Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
Background information – job-specific
Santiago network The Santiago network was established in December 2019 at COP25, as part of the Warsaw International Mechanism, for averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, to catalyze the technical assistance of relevant organizations, bodies, networks and experts, for the implementation of suitable relevant approaches at the local, national and regional level, in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. (decision 2/CMA.2, para 43, noted by 2/CP.25).
The Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Convention and the Paris Agreement subsequently decided on the functions of the Santiago network at COP26 and on the institutional arrangements to enable its full operationalization. Parties agreed the structure would comprise:
A hosted Secretariat that will facilitate its work, to be known as the Santiago network Secretariat; An Advisory Board, to provide guidance and oversight to the Santiago network Secretariat on the effective implementation of the functions of the network; and A network of organizations, bodies, networks and experts (OBNEs) covering a wide range of topics relevant to averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage.
At COP28 in 2023, Parties selected the consortium of UNOPS and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) as co-hosts of the Santiago network Secretariat for an initial term of five years, with five-year renewal periods.
While UNOPS provides the necessary administrative and operational support for the effective functioning of the Secretariat, UNDRR provides the Secretariat with technical backstopping and expertise in the domain of averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage consistent with the guidelines for preventing potential and addressing actual and perceived conflicts of interest in relation to the Santiago network.
Relevant COP/CMA decisions on the Santiago network can be consulted here. Documents and reports from meetings of the Santiago network Advisory Board are available here.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
Regional Coordinator, Santiago network
Under the supervision of the Director of the Santiago network Secretariat, with support by the Senior Programme Manager, the Regional Coordinator drives and supervises provision of catalyzed technical assistance and membership matters in the respective region, as well as provision of related services, ensuring effective and timely support for developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
The Regional Coordinator leads the technical work of the Santiago network Secretariat, in the respective region, including programme delivery, and outreach, in consultation with UNDRR designated technical experts, and acts as key focal point for regional and national partners and technical agencies.
The Regional Coordinator also leads the development and implementation of capacity building strategies and plans of the Santiago network in the respective region, including through strategic and actionable knowledge management.
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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 Spanish is required.
- Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Staff – FTA Contract level: P4 (ICS-11) Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.
For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx
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.
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.
Additional information
- Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
- Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
- We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and conditions
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
