Head of Resident Coordination Office ( Temporary until 31 August 2026), P4

Org. Setting and Reporting

The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) in Havana. The Head of the RCO manages the resources of the Office in order to provide support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT on sustainable development analysis, strategic planning, programming, financing, communications, advocacy, and partnerships. The Head of RCO serves as a key adviser to the RC in the pursuit of all their functions and is accountable for the overall quality and timeliness of the work of the office.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO/Strategic Planner will be responsible of the following duties: Summary of Functions: 1.Leads the provision of strategic guidance to the RC and UN Country Team (UNCT) on effective, quality, and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). 2.Facilitates and oversees the initiation, establishment and coordination of external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the new generation UNSDCF. 3.Coordinates and supports roll-out and implementation of the efficiency agenda (Business Operations Strategy, Common Premises and Local Shared Service. Centers/Common Back-Office). 4.Manages and directs knowledge management and capacity development activities in and outside the UN System. 5.Supports the strategic positioning of the UN and corporate strategic communications in support of the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT. 6.Leads and coordinates overall management of the RCO to ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures. Description of Functions: 1.Leads the provision of strategic guidance to the RC and UNCT of effective, quality, and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through a new generation CCA/UNSDCF •Leads and coordinates substantive support to the RC/UNCT in articulating and actively communicating a credible and convincing strategic vision for the UN, articulated through the UNSDCF, which is consistent with national development goals and priorities, UN values, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and committed to the principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind; •In line with CCA/UNSDCF, provides strategic advice and develops recommendations to facilitate decision-making by the RC/UNCT to reposition the UN in country to advance the objectives of UN development system reform; •Develops policy recommendations to the RC/UNCT on the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the new generation CCA/UNSDCF as the primary instrument for the planning and implementation of UN development activities in country; •Ensures effective guidance to the RC/UNCT in asserting vision and accountability for the UN to operate as a nimble, innovative, and enterprising development partner, demonstrating characteristics of a knowledge-based organization and thought leader; •Leads the strategic design of UN's policy and programmatic services, operational capabilities, and partnership mechanisms; •Establishes and promotes close engagement across the humanitarian, development, and peace domains, as required by the country context; •Leads the identification, analysis, and prioritization of joint programmatic work of UN entities in response to national priorities and in line with the UNSDCF and the 2030 Agenda; •Leads the coordination of the UNSDCF through the Joint Workplan and results groups; directs UNSDCF monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) and reporting through the UNINFO platform; and guides preparation and provision of the annual UN Country Results Report to the Government and other stakeholders; •Promotes the engagement of all relevant agencies – with and without physical presence in country – from across the UN system, including at Headquarters and at the (sub-) regional level in inter-agency fora and in discussions with external partners; •Ensures quality control and oversight over strategic communications and advocacy activities related the implementation of the UNSCDF; •Ensures coherence across the different intra-agency coordination bodies, including with Humanitarian Country Teams and the Security Management Team. •Facilitates the RC/UNCT in the design and implementation of the United Nations response to disasters and/or emergencies; •Oversees the coordination of all reporting for the RC and UNCT with various stakeholders in country and globally. 2.Facilitates and oversees the initiation, establishment and coordination of external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the new generation UNSDCF •Facilitates and oversees the initiation, establishment, and coordination of effective working relationships with national and international public and private partners to ensure knowledge sharing throughout the UNSDCF cycle. •Directs substantive support for positioning the UN as a key provider of integrated services and as a platform in support of the SDGs, in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders; •Based on the UNSDCF, and in close collaboration with the Partnerships Officer, oversees the formulation and implementation of the partnership approach as well as the resource mobilization strategy, and other initiatives in support of SDG achievement through the UNSDCF; •Oversees the implementation of the SDG Country Fund/country-level pooled fund (where relevant) in support of the UNSDCF and SDG acceleration; •Oversees strategic messaging and communication initiatives by RC/UNCT. 3.Coordinates and supports roll-out and implementation of the Efficiency agenda (Business Operations Strategy, Common Premises and Local Shared Service Centers/Common Back Office) •In collaboration with the Operations Management Team (OMT), directs substantive support to the RC/UNCT on business innovations for the UN in country; •Provides substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT in formulating, implementing, and monitoring the UN Country level Business Operations Strategy; •Supports the RC and the UNCT in their leading role in implementing common premises, and in establishing a common back office for location-dependent services; •Promotes a culture of continuous improvement and client-orientation in operational service delivery, including the implementation of high impact standardized common services, fostering the SDG impact through common operations; •Coordinates effective participation of entities at the country level in operations management team and represents the RC in the OMT. 4.Manages and directs knowledge management and capacity development activities in- and outside the UN System •Creates an enabling environment for the knowledge generation, sharing, collaboration, as well as usage of existing good practices and lessons learnt within the RCO and in the UN Country Team leads by example; •Coordinates the effective communications within the RCO, in UN Country Team and among other stakeholders; •Leads and coordinates the sharing of good practices and lessons learned on issues related to UN strategic planning frameworks, methodologies, and tools, among others, within the DCO (at regional and global levels), across the UN system and with external partners; •Oversees the analysis of UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking to contribute to strategic planning processes; •Keeps abreast of emerging innovative approaches and encourages the RCO and UNCT to apply new ways of working, where relevant. 