UNITED NATIONS Special Assistant to the Resident Coordinator (SARC) Programme JOB DESCRIPTION

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1 I. Position Information Functional title: UN Coordination Specialist Main sector of assignment: UN System coordination Detailed sector of assignment: Inter-agency coordination, strategic planning, partnership building, resource mobilization, communications Agency: Department: UNDP Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (RCO) Grade Level: (P3) Country and Duty Station: Bangkok, Thailand Duty Station status: Family (staff member and eligible family members) Duration and Type of Assignment: One-year fixed-term appointment, renewable at least once subject to satisfactory performance, recommendation by respective office and partner country agreement Reports to: Coordinator Position Status: Job Family: UN Resident Non-rotational UN Coordination II. Job Purpose and Organizational Context SARC Programme: The is managed by the JPO Service Centre on behalf of the UN System. The objective of the SARC Programme is to strengthen UN coordination and coherence in the field at the crucial time of transition to a new empowered RC system. SARCs are placed with the Resident Coordinator Office. They support a wide range of management and coordination functions of the UN Development System at country level, including among others: UNDAF and joint programming processes, annual reporting and M&E, joint UN communication strategies, and interagency coordination of SDG campaigning and implementation. Job Purpose: The Coordination Specialist will support the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UN County Team (UNCT) in this critical time of reform of the UN development system to strengthen coherence, effectiveness and accountability of the UN s work in Thailand in line with the new directions being set by the UN Secretary-General s reform process. The Coordination Specialist will support the implementation of the current United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF) , including the mid-review in 2019, the annual UNCT work plans, the annual UNCT review and reporting, and will supervise the staff of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (RCO). The Coordination Specialist will work closely with Heads of UN agencies. The work also involves frequent communication with external partners, such as the Royal Thai Government, academia, and the private sector partners to facilitate the UN s cooperation with these partners inmoving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 1

2 Local reporting structure and partners: The Coordination Officer will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the RC and closely collaborate with Heads of UN agencies, agencies focal points and Thematic/Working Groups on specific themes, such as gender, migration, and operational management. The annual performance review will be conducted by the RC, in consultation with the other UN agencies who are members of UNCT. III. Supervision Name of Supervisor: Title of Supervisor: Deirdre Boyd UN Resident Coordinator, Thailand Content and methodology of supervision: As part of the SARC Programme overall framework, the SARC will benefit from adequate supervision modalities such as: structured guidance by/easy access to the supervisor (RC), establishment of a work plan with key results within the Performance Management and Development (PMD), etc. III. Duties and Responsibilities and Output expectations In this section list the primary responsibilities of the position. Tip: Focus on what the job entails now how to do the job. (Present the main tasks specific to this assignment and output expectations during the first and second year of assignment. Include percentages for each duty.) 1) Ensures effective support to UN coordination mechanisms, including incorporating UN Reform initiatives and liaise with the Government (40%) Build and strengthen strategic partnership with Heads of UN agencies, agencies focal points, relevant government and non-government counterparts and bilateral partners; Keep abreast of the UN reform initiatives and support the RC and UNCT in their implementation; Act as focal point for contacts between the Government and the RC and UNCT, maintaining excellent relations with a wide range of Government counterparts; facilitate the annual/midterm review processes with Government counterparts; Work closely with the UNCT Results Groups and Thematic/Working Groups to monitor and report the implementation of the UNPAF, especially for the mid-term review that is expected to be conducted in 2019, to support achievement of SDGs; Liaise with non-resident and non-unct member agencies as required, including the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and other regional UN offices present in Bangkok. 2) Manage the work of the UN Resident Coordinator s Office (30%) Ensures maintenance of strong relationship between the RC and UN and non-un partners through arranging meetings, preparing briefing notes, talking points and speeches, preparing drafts of the RC/RCO s correspondence whenever necessary, and follow up with partners for further collaborations; Supervise and guide RCO staff; 2

3 Manage the budget of the RCO and utilize the funds efficiently and fully in close communication with the RC; Formulate and implement the annual work plan in close consultation with the UNCT, coordinate substantive and logistical preparations for the UNCT meetings, annual retreats, workshops and other inter-agency events and follow up on action points; Ensure smooth coordination of high-level missions to Thailand by UN senior officials, arranging meetings with Government and the UNCT as required; Act as a key interface for the relevant divisions in the headquarters and in regional level, including the Development Operations Coordination Office (DOCO) and keep the UNCT updated on the UN Reform and the trends in the UN system; Establish a good network of coordination professionals of UN agencies in Bangkok and RCO colleagues in the Asia-Pacific region and make contributions to knowledge sharing. 3) Ensures effective resource mobilization and communication (15%) Contribute to strengthen and expand various partnerships with the private sector, academic institutions and civil society organizations through analysis on potential areas of collaboration, arrangement of meetings and organization of joint activities; Analyse and leverage communication opportunities to increase public awareness about the Government- UNCT partnership by providing technical inputs and quality control of the UNCT s publications and multi-media products, and facilitate information sharing between UN agencies on their key events and campaigns; Support the RC s public awareness initiatives through supporting the RCO s communication activities, including online and social media communications, briefings and tours to visitors to the UN, and participation in external events. 4) Advances harmonization of business operations services (15%) Support the Operations Management Team (OMT) and keep the RC updated on the issues relevant to common business practices and the roll-out of the Business Operations Strategy; Coordinate with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and keep the RC updated on the issues related to business operations of the entire UN system in the country. 5) Any other assigned duties or tasks, as appropriate IV. Competencies and Selection Criteria Description of Competency at Level Required (For more comprehensive descriptions please see the competency inventory) In this section list all core competencies as well as the most relevant technical/functional competencies the role will require along with the appropriate level. A Detailed list of competencies can be accessed through the following link: Core Innovation Ability to make new and useful ideas work Leadership Ability to persuade others to follow People Management Ability to improve performance and satisfaction Communication Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others 3

