Resident Coordinator (South Africa)
Organizational Context
The Resident Coordinator (RC) system, established by the General Assembly, coordinates the UN development system at the country level. The RC, as the highest-ranking UN representative, leads UN Country Teams, ensuring accountability for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and coordinating UN support for the 2030 Agenda. This role reports to the Secretary-General and collaborates with host governments.
Job Purpose
The Resident Coordinator (RC) serves as the highest-ranking representative of the United Nations 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 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 involves leading the development and implementation of the Cooperation Framework, coordinating UN system support, advocating for UN values, forging strategic partnerships, and leveraging UN expertise to achieve collective results and promote sustainable development. The role also includes managing security as the Designated Official and overseeing the Resident Coordinator's Office.
Responsibilities
Represents the UN at the highest levels, engaging with government, civil society, and partners to advance the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. Leads the UN Country Team (UNCT) in coordinating operational development activities and implementing the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Coordinates system-wide support, identifies and mitigates risks to SDG achievement, and advocates for UN values, human rights, and gender equality. Forges strategic partnerships, promotes regional collaboration, and leverages UN system expertise to address national development needs and reduce fragmentation. Oversees country financing instruments, pursues funding for joint UN efforts, and leads engagement on the UN's normative agenda. Fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation, and enhances strategic communication to promote the 2030 Agenda. As Designated Official, coordinates country-level security. Promotes staff learning and manages a matrixed dual reporting system. Advances common business operations for efficiency and coherence. In humanitarian contexts, leads and coordinates response efforts. In conflict/post-conflict settings, integrates UNCT work with peacekeeping missions. Manages and provides oversight to the Resident Coordinator's Office.
Work Experience
Requires over 15 years of international leadership experience, including at least five years in development, human rights, peace-building, or humanitarian work at the country level outside one's own country. Previous Resident Coordinator experience is mandatory, though senior-level inter-agency coordination experience may be considered. Experience in managing multi-sectoral humanitarian programs, engaging high-level actors, and addressing the peace-humanitarian-development-human rights nexus is desirable.
Skills
Leadership, coordination, strategic partnership building, advocacy, risk management, inter-agency collaboration, security management, communication, negotiation, and understanding of the UN Charter, human rights, gender equality, and the 2030 Agenda.