Resident Coordinator (Burundi)

Organizational Context

The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) system, established by General Assembly resolution 72/279, empowers a dedicated, impartial, and development-focused coordination function for the UN development system at the country level. The RC is the highest-ranking UN representative, leading UN Country Teams to ensure accountability for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and coordinate UN support for the 2030 Agenda. The system emphasizes sustainable development, poverty eradication, and leaving no one behind.

Job Purpose

The Resident Coordinator (RC) serves as the highest-ranking representative of the United Nations Development System (UNDS) at the country level, reporting directly to the Secretary-General. The primary purpose of this role is to lead UN Country Teams, ensuring system-wide accountability for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and coordinating UN support for national implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The RC represents the UN at the highest levels, fostering engagement with government, civil society, and partners to address national needs and advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This includes advocating for UN values, promoting human rights and gender equality, and forging strategic partnerships to enhance collective UN impact and coherence in development efforts. The RC also oversees system-wide financing instruments and promotes innovation and strategic communication to advance the UN's normative agenda and collective results.

Responsibilities

The Resident Coordinator (RC) represents the UN at the highest state levels, fostering engagement with government, civil society, and diverse partners to advance the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The RC leads the UN Country Team in developing, monitoring, and implementing the UN Cooperation Framework, coordinating system-wide support and mitigating risks to SDG achievement. Key duties include advocating for UN values, human rights, and gender equality; forging strategic partnerships; identifying and leveraging UN system expertise for shared results; and providing governance for country financing instruments. The RC also leads normative agenda engagement, fosters collaboration and innovation, enhances strategic communication, and coordinates security as the Designated Official. In humanitarian contexts, the RC leads and coordinates response efforts. The role involves managing dual reporting systems, promoting common business operations, and providing strategic guidance to the Resident Coordinator's Office.

Work Experience

Over 15 years of international leadership experience is required, including at least five years in development, human rights, rule of law, peace-building, or humanitarian work at the country level outside one's own country. Previous Resident Coordinator experience is mandatory. Senior-level inter-agency coordination experience may substitute for RC experience. Experience in managing humanitarian programs and advocacy at the country level is desirable.

Skills

Leadership, Inter-agency coordination, Development, Human rights, Rule of law, Peace-building, Humanitarian work, Conflict prevention, Preventive diplomacy, Strategic analysis, Judgment, Stakeholder engagement, Security management, Communication, Partnership building, Innovation, Gender equality, Human rights advocacy.

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