4 Delivery Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement Technical/Functional Collaboration and Partnership Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with internal and external partners who can provide information, assistance, and support. Sets overall direction for the formation and management of strategic relationships contributing to the overall positioning of the UN. Management and Coordination Ability to manage and coordinate campaign and people with inspiration. Believe in and promote diversity in the workplace and reshaping the workforce to meet need. Strategic Planning Ability to make decisions that align with strategy, vision, and mission Effective Development Cooperation Knowledge of development cooperation which can then be carried forward into inclusive, country-led mechanisms for development cooperation at national level Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions Detailed list of competencies can be accessed through and hiring managers are encouraged to familiarize themselves for more information. (P3 positions usually require level 5 competency.) Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and Level 5:Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and V. Recruitment Qualifications Education: Master s Degree or equivalent Advanced Degree in Development, International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Management or a related field of expertise Experience: List out: 1. A minimum of five years of paid working experience in a relevant field 2. Previous experience with the UN, particularly in the area of UN coordination, is an asset 3. Good communication skills- oral and written Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required Knowledge of Thai or willingness to learn is an asset (Thai language lessons are Other desirable education, languages and work experience: available in the office premises) Working/volunteer experience in the developing country is an asset Experience with and understanding of the UN system/agencies is an asset Knowledge of the Asia region, particularly Southeast Asia is an advantage 4

5 VI. Training and Learning As part of the SARC Programme overall framework, the SARC will benefit from the following training and learning opportunities: Use of yearly SARC duty-related travel and training allocation (DTTA), as per the online DTTA guide Other training and learning opportunities offered in partnership with UNDOCO Other regional trainings focusing on RCO s roles In addition, the SARC will benefit from directly working with the RC in all her/his capacities and closely collaborate with the UN agencies, which gives a unique opportunity for the SARC to learn the UN system from a wider perspective at the country level. In addition, the Coordination Specialist will not only gain experience of working in a country office setting, but will also benefit from being based in a UN regional hub and will have the opportunity to interact with a range of UN agencies and participate in high-level meetings and events organised at the regional level. VII. Background Information Information on the receiving office: (Provide basic information on the office: number of international/national staff in the whole office and in the unit where the SARC will be working, etc. Give a short background of the programme/projects the SARC will be working on: history, recent and upcoming developments.) The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) is the designated representative of the UN Secretary-General for development activities and the team leader of the UN Country Team (UNCT), which in Thailand is composed of 18 UN agencies. She/he assumes the responsibility for and coordination of the development activities of the UN carried out at country level. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the RC, the Coordination Officer supports the RC and the UNCT to coordinate the work of the UN entities in Thailand, support Thailand to achieve the SDGs, and promote the human rights and the core values of the UN in Thai society. In July 2017, the UNCT signed with the Royal Thai Government on the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF) Thailand for They subsequently developed 2-year operational plan for implementing and monitoring the UNPAF with the aim to achieve a greater level of coherence, effectiveness and accountability. The UNCT agencies monitor and report on the UN s contributions within the framework of the UNPAF and of the SDGs. The RCO will provide strategic and secretariat supports to the RC and the UNCT to effectively implement the UNPAF. As of December 2018, the RCO staffing comprises the three following posts in addition to the post of Coordination Specialist (SARC): Peace and Development Advisor (P4), Information Assistant (G6) and Programme Assistant (G5). The RCO is located within the main UN office in Bangkok with close proximity to other UN agencies and to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Organization chart: 5

6 Resident Coordinator Peace and Development Advisor Information Assistant Coordination Specialist/SARC Programme Assistant Living conditions at the Duty Station: Bangkok is an international city and a hub of the Asia-Pacific region, and it is a family duty station with various choices of accommodations for rent, quality hospitals and international schools. The official language is Thai, but English is widely used in city areas. In addition, the RCO is situated within the main UN premises in Bangkok, which provides a range of services to staff including language lessons, various catering facilities and a library. It is a non-smoking environment inside the office building. Approved by: Name of the Head of Office: Deirdre Boyd Title of the Head of Office: UN Resident Coordinator Date of issuance: December