Job Title: In-Country Coordinator – Uganda, Sudan, DRC, South Sudan (UN Jobs)
Organisation: United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Vacancy code: VA/2025/B5007/30191
About US:
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)’s mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peace building, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness. By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.
Job Summary: Key responsibility of the In-Country Coordinator will include the successful implementation of the Cities Alliance portfolio in Uganda, Sudan, DRC and South Sudan (TBC). Currently Cities Alliance is implementing its Global Programme on Cities and Migration in several cities of Uganda (Arua and Koboko), Sudan (Atbara) and DRC (Kananga and Tshikapa). Depending on the Cities Alliance portfolio additional cities in DRC and South Sudan may be added.
Key Duties and Responsibilities: Working under the supervision of the SUIDAC programme Coordinator, the In-Country Coordinator will lead and support the Cities Alliance work in Uganda, Sudan, DRC and South Sudan (TBC). The In-Country Coordinator is a leadership role which contributes to the development, management and implementation of strategies to enhance the competencies and position of Cities Alliance in Uganda, Sudan, DRC, South Sudan and more broadly the HoA. Key responsibilities of the In-Country Coordinator include:
Project Delivery and Performance
- Support and develop regional, national, and local policy initiatives and dialogues building institutional capacities of policy makers and local authorities on enhanced urban planning and forecasting in the Horn of Africa, lead the creation of local and regional initiatives from Uganda, Sudan, DRC and South Sudan (TBC).
- Liaise with the regional authorities and national governments of Sudan, Uganda, South Sudan (TBC) and DRC, ensuring programme implementation such as SUIDAC are well integrated with national and regional targets and agendas.
- Under oversight from the SUIDAC Programme Coordinator, and in collaboration with the Urban Specialist in Kampala, support the successful implementation of the Cities Alliance assigned portfolio currently including the SUIDAC in Uganda, Sudan, DRC and South Sudan (TBC).
- Liaising with the SUIDAC Programme Coordinator, to identify partners, develop proposals and prepare project agreements in connection with identified opportunities.
- Ensure successful development, implementation and supervision of assigned grants and work packages.
- Support and/or conduct field missions of the Secretariat in partner countries.
Cities Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development
- Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national and local governments and other partners operating in the countries and region to identify and plan with them areas for leveraging Cities Alliance activities.
- Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of Cities Alliance competencies in project service delivery and management, to develop opportunities and engagements with new partners.
Cities Alliance Representation with UNOPS and Donors
- Participate, as delegated by the SUIDAC in-country coordinator, in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonisation of policies, practices and approaches within UNOPS and within the UN System more broadly.
- Represent the Cities Alliance in Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan (TBC) and DRC to current and potential project donors, ensure attendance to meetings and compliance with donor requests.
People management
- When required by the SUIDAC Programme Coordinator, ensure the supervision or secondary supervision of Cities Alliance staff in Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan (TBC) and DRC.
- Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability within the Uganda Project Office.
- Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
Knowledge management and innovation
- Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure Cities Alliance is continually incorporating best practice approaches.
- In collaboration with Cities Alliance communication team and MEAL team, contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.
- The effective and successful achievement of results by the In-Country Coordinator directly impacts on the development and performance of the Uganda Project Office. The visibility and image of Cities Alliance in Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan (TBC) and DRC as an effective global partnership promotes the role of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in the countries served.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in migration studies, urban development, urban planning, public policy and administration or related fields is required.
- A first Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a masters degree.
Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated expertise in migration and urban development in the East African region and/or the DRC is required.
- Experience in migration and urban planning is an asset.
- Demonstrated experience with UNOPS, and experience with grant management is an asset.
- Demonstrated partnership skills with local and central government stakeholders is an asset.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to translate technical findings to advance policy positions, including engaging with and influencing international policy makers, regional media and regional stakeholders is required.
- Willingness to conduct regular field missions for project supervision particularly in Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan (TBC) and DRC is required
- Languages
- Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French is an asset.
Competencies
- Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
- Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
- Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
- Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
- Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
- Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
- Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
- Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
How to Apply:
All interested Ugandan nationals who wish to join the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) are encouraged to click on the link below and follow the application instructions after reviewing the job details.
Deadline: 10th June 2025