Resident Coordinator (Malawi)

Organizational Context

The UN Resident Coordinator system, established by General Assembly resolution 72/279, coordinates UN development activities 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 UN representative at the country level, leading UN Country Teams to coordinate development activities and ensure accountability for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the 2030 Agenda. The role involves representing the UN at the highest levels, fostering engagement with diverse stakeholders, and advocating for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The RC coordinates UN system-wide support, identifies and mitigates risks, and supports individual UN agencies' efforts. They promote UN Charter values, build strategic partnerships, and facilitate knowledge sharing and innovation. The RC also oversees security coordination when appointed as Designated Official and manages the Resident Coordinator's Office, ensuring effective UN system-wide operations and contributions to national development priorities.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include representing the UN at the highest levels, fostering engagement with government, civil society, and partners to advance the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The role involves leading the UN Country Team 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 builds strategic partnerships with diverse national and sub-national entities. They leverage UN system expertise to improve shared results, address SDG gaps, and ensure alignment with national priorities. The RC provides oversight of country financing instruments, pursues funding for joint UN efforts, and leads engagement on the UN's normative agenda. They foster collaboration, facilitate access to resources for innovation, and enhance strategic communication. When designated, the RC ensures country-level security coordination. They promote staff learning, PSEA strategies, and manage dual reporting systems. The RC also advances common business operations, coordinates humanitarian assistance when needed, and integrates UN Country Team work with peacekeeping missions in conflict settings.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of substantive 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 RC experience, experience as a UN Designated Official for Security or similar security decision-making role, and experience in humanitarian program management are desirable.

Skills

Leadership, coordination, representation, partnership building, strategic planning, risk management, advocacy, communication, security coordination, knowledge management, innovation facilitation, PSEA strategy development, gender equality promotion.

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