Strategic Advisor: Office of the Resident Representative

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's lead agency for international development, working in 170 countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. UNDP helps countries build policies, leadership, institutional capabilities, and resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Its mandate focuses on ending poverty, strengthening democratic governance, upholding the rule of law, and fostering inclusive institutions. This role specifically supports the Resident Representative (RR) as a strategic advisor and execution partner, enhancing the RR's effectiveness through strategic thinking, organizational intelligence, and digital capabilities.

Job Purpose

This position serves as a strategic advisor and execution partner to the Resident Representative (RR), moving beyond traditional coordination roles. The primary purpose is to maximize the RR's effectiveness by integrating strategic thinking, organizational intelligence, execution discipline, and digital capabilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for interpreting organizational dynamics, translating strategy into actionable priorities, proactively identifying and mitigating risks, and ensuring timely and informed decision-making. This role demands strong judgment and a proactive approach, focusing on providing clear recommendations and solutions rather than simply relaying information or tracking tasks.

Responsibilities

The role encompasses strategic advisory, providing concise, opinionated briefings with clear recommendations to the Resident Representative (RR) on priorities and trade-offs for meetings and commitments. It involves assessing strategic value across programmes, partnerships, and policy. Organizational intelligence requires maintaining a deep understanding of programme pipelines and internal dynamics through direct engagement, surfacing emerging risks and opportunities, and identifying and resolving bottlenecks. Information curation involves filtering and synthesizing data to highlight critical issues for the RR. Execution and delivery tracking focuses on monitoring progress against strategic priorities, analyzing delays, and flagging risks. External engagement support includes preparing recommendation-led briefing notes and managing sensitive stakeholder correspondence. A key component is leveraging digital, data, and analytical capabilities, including AI tools, to enhance decision-making, track performance, and develop insightful analytical products for clarity at a glance.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience is required, with a strong emphasis on providing strategic support to senior leadership, rather than administrative coordination. Experience in the African development or development finance context is highly preferred. Familiarity with UNDP systems is advantageous but not mandatory.

Skills

Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills are essential for synthesizing complex information and drawing actionable conclusions. Strong written English is required for drafting communications in a senior leader's voice. High emotional intelligence, organizational awareness, and discretion are crucial for navigating internal dynamics. Digital fluency, including proficiency with AI tools and data platforms, is necessary. The candidate must possess confident, direct communication, a proactive approach, and a high level of trustworthiness in handling sensitive information.

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