Operations Coordination Associate

Host entity: UNRCO

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Project management, programme development, strategy, Knowledge management, research, reporting, Communication, advocacy, public information

Application deadline: 02/11/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) is the main coordination structure for the United Nations system in Tunisia. It plays several key roles:

Coordination and Support: Facilitates the coordination of United Nations activities with national priorities and supports the strengthening of local capacities.

Leadership and Advocacy: Represents the United Nations Secretary-General and leads efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Strategic Engagement: Works with the Government, civil society, bilateral partners, the private sector, and academia to address national challenges and promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Assignment context

The United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) supports the Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in ensuring coherent, integrated and effective United Nations support to Tunisia's national development priorities and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The RCO supports the UNCT across the core coordination functions of strategic planning; development economics; partnerships and financing for development; data, results management and accountability; and communications and advocacy.

The Office facilitates the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and supports the functioning of inter-agency coordination mechanisms, including Results Groups, thematic groups and other joint mechanisms established by the UNCT.

In line with the UN 2.0 vision, the RCO seeks to strengthen its use of data, digital solutions, innovation, strategic foresight and behavioural science to improve coordination, decision-making, knowledge management and the impact of the UN system's collective work.
The Programme and Thematic Coordination Associate will provide flexible support across these areas, combining programme coordination, analysis, results management, information management, communication and digital competencies.

This position is funded by the Embassy of Switzerland in Tunisia as part of an initiative implemented in partnership with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme to strengthen the inclusion of young people and persons with disabilities for the period 2024–2026.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator's Office, and working closely with relevant RCO colleagues, UN agencies and inter-agency mechanisms, the National UN Volunteer will undertake the following functions:

A. OMT Secretariat and inter-agency operational coordination
• Assist in preparing minutes, agendas and supporting documents for OMT meetings and working groups.
• Support the organization of regular and ad hoc OMT meetings, workshops, retreats and consultations.
• Assist in updating OMT action trackers and following up on agreed actions, milestones and deadlines.
• Support the preparation and updating of the annual OMT calendar and workplan.
• Assist OMT Chairs/Co-Chairs in monitoring the implementation of agreed priorities.
• Support information flow and coordination between the OMT, its working groups, the RCO and UNCT.
• Assist in preparing OMT inputs and operational information for UNCT meetings and decision-making processes.

B. Business Operations Strategy and common services
• Assist in tracking agreed indicators, targets, efficiencies and cost avoidance/savings.
• Support the identification of operational bottlenecks and opportunities for collaboration and efficiency gains.
• Support the preparation and follow-up of operational business cases, agreements and standard operating procedures.
• Assist OMT working groups in areas including procurement, finance, HR, ICT, administration, logistics, premises and other common services.

C. Operational data and performance dashboards
• Design and maintain an OMT performance dashboard presenting key indicators, initiatives, milestones and results.
• Create automated or semi-automated tracking tools to reduce manual reporting.
• Consolidate operational information provided by UN entities into structured datasets.
• Analyse trends and identify potential efficiency gains, delays, recurrent issues or opportunities.
• Develop visualizations related to OMT workplan implementation, common services, operational efficiencies, cost avoidance and savings, common premises, common procurement, service satisfaction and agreed operational KPIs.
• Support preparation of data-driven management reports for the OMT and UNCT.
• Ensure appropriate quality control, version management and documentation of data sources.

D. Digitalization and process improvement
• Map selected inter-agency operational processes and identify opportunities for simplification or digitalization.
• Develop or support simple digital workflows and collaborative tools using available corporate platforms.
• Support creation of online forms, trackers, databases, automated reporting templates and digital repositories.
• Explore opportunities to use Power BI, Microsoft Power Platform or comparable tools to improve OMT processes.
• Identify repetitive tasks that could be streamlined through automation.
• Explore responsible applications of artificial intelligence to operational analysis, document management, information retrieval and routine administrative processes.
• Support interoperability and improved information sharing among operational working groups.
• Document and disseminate improved business processes and standard operating procedures.

E. Knowledge and information management
• Maintain a well-structured digital repository for OMT documentation.
• Ensure systematic filing and easy retrieval of meeting documents, decisions, reports, policies and operational guidance.
• Maintain an updated repository of common contracts, services, arrangements and relevant operational resources, subject to applicable access and confidentiality requirements.
• Develop concise knowledge products, guidance notes, FAQs and visual process maps.
• Capture lessons learned and good practices from OMT initiatives.
• Facilitate information exchange and peer learning between operational focal points.
• Support preparation of onboarding packages for new OMT members and working-group focal points.

F. Communication and digital products
• Prepare concise and visually attractive information products explaining OMT initiatives and results.
• Produce presentations, factsheets, infographics, dashboards, short reports and visual summaries for OMT and UNCT audiences.
• Translate technical operational information into accessible messages for non-specialist audiences.
• Support internal communication on operational reforms and new common services.
• Document concrete examples of efficiencies, cost avoidance, innovation and improved service delivery.
• Support preparation of content for UN internal platforms, newsletters or other communication channels as appropriate.
• Support visualization of business processes and operational arrangements using flowcharts, diagrams and other digital formats.
• Contribute, when needed, to broader RCO communication and digital-production requirements.

