Head of Resident Coordinator Office (until 31 August 2026)

Organizational Context

The UN Secretariat's reform aims to enhance the UN Development System's effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs), led by empowered Resident Coordinators, support countries in reaching development priorities. This role is based in the UN RCO in Ecuador, managing office resources to support the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team (UNCT) in development analysis, planning, programming, financing, communications, advocacy, and partnerships.

Job Purpose

This role serves as a key advisor to the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) in Ecuador, ensuring the overall quality and timeliness of the UN Resident Coordinator Office's (RCO) work. The primary purpose is to provide strategic guidance and support to the RC and UN Country Team (UNCT) for effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This involves leading coordination efforts, facilitating partnerships, managing resources, and driving efficiency within the UN system at the country level. The position is critical in repositioning the UN to act as a nimble, innovative, and enterprising development partner, aligning UN activities with national development goals and UN values, and ensuring coherent support across humanitarian, development, and peace domains.

Responsibilities

The Head of the RCO provides strategic guidance to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team (UNCT) on implementing the 2030 Agenda through the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). This includes leading substantive support, developing policy recommendations, and ensuring effective communication of the UN's strategic vision. The role facilitates external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts, and coordinates the roll-out of the UN's efficiency agenda, including Business Operations Strategy and Common Premises. Additionally, the position manages knowledge management and capacity development activities, and oversees the overall management of the RCO to ensure efficient and effective coordination support, staff supervision, and adherence to organizational policies.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, or project/programme management is required. Experience in multi-stakeholder coordination within development cooperation is essential. Desirable experience includes UN interagency coordination, partnership and resource mobilization strategies, team leadership, and knowledge management.

Skills

Strategic planning, sustainable development policy, project/programme management, multi-stakeholder coordination, UN interagency coordination, partnership development, resource mobilization, team leadership, knowledge management, communication, creativity, leadership, professionalism.

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