Background

The position is located in the United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) in Kosovo and reports to the UN Development Coordinator (DC) who on behalf of the United Nations system, has the overall responsibility to exercise team leadership for the coordination of operational activities for development in Kosovo. 

The UN Secretary-General’s bold new global reform, repositioning the UN Development System to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for dignity, prosperity and peace on a healthy planet, was launched on 1 January 2019. As part of this process, the United Nations Development Coordinator’s Office in Kosovo is seeking qualified and experienced candidates for the following two new National Professional positions:

1. Development Coordination Officer – Strategic Planning and DCO Team Leader (NOD)

2. Assistant Development Coordination Officer – Data/Knowledge Management & Results Monitoring/Reporting (NOA) 

The core required capacity of the positions, respective to the attached separate Job Profiles, will include expertise in coordination and strategic planning, tailored policy support, results monitoring and evaluation, and strategic partnerships, including the ability to communicate effectively both to partners and within the United Nations Kosovo team.

This post is part of this new generation of strengthened UN sustainable development coordination offices globally, with the new skillset and competencies required to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

[1] All references to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of the UNSCR 1244 (1999) 

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities: Within delegated authority, the Strategic Planning and DCO Team Leader will be responsible for the following.

Summary of Functions:

1. Provides strategic guidance to the RC/UN Kosovo Team (UNKT) on effective, quality and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF)
2. Initiates and coordinates external partnerships and oversees joint resource mobilization efforts for the new generation UNDAF (Common Development Plan/CDP)
3. Coordinates the Business Operations Strategy and contributes to business innovations as relevant to the UNKT
4. Manages knowledge management and capacity development activities in and outside the UN System in Kosovo
5. Leads overall management of the DCO to ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the DC/UNKT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures

Description of Functions:

1. Provide strategic guidance to the RC/UN Kosovo Team (UNKT) on effective, quality and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF)

• Advise the DC/UNKT in articulating and actively communicating a credible and convincing strategic vision for the UN in Kosovo, articulated through the UNDAF (CDP), which is consistent with Kosovo’s development goals and priorities, UN values, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and committed to the principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind;
• Provide strategic advice and develop recommendations to inform decision-making by the DC/UNKT in relation to repositioning of the UN System in country, especially relate to the Standard Operation Procedures for Delivering as One;
• Advise the DC/UNKT on the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the new generation CCA/UNDAF as the most important instrument for the planning and implementation of the UN development activities in Kosovo;
• Guide the DC/UNKT in asserting vision and accountability for the UN to operate as a nimble, innovative and enterprising development partner, demonstrating characteristics of a knowledge organization and thought leader;
• Lead strategic design on UN’s policy and programmatic offer, signature services, operational capabilities, and partnership mechanisms; 
• Ensure close engagement with UNMIK and other partners across humanitarian, development and peace domains, as is required in the local  context;
• Promotes and facilitates close engagement across the humanitarian, development and peace domains, as required by the country context;
• Based on analysis carried out by the experts within the DCO team or the UNKT members, lead identification, analysis and prioritization of joint programmatic work of the UN entities in response to national priorities and in line with the UNDAF and 2030 Agenda;
• Promote the UNDAF and the Joint Work plan, ensuring that the UNDAF M&E Framework is followed through and well reported upon through UNINFO and an annual One UN Country Results Report is provided to the relevant stakeholders;
• Ensure that all agencies- resident and non-resident- and other relevant UN entities, including HQ and (sub-) regional level, are engaged in the inter-agency fora and in discussions with external partners;
• Facilitate coherence in the different intra-agency coordination bodies, including with UNMIK, UNKT Results Groups,  various Donor Coordination Teams, and the Security Management Team.

