coordination Office, a team of staff members working in inter-agency coordination, donor coordination, joint programming under the overall guidance of the Resident Coordinator and based on the RC Annual Work Plan, UNDAF and the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness;
  • Advise and guide staff on the theory, practice and implementation of UN and donor coordination activities, including but not limited to CCA/UNDAF processes, UNDAF annual and midterm reviews, UNDAF M&E, joint programming and programmes, aid coordination principles as spelled out in the Paris and Accra Declarations;
  • Guide staff in partnership building and strategic interaction with national partners, donor aid agencies, civil society and the private sector, adhering to UN principles and values;
  • Manage the funds-request and allocation process with the Development Operations Coordination Office (DOCO). Monitor and control the usage of these funds, review transactions and ensure the preparation of expenditure reports.
Provides policy and technical support to the national donor coordination mechanisms and processes; including the donor partner coordination group and sector working groups; and oversees formulation and implementation of UN Country Team (UNCT) communications strategy and plan:
  • Provides technical support in the Implementation of successful and strategic partnerships with UN and external partner institutions – Development of partnerships with IFI’s, government institutions, private sector, academia, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector and civil society; 
  • Analyses and researches information on donors; prepares reports on donors’ strategies and organizes donors’ round tables;
  • Focus on crafting proper branding and messaging, demonstrating the concrete, measurable contributions of the UN family in addressing the national development priorities and in achieving tangible results that translate into positive impact in people’s lives;
  • Ensure (1) tracking of latest developments and issues on UN reform in the media, UN system and other partners that require attention and on which UN system should respond; (2) drafting of speeches for the RC on inter-agency initiatives, (3) improving the internal and external websites (4) development and production of UNCT communication.
Oversees planning strategic engagement with non-resident UN agencies, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Based on country assessment and needs, pinpoint areas and gaps where non-resident UN agencies (NRAs) could play a role;
  • Establish links to non-resident agencies in technical areas not covered by the UNCT and facilitate inputs from NRAs to join planning, and ensure that they are informed and participating to UNCT initiatives.
Facilitates knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:
  • Identify sources of information related to coordination, and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to country policy goals;
  • Identify national policies and institutions that require strengthening to ensure effective UNDAF implementation and provision of advice in close consultation with UNCT;
  • Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
  • Organize trainings for UN staff on coordination issues.

Impacts of Results

The results of the work of the Head of Resident Coordinator´s Office impact the role of the UNCT through his/her leadership in the formulation of the new UNDAF and  joint programming guidance, ensuring complementarity of efforts between the UN and other international actors to maximize the effectiveness of an integrated UN operation.

Compétences

Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • 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:
 
Advocacy/Advancing A Policy-Oriented Agenda:
  • Analysis and creation of messages and strategies;
  • Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses;
  • Proven strategic vision and strong technical and analytical capabilities;
  • Ability to negotiate at the highest decision-making level;
  • Ability to handle effectively multiple tasks without compromising quality, team spirit and positive working relationships;
  • Outstanding political judgment;
  • Proven ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
Global Leadership and Advocacy for One UN:
  • Analysis and creation of messages and strategies;
  • Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for global advocacy work and adapts it for use at country level;
  • Promotes a One-UN agenda in inter-agency meetings.
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
  • Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
  • Provides information for linkages across programme activities to help identify critical points of integration;
  • Provides background information to identify opportunities for project development and participates in the formulation of project proposals;
  • Provides information and documentation on specific stages of projects/programme implementation;
  • Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking.
Building Strategic Partnerships:
  • Identifying and building partnerships;
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with counterparts at all levels;
  • Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build strategic alliances relevant to the UNCT‘s mandate and strategic agenda;
  • Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners.
Management and Leadership:
  • Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation;
  • Building and promoting effective teams;
  • Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication;
  • Creating an emotionally intelligent organization;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
  • Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
Resource Mobilization:
  • Implementing resource mobilization strategies;
  • Analyzes information on potential bilateral donors and national counterparts to recommend a strategic approach;
  • Identifies and compiles lessons learned;
  • Develops a resource mobilization strategy at the country level.

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:

  • Master’s Degree in international development studies, law, political science, economics, statistics, management, coordination, social sciences, or other relevant field.
Experience:
  • At least 7 years’ experience, including substantive international experience, in progressively responsible positions in the humanitarian, development or related field;
  • Experience in team management and in Coordination;
  • Familiarity with the UN System and knowledge of UNCTs;
  • Previous work experience in the region will be considered an asset.
Language:
  • Fluency in oral and written English is required;
  • Knowledge of French will be considered an asset.