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. 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. Costa Rica has made significant progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a literacy rate of 98.03% for those aged 15 and above (World Bank, 2021), universal primary education, and nearly 100% of electricity generated from renewable sources (INEC, 2021). The country is a leader in environmental protection, with 30% of its land area designated as protected areas and significant contributions to global biodiversity (MREC, 2023). Costa Rica has also seen a strong economic recovery post-pandemic, with GDP growth rates of 4.6% in 2022 and 5.1% in 2023 (BCCR, 2023). Costa Rica also has achieved gender parity in education and significant female representation in the legislature, with 47.4% of seats held by women (World Bank, 2022). However, at the municipal level, women hold only 26% of mayoral positions, with 22 out of 84 mayors being women. Despite these advancements, Costa Rica faces challenges including climate change, inequality, and political complexity. It ranks 58th on the Human Development Index (UNDP, 2022) and has high income inequality, with a Gini coefficient of 0.504 (World Bank, 2022). The country also faces significant poverty, with the highest child poverty rate in the OECD (2022), and elderly poverty reaching 27.6% (INEC, 2021). Unemployment stands at 7.3%, with a higher rate for women (8.2%) compared to men (6.8%) (INEC, 2023). Costa Rica is highly vulnerable to climate risks, with climate-related disasters costing an average of 0.5% of GDP per year. The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2023-2027, signed in October 2022, focuses on promoting inclusion, good governance, shared prosperity, and resilience. Priority areas include job creation, social protection, human rights, migration and refugees, biodiversity conservation, and climate action. Costa Rica’s progress on the SDGs is tracked annually, with 55% of the monitored indicators showing satisfactory or substantial progress. However, urgent action is needed in areas such as agricultural investment, health (especially reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases), inequality, waste management, emissions reduction, and addressing gender-based violence. The UN Country Team (UNCT) in Costa Rica consists of 14 resident and 9 non-resident agencies, collaborating closely with the government, civil society, local governments, academia, and other partners to achieve the SDGs. This position is located within the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator (Head RCO) in Costa Rica and reports to the UN Resident Coordinator (RC). ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the incumbent, will be responsible for the following duties: 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/UNSDCF: • Leads and coordinates substantive support to the RC/UNCT in articulating and actively communicating a credible and convincing strategic vision for the UN, articulated through the 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; • In line with CCA/UNSDCF, provides strategic direction and develops recommendations to facilitate decision-making by the RC/UNCT to reposition the UN in country to advance the objectives of UN development system reform; • Develops policy recommendations to the RC/UNCT on the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the new generation CCA/UNSDCF as the primary instrument for the planning and implementation of UN development activities in country; • Ensures effective support 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; • Designs strategic UN’s policy and programmatic services, operational capabilities, and partnership mechanisms; • Establishes and promotes 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 and the 2030 Agenda; • Coordinates the UNSDCF through the Joint Workplan and results groups; directs UNSDCF monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) and reporting through the UNINFO platform; and guides preparation and provision of the annual UN Country Results Report to the Government and other stakeholders; • Promotes the engagement of all relevant agencies – with and without physical presence in country from across the UN system, including at Headquarters and at the (sub-)regional level in inter-agency fora and in discussions with external partners; • Ensures quality control and oversight over strategic communications and advocacy activities related the implementation of the UNSCDF • Ensures coherence across the different intra-agency coordination bodies, including with Humanitarian Country Teams and the Security Management Team.Participates in SDG Governance technical working sessions in Costa Rica and coordinates UN support, including SDG localization and joint support to the National SDG Forum. • Coordinates and follows up on joint UN work on human rights, in particular joint UN contributions to human rights treaty bodies and mechanisms. • Coordinates timely RCO follow-up on joint programs (SDG Fund, PBF, MMPTF, and others). 2. FACILITATES THE INITIATION, ESTABLISHMENT AND COORDINATION OF EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT RESOURCE MOBILIZATION EFFORTS FOR THE NEW GENERATION UNSDCF: • Facilitates the initiation, establishment, and coordination of effective working relationships with national and international public and private partners to ensure knowledge sharing throughout the UNSDCF cycle. • Provides substantive support for positioning the UN as a key provider of integrated services and as a platform in support of the SDGs, in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders; • Based on the UNSDCF, and in close collaboration with the Development Partnerships Officer, oversees the formulation and implementation of the partnership approach as well as the resource mobilization strategy, and other initiatives in support of SDG achievement through the UNSDCF; • Oversees the implementation of the SDG UNCT Fund/country-level pooled fund in support of the UNSDCF and SDG acceleration; • Provides support to strategic messaging and