Date of last update: 10/02/2023 2023-02-10
The United Nations Development Coordination Office and Resident Coordinator System (UN RCS)
UN RCS are the cornerstone of a coherent and well-coordinated UN development system capable of delivering integrated support to countries across the SDGs.
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (DCO) serves as the secretariat for the UN Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) – 34 UN agencies, funds and programmes working on development – at the regional and global level. DCO provides managerial and oversight functions for the Resident Coordinator (RC) system. 131 RCs lead UN Country Teams and coordinate UN support to countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda.
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Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Resident Coordinator System Business Management Branch, United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) in New York. In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat, namely the Development Coordination Office (DCO). DCO now assumes managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system under the collective ownership of the members of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG).
The Resident Coordinator system is focused on the advancement of sustainable development, leaving no one behind, and with the eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions as an overarching objective, consistent with the integrated nature of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The incumbent reports to the Deputy of the Assistant Secretary-General, UNDCO.
Responsibilities
The Chief, Resident Coordinator (RC) System Business Management Branch is responsible for the provision of strategic oversight, direction and advice to UNDCO senior management on operations for UNDCO Headquarters and the RC System at the regional and country level. S/he will elicit a client-oriented and service delivery approach. As such the incumbent is entrusted, within delegated authority, with the following responsibilities:
• Leads, supervises and carries out the work of the RC System Business Management Service Branch: Human Resources, Budget/Finance and Global RC System Operations and General Administration. Ensures the provision of daily business services support to UNDCO HQs, Regional Desks and RC offices.
• Oversees the strategic managerial oversight of the UNDCO including monitoring and implementation of strategic plans and reporting to the GA, ensures set-up of required planning and reporting systems.
• Coordinates and oversees the agreements with other UN entities for operational services to UNDCO.
• Provides strategic advice to UNDCO senior management for RC System on budgeting, financial, procurement, human resources and general administration issues and specifically for UNDCO work planning, budgeting and monitoring, including for ACABQ and 5th Committee reporting.
• Ensures that operational services provision is fully in line with the needs of the organization and the strategic objective of a strengthened UNDCO management and administration
• Defines problems and identifies solutions to be addressed by management; directs the work of review teams through all stages.
• Liaises, maintains and manages relationship with member agencies of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), as well the Secretariat, funds and programmes.
• Coordinates the support to the implementation of Business Operations Strategies (BOS) to help optimize UN operational activities at the county level by eliminating duplication and by leveraging economies of scale and comparative advantages.
• Coordinates and manages the full range of human resources administration issues for the Resident coordinator system and UNDCO, ensuring that requirements of staff and managers in the field and Headquarters are met.
• Manages financial aspects during the preparation of RC System and UNDCO budget plans and provides guidance to senior management on financial implications of strategic options.
• Serves as Fund Manager of the global funds for UN coordination under UNDCO fiduciary responsibility, including the UNDG (UN Development Group) Cost Sharing Agreement (UNDG CSA); the UN Coordination Fund and all related funding sources/initiatives (e.g. UN/World Bank Partnership Trust Fund). Oversees the donor agreements and ensures proper implementation.
• Reports to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/ substantive issues, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports.
• Manages the UNDG Cost Sharing Agreement including its implementation, financial oversight, and reporting. Ensures proper financial planning and related communications.
• Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions (ACABQ), General Assembly and other policy-making organs.
• Ensures implementation of internal control framework and the observation of applicable financial rules and regulations of the UN Secretariat.
• Oversees budget presentations and management of relationship with legislative bodies.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of policies, procedures, standards and tools that are consistent with UN policy and practice to ensure proper accounting financial management and control of UNDCO's overall resources and assets.
• Oversees internal financial reporting and responses to internal and external audit observations in compliance with financial rules and regulations.
• Oversees planning, organization and implementation of administrative support services to field and headquarters operations.
• Oversees the provision of procurement and information management platforms services to the field and Headquarters, ensuring the identification, evaluation, and prioritization and management of risk factors derived from these services.
• Manages the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Branch including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (EPAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting.
• Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical balance.
• Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision.
• Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Branch across organizational boundaries.
• Leads and supervises the organization of meetings, seminars, etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars.
• Represents UNDCO at international, regional or national meetings on operational matters as delegated by the ASG.
• Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, social sciences 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.
Work Experience
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This position is available for an initial period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to the availability of funds.
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.
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.
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Type of contract: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)
Macro-area: Multiple
Level of experience: Executive Level
Area of work Definition: Banking and Finance
Type of organisation: Multilateral Organisations