Org. Setting and ReportingThe UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform whichrepositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs.The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) in Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic) and reports to the UN Resident Coordinator (RC). The Head of the RCO manages the resources of the Office in order to provide support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT on socio-economic and early recovery analysis, strategic planning, programming, financing, communications, advocacy and partnerships. 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.The Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader will be responsible for:1. Leading the provision of strategic guidance to the RC and UN Country Team (UNCT) on effective, quality, and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in response to people needs and in line with the relevant UN policies, through the Context Analysis (CA) and the UN Strategic Framework (UNF).2. Facilitating and overseeing the initiation, establishment and coordination of external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the new generation UNSF.3. Coordinating and supporting roll-out and implementation of the efficiency agenda (Business Operations Strategy, Common Premises and Local Shared Service Centers/Common BackOffice).4. Managing and directing knowledge management and capacity development activities in and outside the UN System.5. Leading and coordinating overall management of the RCO to ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures.Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible of the following duties: Responsibilities1. Leads the provision of strategic guidance to the RC and UNCT of effective, quality and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in response to people needs and in line with the relevant UN policies:• Leads and coordinates substantive support to the RC/UNCT in articulating and actively communicating a credible and convincing strategic vision for the UN, articulated through the UNSF, which is consistent with UN values, humanitarian principles, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and committed to the principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind;• In line with CA/UNSF, provides strategic direction and develops recommendations to facilitate decision-making by the RC/UNCT to reposition the UN in country to advance the objectives of UN development system reform;• Develops policy recommendations to the RC/UNCT on the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the CA/UNSF as the primary instrument for the planning and implementation of UN multi-year early recovery and resilience activities in country;• Ensures effective guidance to the RC/UNCT in asserting vision and accountability for the UN to operate as a principled, nimble, risk aware, innovative and enterprising 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;• Establishes and promotes close engagement across the humanitarian, development 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 people's needs and in line with the UNCF and the 2030 Agenda;• Leads the coordination of the UNSF through the Joint Workplan and results pillar groups; directs UNSF monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) and reporting through the UNINFO platform; and guides preparation and provision of the annual UN Country Results Report to the Government and other stakeholders;• Promotes the engagement of all relevant agencies – with and without physical presence in country – from across the UN system, including at Headquarters and at the (sub-)regional level in inter-agency fora and in discussions with external partners;• Ensures quality control and oversight over strategic communications and advocacy activities related the implementation of the UNSF;• Ensures coherence across the different intra-agency coordination bodies, including with Humanitarian Country Teams and the Security Management Team;• Manages the Risk Management Unit within the RCO and supervises inter-agency coordination support functions on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and disabilities and inclusion.2. Facilitates and oversees the initiation, establishment and coordination of external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the UNSF:• Facilitates and oversees the initiation, establishment and coordination of effective working relationships with national and international public and private partners to ensure knowledge sharing throughout the UNSF cycle;• Directs substantive support for positioning the UN as a key provider of integrated services and as a platform in response to people's needs, in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders;• Based on the UNSF, and in close collaboration with the Development Partnerships Officer, oversees the formulation and implementation of the partnership approach as well as the resource mobilization strategy, and other initiatives in response to people's needs through the UNSF;• Oversees the implementation of the SDG Fund initiatives and the country-level multi-year resilience pooled fund ( under establishment) in support of the UNSF;• Oversees strategic messaging and communication initiatives by RC/UNCT.3. Coordinates and supports roll-out and implementation of the Efficiency agenda (Business Operations Strategy, Common Premises and Local Shared Service Centers/Common Back Office):• In collaboration with the Operations Management Team (OMT), directs substantive support to the RC/UNCT on business innovations for the UN in country;• Provides substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT in formulating, implementing and monitoring the UN Country level Business Operations Strategy;• Supports the RC and the UNCT in their leading role in implementing common premises, and in establishing a common back office for location-dependent services;• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement and client-orientation in operational service delivery, including the implementation of high impact standardized common services, fostering the programme impact through common operations;• Coordinates effective participation of entities at the country level in operations management team and represents the RC in the OMT.4. Manages and directs knowledge management and capacity development activities in- and outside the UN System:• Creates an enabling environment for the knowledge generation, sharing, collaboration, as well as usage of existing good practices and lessons learnt within the RCO and in the UN Country Team. Leads by example;• Coordinates the effective communications within the RCO, in UN Country Team and among other stakeholders;• Leads and coordinates the sharing of good practices and lessons learned on issues related to UN strategic planning frameworks, methodologies and tools, among others, within the DCO (at regional and global levels), across the UN system and with external partners;• Oversees the analysis of UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking to contribute to strategic planning processes;• Keeps abreast of emerging innovative approaches and encourages the RCO and UNCT to apply new ways of working, where relevant.5. Leads and coordinates overall management of the RCO to ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures:• Coordinates 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;• Supervises the activities undertaken by the RCO and manage performance of RCO staff, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion;• In close collaboration with Service Providers (ESCWA, UNON), performs the role of certifying officer in the UNDP IRIS platform and performs the UMOJA approver role over processes related to human and financial resource management, procurement, general administration, security, time management, and information technology for the RCO;• Manages, guides and trains staff under his/her supervision; promotes teamwork and communications among staff in the RCO and across organizational boundaries; ensures staff complete mandatory trainings and UMOJA certifications;• Establishes and maintains a work environment in the RC Office and across UN entities that is conducive to innovation and engagement with a diverse set of stakeholders and delivers results in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Proven knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to sustainable development. Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit'sgoals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. Proven ability to analyze complex data and produce reports leading to sound policy recommendations for achieving sustainable development;Solid understanding of the political environment and the programmes and activities of the UN system in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals; Ability to think strategically, to identify key emerging sustainable development issues and related policy implications. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery ofsubject 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.TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.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. EducationAdvanced 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 combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage. Work ExperienceA minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning,sustainable development policy and programme development and management in the contextof development cooperation or related area is required.Experience with multi-stakeholder coordination on the context of development cooperation orrelated area is required.Experience in team leadership and management is required.Experience in designing and implementing partnerships and resources mobilization strategies is desirable.Experience in promoting knowledge management in the context of development cooperation is desirable.Experience in crisis countries, early recovery programming and the humanitarian/development/peace nexus is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.Note: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of' equals a rating of "confident in two of the four areas. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special NoticeAppointment against this post is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension subject to legislative body funding availability. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.Staff of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy and are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.Individual contractors and consultants (Non-Staff Personnel) who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.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. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 28 February 2022, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. ______________________________________________________________________ This is how cinfo can support you in the application process for this specific position:Before you apply for this position: Improve your application documents by registering for a Job Application Support.When invited to the interview: Prepare for the interview by registering for a Job Application Support.For Swiss nationals who get invited to the first round in the selection process (written test, interview, assessment centre, etc.):Please let us know so that we can inform our HR partners from the respective organisation and the Swiss Government to increase your visibility: recruitment@cinfo.chBenefit from free interview preparation by registering for a Job Application Support. ______________________________________________________________________
