HEAD OF RESIDENT COORDINATOR OFFICE

In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the establishment of the Development Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO exercises managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system under the oversight of the Chair of United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). In 2026, DCO undertook an organizational recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift - anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in multiple countries and reports to the UN Resident Coordinator (RC). The Head of the RCO leads the RCO team and manages the resources of the Office in order to provide support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT on sustainable development and is responsible for management and oversight of all RCO outputs including analysis, strategic planning, SDG financing and economic policy advice, data management, strategic communications, advocacy, and partnerships, as well as RCO operations. The Head of RCO works closely with the DCO Regional Office team, as well as the Division of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement and the Division of SDG Coordination, Policy and Programmes in DCO HQ, as well as with the One Executive Office in DOS and global and regional administrative service providers to implement the RC system’s development coordination mandate. The Head of RCO serves as a key adviser to the RC in the pursuit of all their functions and is accountable for the overall quality and timeliness of the work of the office.

Within delegated authority, the Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO will be responsible for the following duties: (These duties are generic and may not be carried out by all Development Coordination Officers, Heads of RCO.) Summary of Functions: 1. Provides strategic guidance to the RC and UN Country Team (UNCT) on effective, quality and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Cooperation Framework (CF) 2. Provides strategic oversight of development policy, economic analysis and SDG financing outputs of the RCO team in support of integrated sustainable development outcomes and SDG acceleration 3. Initiates and coordinates, strategic positioning and communications, external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the new generation CF 4. Coordinates the Business Operations Strategy and supports implementation of the efficiency agenda 5. Manages knowledge management and capacity development activities in and outside the UN System 6. Leads overall management of the RCO to ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures Description of Functions: 1. Provides strategic guidance to the RC and UNCT on effective, quality and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Cooperation Framework (CF) • Provides, in close collaboration with the Regional Office and the SDG Coordination, Policy and Programme Division, substantive support to the RC/UNCT in articulating and actively communicating a credible and convincing strategic vision for the UN, articulated through the CF, which is consistent with national development goals and priorities, UN values, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and committed to the principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind; • Prepares strategic inputs and develops recommendations to facilitate decision-making by the RC/UNCT in relation to repositioning of the UN System in country; • Develops policy recommendations to the RC/UNCT on the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the CCA/CF as the primary instrument for the planning and implementation of UN development activities in country; • Provides guidance to the RC/UNCT in asserting vision and accountability for the UN to operate as a nimble, innovative and enterprising development partner, demonstrating characteristics of a knowledge-based organization and thought leader; • Leads the strategic design of UN’s policy and programmatic services, operational capabilities, and partnership mechanisms; • Facilitates close engagement across the humanitarian, development, human rights and peace domains, as required by the country context; • Leads the identification, analysis and prioritization of joint programmatic work of UN entities in response to national priorities and in line with the CF and the 2030 Agenda; • Coordinates the CF and Joint Workplans; facilitates CF monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and reporting through UNINFO; organizes preparation and provision of the annual UN Country Results Report to the Government and other stakeholders; • Facilitates the engagement of all agencies – resident and non-resident - and other relevant UN entities, including at Headquarters and at the (sub-)regional level in inter-agency fora and in discussions with external partners; • Facilitates coherence in the different intra-agency coordination bodies, including with Humanitarian Country Teams, where relevant, and the Security Management Team.   2. Provides strategic oversight of development policy, economic analysis and SDG financing outputs of the RCO team in support of integrated sustainable development outcomes and SDG acceleration. • Supports the RCO team in providing integrated policy analysis, strategic advice and substantive support to the RC/UNCT, ensuring evidence-based and forward-looking SDG policy advice aligned with national priorities; • Supports the RCO team, in close collaboration with the Regional Office and the SDG Coordination, Policy and Programme Division, on economic and development policy, supporting UNCTs in advancing government policy and regulatory reforms that accelerate progress across identified SDG transitions. • Guides the RCO team in facilitating integrated policy approaches by the UNCT through systems thinking, strategic foresight and cross-functional collaboration, promoting coherence across economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development and helping identify catalytic investment pathways with multiplier effects across the SDGs. • Oversees the quality and delivery of development analysis, economic policy, SDG financing and financing for development products and services to support the RC/UNCT's leadership and decision-making; • In close collaboration with the Economist, supports efforts to mobilize and align financing for sustainable development, including support for Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs), development of pipelines of bankable and market-ready national projects, facilitation of SDG investment and financing “deal rooms”, deployment of innovative financing instruments to leverage public and private capital for sustainable development outcomes, and foster partnerships to mobilize and align public and private resources for sustainable development outcomes. 