Chief of Resident Coordinator's Office

Under the supervision of the Resident Coordinator, the incumbent will provide strategic and operational guidance and strengthen the capacity of the UN Country Team (UNCT) to coordinate and plan an integrated UN response to recovery and development issues in Sudan. In addition, the incumbent will manage the day to day operations of the RCSO Field and Central offices, and their budgets. The candidate will also be responsible for ensuring appropriate policy, administrative and financial links with Headquarters bodies, but particularly with the Development Group Office, which supports the Resident Coordinator's Office system. The Head of the RCSO leads and supervises the RCSO secretariat of around 50 personnel. The Head of RCSO works in close collaboration with programme and project teams and operations staff of UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, multi-lateral and bilateral donors and civil society to successfully deliver operations services.

Duties and Responsibilities

Management: Oversee the day to day operations of the RCSO. Provide leadership, coordination and effective oversight to established coordination structures both in Khartoum and at the field level; this includes coordinating field offices work plans and the harmonization of the North/South offices; Financial management: Establishes and implements adequate internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial transaction, systems and reports consistently applies rules and regulations; Coordinate all activities emanating from the RCSO, set priorities, supervise and ensure follow-up and feedback; Provide direction and guidance on the transition from humanitarian to recovery and development led coordination; Manage and coordinate the preparation of the RC Annual Plan and Report, ensuring an inclusive process to capture the key outputs of the UNCT’s work; Prepare proposals for the allocation of RC and UNDGO funds. Monitor and control the usage of these funds, review transactions and prepare expenditure reports; Represent the RCSO in official functions, as required; Ensure UNCT is informed of training opportunities for UN staff; Serve as interface with UN Development Group Office; Coordinate and prepare inputs into reports of the Resident Coordinator. Coordination Mechanisms: Ensure efficient secretariat functions are provided to the UNCT/MT; Participate in the Inter-Agency Working Group on Communications; Strengthen the RCSO’s information and reporting systems, ensuring efficient flows of information between the RC and the UNCT as well as the UN Global system (including UNDGO, RBAS, BCPR); Support the implementation of harmonized approaches to data collection and analysis including through the use of DevInfo; Ensure M&E systems are in place for the purpose of the CA/UNDAF and the recovery related activities in the UN & Partners work plan; Ensure that information regarding the transitional planning and programming activities of the UN system is available in a transparent manner; Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with Agency representatives, UN Colleagues and Government counterparts of all levels; Ensure that information regarding the transitional planning and programming activities of the UN system is conveyed in a transparent manner to all UN Agencies and Partners; Support the RC and UNCT in engaging bilateral and multilateral donors, including for resource mobilization, and direct the initiation and development of related preparatory and follow-up action; Support the RC and UNCT in engaging civil society, media and other external partners for UN thematic days; Ensure that UN agencies, Government and donors are aware of the co-ordination role of the RC System in the context UN system as a whole; Serve as interface with the Development Group Office. Policy Development and Planning: Coordinate and supervise RC Office staff providing practical support to the UNCT to monitor and maintain the UNCT/MT work plan, including the UNDAF and the UNDAF results matrixes; Support UNCT in developing and implementing Joint Programmes; Manage the implementation of UN common programming processes, including: UNDAF 2009-2012, preparation of new UNDAF and Country Programme Action Plans (CPAPs); Liaise with non-resident agencies to represent their views, and ensure exchange of information, as well as with HQs and UNDG regional technical focal points; Facilitate UNCT support to Government in developing and implementing poverty reduction strategies and papers; For areas coordinated by the RCSO, ensure emergency preparedness and response plans are in place and advocate for funding through all available means; Plan and organize UNCT and other meetings chaired by RC. Coordinate and prepare agendas, alerting the RC to pending issues. Prepare records and conclusions and ensure appropriate follow-up; Provide guidance and support to the analysis and subsequent strategies undertaken by the UN system, in support of the Government’s planning processes, to ensure the transition from humanitarian assistance to recovery, decentralization and development, with a strong emphasis on the peace-building dimension; Maintain working relationships with agency representatives, UN colleagues and other relevant partners, such as Government counterparts and NGOs at all levels; Represent the RCSO in interagency meetings, ensuring feedback is adequately reported and reflected in the work of the RCSO; Identify and recommend actions for enhancing interagency coordination to RC and initiate their implementation as requested by RC; Ensure dissemination of information related to UN reform.

Competencies

Corporate Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modelling the UN values & ethical standards; Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of the UN; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Functional Experience in transition and humanitarian coordination; Extensive knowledge of UN system, procedures and operational activities; Previous experience in joint programme development would be an asset; Dependability, reliability and initiative; Strategic vision and strong analytical capabilities. Good political judgment; Demonstrated ability to design and implement information and knowledge management systems; Substantial experience in aid effectiveness, coordination and management in relief, recovery and development; Recent country and/or regional experience in capacity development; Proven advocacy skills in post-conflict environments; Demonstrated experience in the design and successful implementation of new business processes. Planning and Organizing Excellent planning, organizational and management skills; Ability to plan own work and coordinate the work of others; Capacity to deliver tasks on time and to meet goals, including in highly pressured, insecure environments; Manages conflicting priorities and / or with limited supervision; Develops innovative approaches to deal with complex policy/technical issues. Managing relationships Ability to work under pressure and to effectively handle multiple tasks without compromising quality, team spirit and positive working relationships; Cultural sensitivity, strong interpersonal and communication skills; Ability to work as part of team, and carry responsibilities of the larger team as needed; Demonstrated well developed people management and organizational skills; Excellent negotiating and networking skills; Builds strong relationships with partners, focuses on impact for the client and responds positively to feedback; Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral / attitudinal change; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. Judgment/Decision-Making Ability to negotiate at decision-making level; Mature judgment and initiative, combined with a very strong analytical talent; Strong managerial experience and decision-making skills; Proven ability to provide strategic direction in her/his area of expertise; Independent judgment and discretion in advising on handling major policy issues and challenges. Knowledge Management and Learning Ability to strongly promote and build knowledge products; Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from within and outside the UN System. Communication Excellent spoken and written communication skills; Ability to draft/edit a variety of reports, presentations and communications; Articulates ideas in a clear, concise style.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master's level university degree or higher, in a related field such as but not limited to international relations, social sciences, political science, legal, economics, international development and/or management. Experience: A minimum of 10 years relevant work experience, in recovery, development, humanitarian, political and/or transitional operations, including work experience in the field, in a post-conflict setting, is required; Extensive experience in providing high-level political, policy and strategic advice – essential; including a proven track record of success and progressive responsibility in such a role; Detailed knowledge of UN system policies, prioriyies, and programming especially in crisis and post-conflict situations. Full working knowledge of English, and excellent drafting, presentation and facilitation skills; Strong communication and advocacy skills and a proven ability to work in an environment requiring liaison and collaboration with multiple actors; Proficiency in all basic computer application programmes. Language Requirements: Fluency in English; Working knowledge of other Arabic is desirable.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Chief of Resident Coordinator's Office