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.
Country Engagement Specialist and Regional Coordinator for Eastern Europe, Santiago network
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director, and in close coordination with the Senior Programme Manager and the OBNE Engagement Specialist, the Country Engagement Specialist and Regional Coordinator for Eastern Europe is responsible for managing the central operations of the technical assistance request process, supporting the coordination of global and regional operations, and driving the provision of catalyzed technical assistance in Eastern Europe, ensuring effective and timely delivery. This includes establishing and executing processes for the implementation of the steps of the technical assistance request workflow, working closely with Regional Coordinators, Desk Officers and designated contact points; and leading the technical assistance work of the Santiago network Secretariat in Eastern Europe. The role will collaborate with the OBNE and Member Engagement Specialist in the planning, implementing, and reporting on membership activities in Eastern Europe. This role requires strong coordination, communication, and technical skills relevant to the delivery of the role's functions. Functional Responsibilities
1. Setting up processes and systems
Establish and manage processes and systems to ensure the application of the Santiago networkโs operative guidelines across the technical assistance workflow, from preparation to knowledge sharing. Support the creation of an enabling environment for demand-driven technical assistance, including support in identifying needs and in preparing requests for technical assistance.
2. Catalyzing technical assistance/Management of OBNEs
Lead the implementation of the Santiago networkโs technical assistance workflow in Eastern Europe, from preparation and submission to delivery, monitoring and experience sharing. Collaborate with the OBNE and Member Engagement Specialist in the planning and implementation of membership activities in Eastern Europe. Coordinate the implementation of centrally managed processes for responding to technical assistance requests, including the issuance and management of responses to calls for proposals, in coordination with Regional Coordinators. Support the Senior Programme Manager in coordinating regional operations, ensuring quality control and consistent service standards. Coordinate engagement with national liaisons to the Santiago network Secretariat across regions, in collaboration with Regional Coordinators. Manage the technical assistance review process in coordination with regional functions, aimed at connecting those seeking technical assistance with best-suited Members and OBNEs.
3. Programme implementation and monitoring
Coordinate the implementation of the monitoring, evaluation and learning framework at a portfolio level, in coordination with regional operations, ensuring their effectiveness against expected outcomes. Collaborate with the Programme Support and Operations Manager to ensure the timely management of fund disbursement for technical assistance provided to proponents. Identify, assess and manage risks and issues that may impact the effective delivery of technical assistance, including by maintaining a risk register and coordinating mitigation measures. Coordinate the preparation of reports of Santiago network overall operations, including regular reporting to the Advisory Board and inputs to the Annual Report to the governing body or bodies.
4. Partner and stakeholder engagement
Coordinate the implementation of partnership strategies in collaboration with regional roles, providing a consistent approach to partner and stakeholder engagement across regions. Develop strategies for engaging and maintaining partnerships in Eastern Europe, including collaborative projects, joint events, and resource sharing. Establish communication channels and platforms for effective networking and information exchange among Members in Eastern Europe. Participate in regional fora and high-level meetings contributing to the positioning of the Santiago network in the loss and damage and climate action ecosystem.
5. Knowledge management and innovation
Contribute to the development, provision and dissemination of knowledge and information on topics relevant to technical assistance for loss and damage. Facilitate the dissemination of good practices, case studies, and other relevant information to support the catalyzation and delivery of technical assistance. Support knowledge management, outreach, and communication activities related to technical assistance, in collaboration with relevant colleagues and partners, including the WIM ExCom. Contribute to the Santiago networkโs learning function, including the establishment of feedback loops to inform continuous improvement.
6. Corporate functions and team building
Uphold and model team values, fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that supports collective success and individual well-being. Contribute to the development and implementation of the Santiago networkโs strategic, policy, and operational frameworks, ensuring alignment with its mandate and evolving needs. Support the organization and delivery of Advisory Board meetings and intersessional work, including the preparation of background documents, reports, and other relevant materials, as well as coordination of related functions. Represent the Santiago network in international fora and technical meetings, 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 programme management in the areas of development, loss and damage, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, or related climate change processes is required. Demonstrated experience in work across regions is required. Demonstrated experience in Eastern Europe is desirable. Familiarity with UNFCCC processes and the loss and damage agenda is highly desirable.
Language
Fluency in oral and written English 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. 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. 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.