Associate Coordination Officer (International UN Volunteer Specialist)

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Resident Coordinator Office supports the work of the UN Resident Coordinator, who leads the UN country team (UNCT) in consultations with the government, to define and agree on the UN strategic response to the Government’s priorities. This response is captured in the UN Strategic Framework (UNSF).

Context

UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UNRCO) support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs, under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator. As the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level, the Resident Coordinator coordinates the operational activities for development by the United Nations system. The Resident Coordinator Office in PDR Korea temporarily operates from Bangkok, Thailand, while discussions are currently ongoing for its return to Pyongyang, DPRK. The UN Volunteer (Associate Coordination Officer) under the direct supervision of the Resident Coordinator will be working for the Resident Coordinator Office of the PDR Korea, based in Bangkok, Thailand.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Resident Coordinator, the Associate Coordination Officer will:

• Support the planning and coordination of the Resident Coordinator’s activities, including in respect with the management of the Resident Coordinator’s calendar, arrangement of missions, visits and appointments of the Resident Coordinator;

• Coordinate and support the preparations of the Resident Coordinator’s meetings and engagements, including substantively as required, by providing high-quality briefing material, drafting meeting notes, and providing any other necessary follow-up;

• Assist with the organization of the RCO’s activities, including the coordination of UNCT meetings; organization of official UN Days, public events, joint UN events; follow-up on deadlines, commitments made, actions taken and coordination of collection and submission of official reports and other corporate deadlines of the Organization;

• Support with general administration tasks, including by coordinating with service units and other colleagues, both at Headquarters and in the field;

• Perform other relevant duties as required. Results/expected outputs: As an active Resident Coordinator Office DPR Korea team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the Resident Coordinator and the RCO overall in the accomplishment of their functions, including:

a. Provide competent and diplomatic front office support to the Resident Coordinator in the discharge of his official functions;

b. Contribute to the provision of substantive input for the Resident Coordinator’s official engagements;

c. Contribute to the smooth functioning of the RCO.

Age

27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Required experience

3 years of experience in economics, development economics, business administration, international affairs, government.

• At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in government, academia, business, or other relevant programs; front office experience is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;

• Diplomatic skills and ability to work tactfully in complex environments;

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. Writing skills are especially important and will be tested in the selection process;

• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

• Sound security awareness;

• Have affinity with or interest in government, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in economics, development economics, business administration, international affairs, government or any other relevant area. A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with relevant training and/or professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.