3. Initiates and coordinates, strategic positioning and communications, external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the new generation CF • Initiates and coordinates, in close collaboration with the Regional Office and the Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Division effective working relationships with national and international public and private partners to facilitate knowledge sharing in support of CCA/CF development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation; Provides substantive support for positioning the UN as a key provider of integrated services and as a platform in support of the SDGs, in consultations with a broad range of stakeholders; • In close collaboration with the Partnerships Officer, leads or contributes to the formulation and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy, including Government, the private sector and other relevant non-state actors (civil society, think tanks, etc.) as well as the Resource Mobilization Strategy, and other initiatives in support of SDG achievement through the CF; • Leads or contributes to the design, formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting of joint programming processes amongst UN entities; • Based on the CF and joint programmes, facilitates and coordinates joint resource mobilization and partnering efforts at country level; • Manages and monitors the implementation of the SDG Country Fund/country-level pooled fund (where relevant) in support of the CF and SDG acceleration; • Supports the development and implementation of strategic communications and public advocacy efforts to enhance the visibility, credibility, and influence of the UN’s work in country, ensuring alignment with UN corporate messaging and the priorities of the Resident Coordinator and UNCT. • Contributes to strategic messaging and communication initiatives by RC/UNCT. 4. Coordinates the Business Operations Strategy and supports implementation of the efficiency agenda • In collaboration with the Operations Management Team (OMT), provides substantive support to the RC/UNCT on business innovations for the UN in country; • Provides substantive support in formulating, implementing and monitoring the UN Country Business Operations Strategy; • Supports the RC/UNCT in implementing common premises and establishing and maintaining a common back office for location-dependent services; • Facilitates a culture of continuous improvement and client-orientation in operational service delivery; • Provides guidance on the establishment of common services arrangements to participating organizations/agencies at the country level. 5. Manages knowledge management and capacity development activities in- and outside the UN System • Facilitates the transfer of knowledge and effective communications across different UN and non-UN entities, supported by the analysis of data, trends, and evidence to inform decision-making and organizational learning.; • Leads the sharing of best practices, trends, analytical insights, knowledge and lessons learned across the UN system and with external partners; • Coordinates thematic activities and knowledge-sharing forums and encourages others to participate; • Contributes to knowledge sharing (including through training and facilitating peer exchange) amongst UN staff on issues related to UN strategic planning frameworks, methodologies and tools; • Monitors and analyzes UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking to contribute to strategic planning processes. • Supports capacity development initiatives at scale for public institutions, civil society and national partners, strengthening their ability to design, implement, finance and monitor SDG acceleration strategies, while ensuring sustained institutional capabilities to support and scale transformative investments over time. 6. Leads overall management of the RCO to ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures • Provides support for the formulation and implementation of the substantive work programme of the UNCT; allocates and monitors RCO resources for delivery of outputs and reporting on results, including through data-driven planning and digital tools; • Provides strategic oversight and supervision of activities undertaken by the RCO, promoting agile ways of working, continuous learning, and adaptive management informed by behavioral insights and strategic foresight and ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion; • Represents the RCO in Security Management Team when RCs are the Designated Officials for Security. • In close collaboration with service providers, manages and approves processes related to human and financial resource management, procurement, general administration, security, time management and information technology for the RCO;Manages performance, guides and trains RCO staff; promotes teamwork and communications among staff in the RCO and across organizational boundaries; and supports capability development on UN 2.0 capacities; • Oversees strategic calendar management, correspondence and information classification, in line with internal UN reporting processes, ensuring quality, timeliness, and compliance with the United Nations Correspondence Manual and established information classification organizational protocols. • Promotes a work environment in the RC Office and across UN entities that is conducive to innovation, collaboration and engagement with a diverse set of stakeholders and delivers results in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrates the ability to analyze complex information, identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks, and formulate sound policy recommendations in support of sustainable development; Demonstrates sound judgment and the ability to communicate a clear and compelling organizational direction, including the links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and proficiency in subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost, and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight, and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education, or related area. A first-level university degree in the same areas in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Not available.

A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in leading strategic planning, sustainable development policy and programme development (economic analysis, partnerships, data and M&E analytics, communications) and management in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. A minimum of three (3) years of experience leading multi-stakeholder coordination in the context of development cooperation or related areas is required. Experience supervising and managing multidisciplinary teams is required A minimum of three (3) years of experience managing financial, human resources or operational functions within a programme, project, office or organizational setting is required. Experience integrating or supporting inclusion approaches that promote gender equality, youth participation and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in development programmes, policies or coordination processes is required

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, either English

or

French is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

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Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

French

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by competency-based interview.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The United Nations Secretariat maintains rosters of qualified and available candidates to fill anticipated job openings in the UN Secretariat. The purpose of this job opening is to generate a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in the Head of Resident Coordinator Office roster at the P-4 level. The entire assessment process takes an average of six months; all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently will be invited to apply for field mission vacancies open only to roster members. Roster membership does not guarantee selection. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 August 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, China (People's Republic of), Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Nicaragua, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

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