Resident Coordinator (Lao People's Democratic Republic)

Organizational Context

The Resident Coordinator system, established by the General Assembly, ensures UN development system coordination at the country level. The Resident Coordinator (RC) is the UN's highest-ranking representative, leading UN Country Teams and ensuring accountability for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the 2030 Agenda. The RC reports to the Secretary-General and the host government, focusing on sustainable development and poverty eradication.

Job Purpose

The Resident Coordinator (RC) serves as the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system (UNDS) at the country level, leading UN Country Teams to coordinate operational activities and ensure system-wide accountability for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the 2030 Agenda. The role involves representing the UN at the highest state levels, fostering engagement with diverse partners, and advocating for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The RC coordinates UN system-wide support, manages risks, supports agency goals, and promotes UN Charter values, including human rights and gender equality. They forge strategic partnerships, advance regional collaboration, leverage UN system expertise, and oversee country financing instruments. The RC also leads strategic communication, manages security as the Designated Official when appointed, and promotes staff development and UN business operations.

Responsibilities

Represent the UN at the highest state levels, engaging with government, civil society, and partners to advance the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. Lead the UN Country Team (UNCT) in coordinating development activities and system-wide responses. Oversee the development, monitoring, and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Coordinate UN system-wide support, identify and mitigate risks to SDG achievement. Support and advocate for UNCT member agencies. Coordinate context and trend analysis, including Common Country Analysis. Promote UN Charter values, human rights, gender equality, and the SDG commitment to leave no one behind. Forge strategic partnerships at national and sub-national levels. Advance regional knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Leverage UN development system expertise to improve shared results and align efforts with national priorities. Provide oversight of country financing instruments and pursue funding for joint UN efforts. Lead engagement on the UN's normative agenda and foster an enabling environment for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Facilitate access to resources for innovation in financing and technology. Lead strategic communication to advance UN system efforts and promote the 2030 Agenda. Coordinate country-level security as Designated Official. Promote staff learning and implement policies on prevention of sexual abuse and harassment, and gender parity. Manage a matrixed dual reporting system for UNCT contributions. Advance country-specific measures for UN common business operations. In humanitarian contexts, lead and coordinate response efforts and facilitate linkages between humanitarian and development programming. In conflict/post-conflict settings, integrate UNCT work with peacekeeping or political missions. Manage and provide oversight to the Resident Coordinator's Office.

Work Experience

Minimum 15 years of international leadership experience, 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 desirable. Experience in humanitarian program management, disaster/emergency response, political acumen, working with senior government officials, and security management is also desirable.

Skills

Leadership, coordination, strategic planning, partnership building, advocacy, risk management, communication, security management, human rights, gender equality, sustainable development, innovation, financial oversight.

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