Executive Coordinator
Organizational Context
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, administered by UNDP, mobilizes volunteers to support UN mandates in development, peace, human rights, and humanitarian action, promoting volunteerism for the 2030 Agenda. Operating globally with over 17,000 volunteers, UNV connects the UN system with communities. The organization is adapting to enhance agility, efficiency, digital maturity, and resilience.
Job Purpose
The Executive Coordinator provides strategic vision, direction, and leadership for the UNV programme, reporting to the UNDP Administrator. This role is responsible for fulfilling UNV's mandate by translating policy directives into organizational priorities, strategies, and partnerships. The incumbent leads resource mobilization, represents UNV globally, and ensures operational integrity, efficiency, and accountability. Key functions include modernizing UNV's service offerings, promoting volunteerism's relevance within the UN system and beyond, and positioning UNV as a trusted, innovative service provider. Additionally, the role involves coordinating common premises and services at the UN Bonn campus and liaising with German authorities.
Responsibilities
The Executive Coordinator provides strategic leadership, planning, and management for UNV, aligning with UN General Assembly resolutions and Executive Board decisions. This includes designing and implementing strategic frameworks, fostering an agile and people-centered service model, and promoting a culture of integrity and innovation. The role involves external relations, representation, and advocacy, serving as the principal spokesperson for UNV, advocating for volunteerism's role in SDGs, and sustaining high-level partnerships. Responsibilities also encompass results and resource management, ensuring effective financial, human, and digital resource oversight, safeguarding financial sustainability, and strengthening data-driven management. Finally, the incumbent champions people, innovation, and organizational effectiveness, ensuring high-quality volunteer assignments, overseeing modernization of volunteer management, and fostering continuous improvement and leadership development across UNV structures.
Work Experience
Over 15 years of progressive senior management experience in policy, partnerships, programme leadership, and strategic resource management is required. Experience with international organizations or public service, high-level diplomatic engagement, and driving institutional change is essential. Proven leadership of teams, partnership acumen, and strong communication/advocacy skills are necessary. Experience in sustainable development, UN system operations, and managing global operations is advantageous.
Skills
Core Competencies: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Cross-Functional/Technical Competencies: System Thinking, Business Acumen, Effective Decision Making, Portfolio Management, Communication, Partnership Management, Finance (Development Finance Expertise).