G. Client feedback and service improvement
• Develop simple mechanisms to collect feedback from UN entities on common operational services.
• Design short surveys, questionnaires or user-feedback mechanisms.
• Analyse satisfaction data and identify recurring service issues.
• Support the OMT in developing practical recommendations for improvement.
• Apply user-centred and behavioural insights to improve uptake of common services and compliance with agreed processes.
• Track implementation of agreed service improvements.

H. UN 2.0 and innovation
• Data: use operational data to identify trends, efficiencies, bottlenecks and opportunities; create dashboards and management intelligence products.
• Digital: promote digital workflows, automation, collaborative platforms and appropriate emerging technologies; support digitalization of selected OMT processes.
• Innovation: identify opportunities to test more efficient ways of delivering common operational services; support pilots, prototypes and rapid experimentation where appropriate.
• Strategic foresight: monitor trends affecting UN business operations, including technology, office models, service delivery and workforce practices; help assess possible future operational requirements and risks.
• Behavioural science: use feedback, user experience and behavioural insights to understand why colleagues adopt or do not adopt common services and processes; support the design of clearer and easier-to-use operational tools and communications.

I. Broader RCO support and surge capacity
• Provide logistical and coordination support for UNCT meetings, retreats and major events.
• Support preparation of presentations, meeting packages and digital products.
• Assist with databases, contact lists and document management.
• Contribute to selected programme or thematic coordination activities during peak workload periods.
• Support surveys, data analysis and visualization needs across the RCO.
• Undertake other coordination, operational, digital, analytical or communication functions consistent with the assignment.

4. Expected Results

The assignment is expected to contribute to:
• a well-functioning and responsive OMT secretariat;
• systematic follow-up of OMT decisions and agreed actions;
• stronger implementation and monitoring of operational efficiency initiatives;
• improved evidence on the performance and value of common services;
• stronger use of dashboards and operational analytics;
• more efficient digital workflows and information management;
• improved documentation and communication of operational results;
• enhanced collaboration across UN entities;
• greater integration of UN 2.0 capabilities into UN business operations.

Skills and experience

• Minimum one year of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas: administration or operations; project coordination; business process management; procurement, HR, finance, logistics, ICT or administrative services; data or information management; knowledge management; digital transformation; multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Experience with the United Nations, an international organization, public institution or development organization is an asset.
• Strong organizational, planning and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Strong drafting, minute-taking, synthesis and reporting skills.
• Ability to analyse operational processes and identify practical improvements.
• Good quantitative skills.
• Familiarity with Power BI, Tableau or similar visualization tools is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and collaborative digital platforms.
• Knowledge of Power Automate, Power Apps or similar workflow tools is an advantage.
• Ability to create professional infographics, process maps and visual presentations.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled productivity tools and responsible use of generative AI is an asset.
• Good understanding of databases and structured information management.
• Ability to communicate technical or operational concepts to non-specialist audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and client-orientation skills.
• Ability to work constructively with multiple UN entities and professional functions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and practical mindset.
• Ability and willingness to learn areas outside the candidate's original professional specialization.
• High standards of confidentiality, discretion and integrity.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Respect for diversity
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Client orientation
• Planning and organizing
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Communication
• Creativity and innovation
• Knowledge sharing
• Commitment to continuous learning
• Technological awareness
• Data literacy
• Digital mindset
• Analytical thinking
• Systems thinking
• Self-management
The incumbent should demonstrate a UN 2.0 mindset, characterized by curiosity, agility, collaboration, experimentation, continuous learning and willingness to use data and technology to improve results.

Living conditions

1. Living Conditions

Living conditions in Tunisia are highly appreciated and comparable to those of countries on the northern shore of the Mediterranean. The country enjoys a Mediterranean climate in almost all regions, with the exception of the south, which has a more arid climate.

In addition to its mild climate and diverse landscapes, Tunisia has a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most visited countries in the world. It is also renowned for its gastronomy and culinary traditions, shaped by a history spanning thousands of years.

The country has a well-established healthcare system and a quality education system. It also has the infrastructure and amenities necessary to ensure a satisfactory standard of living.

The capital, Tunis, is relatively easy to navigate. Public transportation is available and affordable, and crime rates remain relatively low.

As this is a National United Nations Volunteer assignment, the volunteer is responsible for arranging their own accommodation and covering their essential living expenses.

2. Conditions of Service for National United Nations Volunteers

The contract is issued for the specified period, and there is no guarantee that the assignment will be extended.

Travel to the duty station, where applicable, and a settling-in grant are provided when the duty station is outside commuting distance of the place of recruitment. A monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is provided to cover accommodation, utilities, and basic living expenses.

Life, health, and disability insurance are included, with health insurance coverage for up to three eligible dependants. A final repatriation grant, where applicable, and a resettlement allowance for satisfactory service are also provided.

3. Allowances and Benefits
3.1. Before Taking Up the Assignment

Entry lump sum: USD 350.

Relocation allowance: USD 175 at the beginning and end of the assignment, provided the duty station is outside commuting distance, as determined by UNV.

3.2. During the Assignment

Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): TND 1,879.74.

Training and learning: Access to UNV career development and learning resources.

Annual leave: 2.5 days per month.

Insurance: Comprehensive health, life, and malicious acts insurance coverage for the volunteer, as well as health insurance for up to three eligible dependants. Please refer to the Conditions of Service for detailed eligibility criteria.

3.3. At the End of the Assignment

- End-of-assignment allowance: USD 120 per month of service, payable upon satisfactory completion of the contract.

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