communication initiatives by RC/UNCT. 3. COORDINATES AND SUPPORTS ROLL-OUT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EFFICIENCY AGENDA (BUSINESS OPERATIONS STRATEGY, COMMON PREMISES AND LOCAL SHARED SERVICE CENTERS/COMMON BACK OFFICE): • 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 support to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT in formulating, implementing, and monitoring the UN Country level Business Operations Strategy; • Supports the RC and the UNCT in their leading role in implementing common premises, and in establishing a common back office for location-dependent services; • Promotes a culture of continuous improvement and client-orientation in operational service delivery, including the implementation of high impact standardized common services, fostering the SDG impact through common operations; • Coordinates effective participation of entities at the country level in operations management team and represents the RC in the OMT. • Advise the RC and the UNCT, as necessary, on follow-up with the government on issues affecting United Nations operations in the country (e.g. country agreements, social security, etc.). 4. MANAGES KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN- AND OUTSIDE THE UN SYSTEM: • Creates an enabling environment for the knowledge generation, sharing, collaboration, as well as usage of existing good practices and lessons learnt within the RCO and in the UN Country Team. Leads by example. • Coordinates the effective communications within the RCO, in UN Country Team and among other stakeholders; • Coordinates the sharing of good practices and lessons learned on issues related to UN strategic planning frameworks, methodologies, and tools, among others, within the DCO (at regional and global levels), across the UN system and with external partners; • Facilitates the analysis of UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking to contribute to strategic planning processes. • Keeps abreast of emerging innovative approaches and encourages the RCO and UNCT to apply new ways of working, where relevant. 5. COORDINATES OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF THE RCO TO ENSURE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE SUBSTANTIVE COORDINATION SUPPORT TO THE RC/UNCT AND ADHERENCE TO ORGANIZATIONAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: • Coordinates 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; • Supervises the activities undertaken by the RCO and manage performance of RCO staff, ensuring that programmed activities are conducted in a timely fashion; • In close collaboration with Service Providers, performs the UMOJA approver role over processes related to human and financial resource management, procurement, general administration, security, time management, and information technology for the RCO; Ensures the maintenance of efficient working relationships with service providers (UNDP, UNON, ECLAC). • Manages, guides and trains staff under his/her supervision; promotes teamwork and communications among staff in the RCO and across organizational boundaries; ensures staff complete mandatory trainings and UMOJA certifications • Establishes and maintains a work environment in the RC Office and across UN entities that is conducive to innovation and engagement with a diverse set of stakeholders and delivers results in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting; • Ensures that requirements, background information used for data analysis are documented. • Performs other related duties as assigned. Competencies• PROFESSIONALISM: 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. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. • COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education, or related area, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certification in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, project/programme management in the context of development cooperation or related area is required. Experience in UN interagency coordination is required.. Experience in designing and implementing partnership and resources mobilization strategies is desirable. Experience with multi-stakeholder coordination on the context of development cooperation or related area, is required. Experience in team leadership and management is desirable. Experience in promoting knowledge management in the context of development cooperation is required. A minimum of two (2) years' experience in data analytics, or related area, is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. NOTE: \"Fluency equals a rating of \"fluent\" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and \"Knowledge of\" equals a rating of \"confident\" in two of the four areas AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview by phone/teleconference or face-to-face. Special NoticeThis is a Temporary Job Opening. Appointment against this position is available for a duration of THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOUR (364) DAYS a limited duration and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal. Extension of appointment is subject to legislative body funding availability. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. National Professional Officers are nationals of the country in which they are serving, and their functions must have a national context, i.e. functions that require national experience or knowledge of the national language, culture, institutions, and systems. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF COSTA RICA ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, Costa Rica nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to Costa Rica in the event of an employment offer. 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. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. 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. 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. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira \"Need Help?\" link. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
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