Org. Setting and ReportingThe UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 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 Coordination Office (RCO) in Syria and reports to the Head of UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO). ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning will be responsible for the following duties: Summary of Functions: 1. Provides strategic guidance to the RC 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), Transitional Action Plan (TAP) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for Syria. 2. Supports external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the TAP/UNSDCF. 3. Supports the coordination of the Business Operations Strategy and contributes to business innovations. 4. Manages knowledge management and capacity development activities in and outside the UN System. 5. Support the RCO to ensure efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures. Description of Functions: 1. Provides strategic guidance to the RC and UNCT of effective, quality and timely UN support for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through a new generation CCA/TAP/UNSDCF: • Provides substantive support to the RC/UNCT in articulating and actively communicating a credible and convincing strategic vision for the UN, articulated through the TAP/UNSDCF, which is consistent with national development goals and priorities, UN values, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and committed to the principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind; • Lead on the process of inclusive consultations around the TAP with all relevant stakeholders, ensuring inclusion of national priorities and national ownership into the process; • Ensure relevance and adaptability of the TAP/UNSDCF amidst the rapid changing context in Syria; through monitoring events and analyzing their impact on the UN development agenda and advancing risk management efforts; • Prepares strategic inputs and develops draft recommendations to facilitate decision-making by the RC/UNCT in relation to repositioning of the UN System in country, especially related to the Standard Operating Procedures for Delivering as One; • Drafts policy recommendations to the RC/UNCT on the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the new generation CCA/TAP/UNSDCF and its relevance across the humanitarian/development/peace spheres of UN work as the primary instrument for the planning and implementation of UN development activities in country; • Provides guidance to the RC/UNCT in asserting vision and accountability for the UN to operate as a nimble, innovative and enterprising development 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; • Facilitates 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 national priorities and in line with the UNSDCF/TAP and the 2030 Agenda; • Coordinates the TAP/UNSDCF and Joint Workplans; facilitates TAP/UNSDCF monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and reporting through UNINFO; organizes preparation and provision of the annual One UN Country Results Report to the Government and other stakeholders; • Facilitates the engagement of all agencies – resident and non-resident - and other relevant UN entities, including at Headquarters and at the (sub-)regional level in inter-agency fora and in discussions with external partners; • Facilitates coherence in the different intra-agency coordination bodies, including with Humanitarian Country Teams and the Security Management Team. 2. Support external partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts for the TAP/UNSDCF: • Support efforts geared towards the enhancement of effective working relationships with national and international public and private partners to facilitate knowledge sharing in support of CCA/TAP/UNSDCF development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation; • Provides substantive support for positioning the UN as a key provider of integrated services and as a platform in support of the SDGs, in consultations with a broad range of stakeholders; • In close collaboration with the Head of RCO and the Development Partnerships Officer, supports the formulation and implementation of the UN Partnership Strategy as well as the Resource Mobilization Strategy, and other initiatives in support of SDG achievement through the TAP/UNSDCF; • Contributes to the design, formulation, implementation, monitoring and reporting of joint programming processes amongst UN entities; • Contributes to strategic messaging and communication initiatives by RC/UNCT. Coordinates 3. Supports the coordination of the Business Operations Strategy and contributes to business innovations: • In collaboration with the Operations Management Team (OMT), provides substantive support to the RC/UNCT on business innovations for the UN in country; • Provides substantive inputs in formulating, implementing and monitoring the UN Country Business Operations Strategy; • Assists the OMT in implementing common premises, and in establishing a common back office for location-dependent services; • Facilitates a culture of continuous improvement and client-orientation in operational service delivery; • Support provision of guidance on the establishment of common services arrangements to participating organizations/agencies at the country level. 4. Manages knowledge management and capacity development activities in- and outside the UN System: • Facilitates the transfer of knowledge and effective communications across different UN and non-UN entities; • Leads the sharing of best practices, trends, knowledge and lessons learned across the UN system and with external partners; • Coordinates thematic activities and knowledge-sharing forums and encourages others to participate; • Contributes to knowledge sharing (including through training and facilitating peer exchange) amongst UN staff on issues related to UN strategic planning frameworks, methodologies and tools; • Monitors and analyzes UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking to contribute to strategic planning processes. 5. Support the efficient and effective substantive coordination support to the RC/UNCT and adherence to organizational policies and procedures: • Provides support for 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; • Support in managing the activities undertaken by the RCO, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion; • Support in managing processes related to human and financial resource management, procurement, general administration, security, and information technology for the RCO; • Support in managing, guiding and training staff under his/her supervision; facilitating teamwork and communications among staff in the RCO and across organizational boundaries. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Ability to apply sustainable development theories, concepts and approaches. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic resources on the internet, intranet and other databases. 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. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: 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. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in 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. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, project/programme management or resource mobilization in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Experience in crisis settings, integrated missions, and work around synergizing humanitarian/development/peace analysis, planning and delivery is desirable Experience in fostering partnership to ensure inclusive planning processes and delivery of development outcomes in fragile settings is desirable Demonstrated ability to quickly draft quality policy papers related to delivery of development outcomes in fragile and sensitive settings, including risk management, is desirable Experience in the Arab States region is desirable LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage. \"Fluency equals a rating of \"Fluent\" in all four areas (read, speak, write and 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 NoticeThis position is temporarily available for SIX (6) Months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. 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. Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up-to-date. 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