Transition Coordination Officer- Temporary Job Opening (6 Months)

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. Zimbabwe’s aid landscape is shifting from a predominantly humanitarian model toward a resilience and development focused approach, driven by evolving national strategies (NDS1 and NDS2) and increasing alignment with early recovery and adaptive social protection. To sustain this transition, anticipatory action and joint risk analysis must be integrated into UN Cooperation Framework processes so that development investments strengthen preparedness, reduce vulnerabilities, and empower communities to build long term resilience. The position is located in United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Harare. The RCO in Zimbabwe plays a crucial role in supporting the UN Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team, fostering inter-agency coordination and collaboration on sustainable development programming, advocacy and policy priorities in line with the 2030 Agenda and national development priorities. The position will report to the Senior Development Coordination Officer/RCO Team Leader and supports operational readiness while shaping policy dialogue and donor engagement. The incumbent will be a focal point for supporting cross-pillar coordination. This role strengthens complementarity between government-led initiatives and UN/NGO efforts, facilitating inclusive planning aligned with both the UN Cooperation Framework and national strategies (NDS1/NDS2) ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Transition Coordination Officer, is responsible for the following: 1. Support Preparedness and Response Coordination at Country Level: • Support the maintenance of minimum preparedness and response coordination capacity within the context of a transition setting, ensuring effective linkages between emergency preparedness, development, and resilience planning. • Provide technical and coordination support to national contingency planning and inter-sectoral preparedness processes. • Assist in the organization and facilitation of emergency simulation exercises with UN entities, NGOs, and government counterparts to strengthen coordinated preparedness and response. • Contribute to joint disaster and crisis assessments by supporting data collection, consolidation, and analysis of inter-sectoral impact and needs information, including inputs to resource mobilization processes.. 2. Support Post-Transition and Inter-Sectoral Coordination Structures: • Support the maintenance of inter-sectoral coordination capacity within the RCO within a transition context. • Assist government-led coordination mechanisms by supporting meetings, information flows, and follow-up actions, in line with national priorities. • Identify operational coordination gaps and provide inputs to the RC and RCO leadership on linkages between humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors. • Support information management and data consolidation to facilitate coordination and feedback between humanitarian and development partners, working closely with the Resilience focal point and relevant RCO staff. 3. Support Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Nexus Implementation: • Support the integration of a cross-pillar HDP nexus perspective into country-level planning instruments, including the Country Analysis and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. • Assist in the coordination of HDP nexus programming and other cross-pillar coordination initiatives at country level. • Facilitate information sharing and coordination activities that promote coherence between humanitarian and development interventions within the transition context. 4. Support Integration of Cross-Cutting Issues: • Support the integration of cross-cutting priorities— Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), gender equality, disability inclusion, and climate resilience—into coordination tools, processes, and products. • Disseminate relevant guidelines, tools, and reference materials to coordination partners and national stakeholders. • Support the organization of orientation and awareness-raising sessions on cross-cutting issues for coordination actors, in collaboration with technical focal points. • Maintain and update a shared repository of coordination tools and guidance materials. 5. Perform Other Related Duties as Required: • Provide operational and coordination support in response to ad hoc requests from the RC and RCO leadership. • Contribute to teamwork, knowledge sharing, and effective collaboration within the RCO and across inter-agency coordination platforms. • Support reporting, documentation, and follow-up related to coordination and transition priorities. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of wide range of UN operations in complex settings, including humanitarian, development, human rights and peacebuilding nexus issues. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, to include ability to analyze and articulate the interconnected humanitarian-development-peace dimensions of complex crisis contexts that require a coordinated UN response. Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems. Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work under pressure. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to UN peace operations, and knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate conclusions/recommendations. 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) in political science, social science, public administration, international studies, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a 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. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable development or humanitarian settings is required. A minimum of two years of experience in development sector is required. Experience with humanitarian work and transitions to development support is desirable. Experience in knowledge management is desirable. Experience working on cross pillar peace, development and humanitarian affairs is desirable. Experience in the United Nations system or a comparable international organization is desirable. Field experience in development cooperation or mission settings is desirable. Experience with inter-agency or inter-organizational collaboration and coordination in the development sector is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no specific desirable languages. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).