Org. Setting and Reporting
To ensure a United Nations that is fit-for-purpose to deliver on the ambition of the SDGs, the General Assembly adopted the most far-reaching development reforms in the history of the organization in May 2018. At the core of resolution 72/279 was the establishment of a reinvigorated, independent, impartial, and empowered Resident Coordinator (RC) system to support a new generation of UN country teams (UNCTs). A critical investment in RC system capacities is the strengthening of the Development Coordination Office (DCO), including, for the first time, at the regional level. The DCO Regional teams play a pivotal role in supporting the work of RCs, RC Offices (RCOs), and UNCTs and facilitating coordination of the UN's regional assets to deliver efficient and effective operational activities at the country level and in cross-border settings. The DCO Regional teams are part of DCO headquarters capacities, located in the same region as the countries within their remit. The Regional Director reports to the Assistant Secretary- General (ASG) and Director, DCO, as First Reporting Officer, and to the Chair of the Regional UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) as Second Reporting Officer. This post is in the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO), New York. The Programme Management Officer reports directly to the Chief of Staff. The incumbent coordinates management of the Legal issues at UNDCO, Regional Offices as well as Resident Coordinator Offices; liaises as appropriate with other components of the organization to ensure an efficient and cohesive approach to managing legal issues.
Responsibilities
Within limits of delegated authority, the Programme Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Evaluates legal queries, in relation to programme and operational matters, and develops context specific solutions from a legal/business perspective; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions; • Supports Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs) and UNDCO Regional Offices in the development and discussions on Host Country Agreements (HCAs) locally, and working closely with the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) and other internal/external stakeholders; • Lead interoffice meetings pertaining to discussions on legal matters in collaboration with OLA on HCAs, Privileges and Immunities, and legal instruments for the Resident Coordinator System. Advises and provides feedback on all RC System legal matters, in consultation with OLA, relevant RC System Offices and DCO’s Client Desk Staff in the Department of Operational Support (DOS) One Executive Office; • Supports and advises on the formation and finalization of various MoUs and legal instruments, including those on RCO lease agreements, contribution agreements, operational support arrangements with service providers, and other programmatic aspects as needed; • Provides guidance and advisory services on legal issues to UNDCO Headquarters, UNDCO Regional offices, and Resident Coordinator Offices; • Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Provides substantive input to drafting of analytical reports, progress reports and contribute to preparation of senior strategic level input on legal matters; • Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial and human resources policies and procedures. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. 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. 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. 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. BUILDING TRUST: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion. Manages in a deliberate and predictable way. Operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda. Places confidence in colleagues, staff members and clients. Gives proper credit to others. Follows through on agreed-upon actions. Treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law, business administration, economics or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with at least two (2) additional years of qualifying work 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 project or programme management, legal or related area is required. At least five years’ experience in dealing with legal issues related to the operational activities and intergovernmental processes of the United Nations, or its subsidiary organs or bodies, is required. Experience in implementing change management initiatives or business transformation projects is desirable. Experience working with United Nations common systems administrative policies and procedures is desirable. Experience in preparing thorough and well-reasoned written outputs including background papers, analytical notes, reports etc. is desirable. Experience within the UN Common System or other comparable international organization is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is 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 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 available for SIX (6) months. 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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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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Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