5.Supports the strategic positioning of the UN and corporate strategic communications in support of the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT. •Oversees the development and implementation of strategic communications and public advocacy efforts to enhance the visibility, credibility, and influence of the UN's work in country, ensuring alignment with UN corporate messaging and the priorities of the Resident Coordinator and UNCT; •Strengthens information integrity by anticipating, identifying, and responding to mis- and disinformation that may affect the UN's reputation, mandate delivery, or multilateral norms, and coordinates system-wide efforts to safeguard factual, timely, and trusted public information; •Leads the development of a coherent, compelling, and data driven sustainable development narrative that situates the UN as an indispensable partner in accelerating SDG progress, reinforcing the vision of UN 2.0 as an anticipatory, networked, and solutions driven organization; •Oversees strategic positioning efforts that elevate the UN's role as a convener, thought leader, and trusted advisor, leveraging insights from behavioral science, strategic foresight, and innovation to strengthen public understanding and support for the 2030 Agenda; •Ensures coordinated and proactive communication strategies across UN entities to promote coherence, amplify collective impact, and reinforce unified messaging on key development, humanitarian, and peace priorities at country level; 6.Leads and coordinates overall management of the RCO to ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures •Coordinates the formulation and implementation of the substantive work programme of the UNCT; allocates and monitors RCO resources for delivery of outputs and reporting on results, leveraging data driven planning and digital tools in line with UN 2.0 principles; •Supervises the activities undertaken by the RCO and manage performance of all RCO staff, promoting agile ways of working, continuous learning, and adaptive management informed by behavioural insights and strategic foresight, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion; •In close collaboration with Service Providers, performs the role of certifying officer in the relevant platforms and performs the UMOJA approver role over processes related to human and financial resource management, procurement, general administration, security, time management, and information technology for the all RCO, ensuring compliance while promoting digital transformation and simplification consistent with UN 2.0. •Manages, guides and trains staff under his/her supervision; promotes teamwork and communications among staff in the RCO and across organizational boundaries; ensures staff complete mandatory trainings and UMOJA certifications; and fosters capability development in the UN 2.0 areas, in particular on data literacy, innovation, digital fluency; •Establishes and maintains a work environment in the RC Office and across UN entities that is conducive to innovation and engagement with a diverse set of stakeholders and delivers results in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, actively encouraging experimentation, co-creation, and the use of frontier solutions to deliver results in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Proven knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to sustainable development. Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities, and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. Proven ability to analyze complex data and produce reports leading to sound policy recommendations for achieving sustainable development; Solid understanding of the political environment and the programmes and activities of the UN system in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals; Ability to think strategically, to identify key emerging sustainable development issues and related policy implications. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and proficiency in 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. 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. 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education, economics, 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.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in leading strategic planning, leading multi-stakeholder coordination, sustainable development policy and programme development (economic analysis, partnerships, data and M&E analytics, communications) and management in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Experience in UN interagency coordination is required. Experience in financial and Operations Management is desirable. Experience of inclusion strategies that promote Gender equality, youth participation and inclusion of persons with disability is desirable. Experience in designing and implementing innovative partnership is desirable. Experience in designing and implementing resource mobilization strategies is desirable. Experience in capacity development on digital literacy, foresight and innovation is desirable. Experience in promotion of knowledge management in the context of development cooperation is desirable. Experience in team leadership and management is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Spanish are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IISpanishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice This position is temporarily until 31 Augst 2026. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link. NOTE: While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. This temporary job opening may be limited to "internal candidates," who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. 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