Regional Coordinator, Santiago Network (Africa) at UNOPS

Application period 07-July-2025 to 27-Jul-2025

Functional Responsibilities:

• Setting up processes and systems
• Catalyzing technical assistance/Management of OBNEs
• Programme implementation and monitoring
• Partner and stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge management and innovation
• Corporate functions and team building
• Setting up processes and systems
• Lead the implementation of the guidelines for responding to requests for technical assistance, the guidelines for the designation of members to the Santiago network, and relevant operational documents at the regional level.
• Contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for demand-driven technical assistance, including support in identifying regional needs and in preparing requests for technical assistance.
• Catalyzing technical assistance/Management of OBNEs
• Lead the implementation technical assistance (TA) cycle in the relevant region, in coordination with central functions and with Desk Officers for LDCs and SIDS as applicable, including submission, review, matchmaking, delivery, monitoring and knowledge sharing.
• Coordinate the effective engagement with developing countries, communities and other stakeholders in relevant region in identifying their capacity gaps and developing requests for TA, where needed, including through regional scoping workshops and consultative processes.
• Coordinate with the OBNE Engagement Specialist in building and managing a network of suitable OBNEs in the respective region for the provision of TA to support developing countries in averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage associated with climate change impacts in response to their needs.
• Lead on the development and implementation of regionalTA and capacity building strategies and plans in order to support the achievement of the Santiago network strategy.
• Programme implementation and monitoring
• Lead the implementation of regional results-based monitoring and evaluation activities, in coordination with central functions, to assess the timeliness, appropriateness and outcomes of assistance provided under the Santiago network.
• Oversee the implementation and delivery of results of technical assistance relevant region , under the Monitoring and Evaluation for Learning and Accountability (MEAL) Framework.
• Identify, assess and manage risks and issues that may impact the effective delivery of technical assistance in the relevant region, in coordination with corporate functions.
• Provide inputs on regional operations to inform Santiago network regular reporting to the Advisory Board and inputs to the Annual Report to the governing body or bodies.
• Partner and stakeholder engagement
• Develop and implement regional, national, subnational and community-based strategies for the engagement of relevant stakeholders, aiming to facilitate demand-driven technical assistance.
• Develop strategies for engaging and maintaining partnerships in the region , including collaborative projects, joint events, and resource sharing.
• Establish communication channels and platforms for effective networking and information exchange among Members in the region, in coordination with central functions.
• Lead capacity building of partners and stakeholders for strategic regional partnership development and engagement.
• Contribute to the development of regional advocacy campaigns, policy briefs, and other materials to support the Santiago network's regional advocacy efforts, in coordination with the Communications Manager.
• Knowledge management and innovation
• Facilitate the development, provision and dissemination of knowledge and information in the relevant region, on a wide range of topics relevant for loss and damage.
• Champion knowledge on averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage, relevant for technical assistance delivery in the respective region.
• Promote and raise awareness of the Santiago network in the relevant region.
• Foster innovation and best practices in knowledge management, contributing to the development of feedback loops informed by operational experience.
• Corporate functions and team building
• Uphold and model team values, fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive, work environment, fostering collaboration between regional and global functions.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Santiago network’s strategic, policy, and operational frameworks, ensuring alignment with its mandate and evolving needs.
• Support the implementation of a resource mobilization strategy for the Santiago network to secure funds for technical assistance for developing countries.
• Represent the Santiago network in international fora and high-level meetings in the respective, contributing to advance the delivery of its mandate and objectives.
• Others, as required by the supervisor.

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education

• An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent), preferably in development studies, international relations, political science, environmental sciences and climate change, economics, social sciences, or related areas, is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in the fields of programme development in developing countries, particularly in the areas of loss and damage, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, development, or other related climate change and development areas, is required.
• Of those seven (7) years, a minimum of at least five (5) years of demonstrated experience in the region in one of the relevant areas as listed above, is required.
• Strong coordination, communication, and technical skills are desirable.
• Familiarity with UNFCCC processes and the loss and damage agenda is highly desirable.

Language

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Fluency in oral and written French is required
• Fluency in Portuguese and Arabic is an advantage.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
  

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Remarks: Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.