Resident Coordinator (Sierra Leone)

Organizational Context

The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) system, established by General Assembly resolution 72/279, is responsible for coordinating UN development system entities at the country level. The RC is the highest-ranking UN representative, leading country teams to implement the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the 2030 Agenda. This role reports to the Secretary-General and collaborates with host governments, ensuring UN support aligns with national priorities and sustainable development goals.

Job Purpose

The Resident Coordinator (RC) serves as the highest-ranking UN development system representative at the country level, leading UN country teams to implement the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and advance the 2030 Agenda. This role involves coordinating UN entities, fostering partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector, and advocating for the Sustainable Development Goals. The RC ensures system-wide accountability, manages risks, and leverages UN assets to support national development needs and priorities. The position also involves representing the UN at the highest levels, promoting UN values, and facilitating strategic communication to build support for UN initiatives and national development goals. The RC reports to the Secretary-General and annually to the host government on the UN Cooperation Framework's implementation.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include representing the UN at the highest state levels, engaging with diverse stakeholders to address national development challenges and advance the 2030 Agenda. The role involves leading UN country teams in developing and implementing the UN Cooperation Framework, coordinating system-wide support, and mitigating risks to SDG achievement. The RC advocates for UN values, human rights, and gender equality, and fosters strategic partnerships at national and sub-national levels. This includes leveraging UN system expertise to improve shared results, addressing SDG coverage gaps, and ensuring alignment with national priorities. The RC also oversees country financing instruments, pursues funding for joint UN efforts, and leads normative agenda engagement. Additionally, the role involves fostering collaboration, facilitating access to resources, enhancing strategic communication, and coordinating security as the Designated Official. The RC manages matrixed reporting, promotes common business operations, and coordinates humanitarian responses when necessary, integrating UN efforts with peacekeeping or political missions in conflict settings.

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 multi-sectoral humanitarian programs and strong political acumen are desirable.

Skills

Leadership, Inter-agency coordination, Strategic partnerships, Stakeholder engagement, Advocacy, Risk management, Communication, Security coordination, Human rights, Gender equality, Sustainable development, Political acumen, Relationship building, Analytical skills.

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