Principal Coordination Officer, D-1

Principal Coordination Officer, D-1

United Nations

Mogadishu, Somalia

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Integrated Office of the Office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (henceforth the Integrated Office) for Somalia. The incumbent will report to the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC). The Integrated Office comprises of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) substantive sections, core Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) functions, two trust fund secretariats and Somalia-specific thematic expertise, including the Risk Management Unit. The incumbent will immediately oversee three UNTMIS Units under the integrated pillar, notably the New Partnership Support Unit (NPSU), Community Recovery and Extension of State Authority and Accountability (CRESTA/A), and Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism Unit (P/CVE). As the UNTMIS transition progresses the incumbent is expected to oversee the seamless transition from the Mission to the UNCT and incorporate additional coordination and oversight responsibilities for a range of substantive areas as well as increased field office coordination.

Responsibilities

• Support the DSRSG/RC/HC, UNTMIS and the UNCT in the transition of UNTMIS to the UNCT, the FGS and other stakeholders, ensuring the effective, integrated and sustainable transition of functions, including capacity building of responsible entities.
• Leads the provision of strategic guidance to the DSRSG/RC/HC 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), the UN Cooperation Framework and the reconfiguration of the UNCT. Coordinates the preparation of reports on the same.
• Supports the DSRSG/RC/HC to connect humanitarian, development, political economy, and peacebuilding efforts strategically, with a view to building coherence and complementarity across peace consolidation, sustainable development and humanitarian efforts.
• Leads, supervises and carries out the work programme of the Integrated Office under his/her responsibility. Coordinates the work carried out by substantive units under the Integrated Office and by related agencies and bodies of the United Nations system; provides programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others, ensuring that all outputs produced by the Units under his/her supervision and timely and meet required standards.
• Approves and drafts reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies, member states, donors and national partners on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/ substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports.
• Initiates, establishes and coordinates external partnerships and joint resource mobilisation efforts for the UN in Somalia.
• Coordinates and supports the delivery of business improvements and innovations, enhanced accountability and efficiencies, including through the Business Operations Strategy, the strengthening of the UN Risk Management Unit and by capturing and deploying lessons learnt on substantive issues such as capacity development activities inside and outside the UN System.
• Manages the Integrated Office to ensure efficient and effective coordination support to UNTMIS and the UNCT as the UNTMIS transition is implemented, including supervising over 40 staff in multiple duty stations, supporting coordination efforts by UNTMIS field offices, providing guidance and support, fostering teamwork and communication among staff and across organisational boundaries.
• Manages the Integrated Office operations, including preparation of budgets, RBB, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, geographically balanced recruitment, interviews, evaluation of candidates, and ensures adherence to organisational policies and procedures.
• Leads and supervises the organisation of meetings, seminars, etc., on substantive and/or organisational issues, including substantive preparation. Convenes, chairs, facilitates, participates in and represents the UN as requested at international, regional or national partner meetings, including on programmatic/substantive expertise at organisational discussions, including with representatives of other institutions.
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Proven knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to sustainable development. Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• 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 improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
• 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.
• Planning and Organising: 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.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Social Science, Law or related field. 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

• A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in political affairs, diplomacy, international relations, conflict resolution, coordination, disarmament, security, human rights, humanitarian, or a related field is required. Excellent and proven management skills are required. Extensive experience in political outreach, facilitation, analysis and reporting is required. Experience in policy formulation in a development cooperation context is desirable. Experience working with Somali government counterparts is desirable. Experience in the United Nations system with both Missions and UNCTs – or a comparable international organisation – is desirable. Experience in coordinating external partnerships in a development context is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English, (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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