UN Resident Coordinator – South Africa

About the role

The United Nations is seeking a Resident Coordinator for South Africa, based in Pretoria, to lead the UN Country Team and coordinate the UN development system’s efforts in support of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.

Key responsibilities

• Represent the United Nations at the highest levels of state and engage with government, civil society, bilateral and multilateral partners, academia and the private sector to align UN development support with national priorities.
• Lead and coordinate the UN Country Team, ensuring integrated operational activities across all UN development entities present in South Africa.
• Oversee the implementation and reporting of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, including annual reporting to the host government.
• Report directly to the Secretary‑General and act as the principal UN development system representative in the country.
• Promote the UN’s contribution to peace, poverty eradication and inclusive sustainable development throughout the country.

Required profile

• Extensive senior‑level leadership experience within the United Nations development system or comparable multilateral environment.
• Deep understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
• Proven ability to work with high‑level government officials, donors, NGOs and private‑sector partners.
• Capacity to provide system‑wide accountability and to report to both the Secretary‑General and the host government.

Required skills