Associate Coordination Officer

Host entity: UNRCO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Administration, Community development

Application deadline: 27/09/2026

Mission and objectives

In its resolution 72/279 of 31 May 2018, the General Assembly created a dedicated, impartial empowered and sustainable development-focused coordination function for the United Nations development system, drawing on the expertise and assets of all United Nations development system entities, including specialized and non-resident agencies.

The Resident Coordinator system ensures the coordination of all organizations of the United Nations dealing with operational activities for development at the country level, regardless of the nature of their presence in the country. It encompasses the UN Resident Coordinator, the UN Country Team and Resident Coordinator’s Office and is served by the UN Development Coordination Office.

Assignment context

The Associate Coordination Officer will be based in the RCO in Suva and will support the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in advancing joint planning, coordination, and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework across Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the centre of UN system coordination, engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders including UN entities, government counterparts, regional organizations, development partners and civil society. Working in a dynamic, multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, the incumbent will contribute to strategic initiatives, inter-agency processes, partnership development, policy dialogue and regional cooperation efforts that support sustainable development priorities across the Pacific.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office, the Associate Coordination Officer will undertake the following tasks:
1. Support UN Inter-Agency Coordination Processes
• Assist in the organization and follow-up of meetings of the UN Country Team (UNCT), Strategic Programme and Results Group (SPRG), and other inter-agency coordination mechanisms.
• Contribute to the preparation of agendas, briefing materials, presentations, meeting summaries, and tracking of decisions and actions.
• Support communication and information sharing among UN entities to facilitate coordinated planning and implementation of joint priorities.
• Assist in maintaining records and knowledge products related to inter-agency coordination processes.
2. Support the Development and Finalization of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2028-2032
• Contribute to coordination processes supporting the design and finalization of the Pacific UNSDCF 2028-2032.
• Assist in the consolidation, review, and organization of inputs received from UN entities, governments, regional organizations, and partners.
• Support consultations, workshops, and stakeholder engagement processes related to Cooperation Framework development.
• Assist in preparing background documents, meeting reports, presentations, and briefing materials related to UNSDCF processes.
3. Support Development of Country Implementation Plans and Country Coordination
• Assist Country Coordination Officers in supporting implementation, monitoring, and reporting of Cooperation Framework priorities at country level.
• Contribute to the development of Country Implementation Plans (CIPs), ensuring consistency with Cooperation Framework outcomes and national priorities.
• Support the compilation and analysis of information related to CIP implementation, results reporting, and joint programming initiatives.
• Assist in preparing documentation for Joint Steering Committee meetings and other country-level coordination forums.
4. Provide Substantive Support to the Head of Office
• Assist the Head of Office in preparing briefing notes, talking points, presentations, background papers, reports, and correspondence.
• Support the preparation and follow-up of strategic meetings, missions, consultations, and events involving the Resident Coordinator and RCO leadership.
• Assist in maintaining effective information management and tracking systems for priority workstreams.
5. Support Knowledge Management and Communications
• Contribute to the organization and dissemination of coordination-related information, guidance, and knowledge products.
• Assist in maintaining shared repositories, contact databases, and coordination tracking tools.
• Support the preparation of communication materials, presentations, and visibility products related to UN coordination efforts and Cooperation Framework implementation.
• Contribute to documenting lessons learned and good practices from UN coordination and programming processes across the Pacific.

Skills and experience

• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft reports, meeting summaries, briefing notes, and presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and present it clearly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Ability to learn quickly, work independently when required, and contribute effectively as part of a team.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Building Trust
• Client Orientation
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Knowledge Sharing
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Self-Management
• Technological Awareness
• Working in Teams

Living conditions

Fiji, one of the larger countries in the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is among the more developed economies in the Pacific. Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population is made up of Indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, and communities of European, Chinese, Rotuman, Rabi Island and other Pacific origins, creating a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, traditions and languages. English is widely spoken and serves as the common language of communication, alongside the iTaukei and Hindi languages.

Fiji comprises approximately 330 islands, of which about one-third are inhabited, and covers about 1.3 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city, Suva, is located on the south-eastern side of Viti Levu and serves as the political, economic and administrative centre of Fiji, as well as an important regional hub for Pacific organizations, development partners and United Nations agencies.

Fiji enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, generally ranging between 25°C and 29°C. The wet season extends from November to April, although rainfall occurs throughout the year. Tropical cyclones may occur during the wet season and, as with many Pacific Island countries, Fiji is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and disasters relating to natural hazards.

Suva is a multicultural and welcoming city that offers relatively modern facilities, including hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants, supermarkets and reliable telecommunications services. Accommodation is generally available, although affordable housing options may require some flexibility and advance planning. Public transportation is readily available through buses and taxis, and domestic travel provides opportunities to explore Fiji's unique natural environment and cultural heritage.

Fiji is widely known for the warmth and hospitality of its people. Living and working in Fiji provides a unique opportunity to engage with the diverse cultures. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. The assignment offers valuable exposure to regional and international development cooperation in support of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Candidates should demonstrate adaptability, cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.