2. Initiates and coordinates external partnerships and oversees joint resource mobilization efforts for the new generation UNDAF (Common Development Plan/CDP)

• Establish effective working relationships with national and international public and private partners and manage the partnerships effectively to facilitate knowledge sharing in support of the CCA/UNDAF development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation;
• In consultations with a broad range of stakeholders continue to position the UN as a key provider of integrated services and as a platform in support to the SDGs;
• Populate the UNKT website with relevant information on the results and advices related to the UN’s support to Kosovo’s development goals and the 2030 Agenda;
• Collaborate closely with the Association of Kosovo Journalists, CSOs and private business sector on further integration and implementation of the SDG framework;
• In close collaboration with the Partnership and Development Finance Specialist (in the future) and the UNKT CDP and M&E team members, ensure formulation and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy as well as Resource Mobilization Strategy, and initiatives in support of SDG achievement through the UNDAF;
• Lead on and/or support design, formulation and implementation, monitoring and reporting of joint programmes, and joint programming processes amongst UN entities;
• Based on UNDAF and joint programmes, facilitate and undertake joint resource mobilization and partnering efforts at Kosovo wide level;
• Support establishment and manage the potential SDG Fund for Kosovo in support of the UNDAF and SDG acceleration;
• Consolidate and Support capacity development for the newly created SDG structures in the Parliament and the office of the Prime Minister for carrying on the SDG process;
• Support strategic messaging and communication initiatives by DC/UNKT.

3. Coordinates the Business Operations Strategy and contributes to business innovations as relevant to the UNKT

• In close collaboration with the Operations Management Team (OMT), advise DC/UNKT on business innovations for the UN in country;
• Advise and support in  implementing,  monitoring, and updating the newly designed UN  Business Operations Strategy;
• Advise and support OMT and the DC in possibilities for establishing the UN common premises, in liaising with the Kosovo institutions, and in establishing common back office for location dependent services;
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and client-orientation in operational service delivery;
• Provide guidance on the establishment of common services arrangements to participating organizations/agencies at the country level and back office services.

4. Promote knowledge management and capacity development activities in- and outside the UN System

• Transfer knowledge and communicate effectively across UNKT and other different UN (local and sub-regional) and non-UN entities;
• Lead in the sharing of best practice, trends, knowledge and lessons learned across the UN system and with external partners;
• Lead in designing thematic activities and knowledge sharing forums and encourages others to participate;
• Contribute to knowledge sharing (notably through training and facilitating peer exchange) amongst UN staff on issues relate to UN strategic planning frameworks, methodologies and tools;
• Draw upon other UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge network to provide contributions to strategic planning processes.

5. Leads overall management of the DCO to ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the DC/UNKT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures

• Support the formulation and implement the substantive work programme of the UNKT, allocating and monitoring DCO resources for the delivery of outputs, and reporting on results;
• Oversee the management of activities undertaken by the DCO team, ensuring that programmes activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas and within the wider UN system coordination frameworks (UN CDP, ISF, SDGs) in Kosovo;
• In close collaboration with UNDP,  and under the corporate Service Level Agreement (SLA), oversee processes related to inter-alia human and financial resource management, procurement, general administration, security, information technology for the DCO;
• Manage, guide and training staff under his/her supervision; foster teamwork and communication among staff in the RCO and across organizational boundaries;
• Promote a work environment in the DCO and across the UN system that is conductive to innovation and engagement with a diverse set of stakeholders and delivering results in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic resources on the internet, intranet and other databases.  Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. 

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

• Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, international relations, sustainable development, social sciences, education or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience:

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, project/programme management, or resource mobilization in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. 
• Experience in working in the peace, security and development nexus is desired.  
• Knowledge about the UN and RC/DC systems would be a strong advantage. 
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems is a must.

Language:

• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Excellent knowledge of the working languages (Albanian and Serbian) in Kosovo is necessary. 
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.   

Additional requirements:

• National Professional Officers are nationals of the country in which they are serving, and their functions must have a national context, i.e. functions that require national experience or knowledge of the national language, culture, institutions, and systems.

Application Instructions:

• Click on the "Apply now" button;
• Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box.
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11).
• System will only allow one attachment. All docs (P11, academic qualifications/diploma) should be included as one attachment;
• Without the completed and signed P11, your application may not be considered. The UNDP Personal History Form can be downloaded at this link: http://www.ks.undp.org/content/kosovo/en/home/operations/jobs/