Project Officer (Sahel)

Org. Setting and ReportingThe objective of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is to combat desertification and land degradation, and to mitigate the effects of drought (DLDD) in affected countries around the world, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels. Established in 1994, the UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Global Mechanism (GM) is an institution of the UNCCD, mandated to assist countries in the mobilization of financial resources from the public and private sector for activities that prevent, control or reverse desertification, land degradation and drought. As the operational arm of the convention, the Global Mechanism supports countries to translate the Convention into action. With the view to increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of existing financial mechanisms, the GM is requested to promote “actions leading to the mobilization and channeling of substantial financial resources, including for the transfer of technology, on a grant, and/or on concessional or other terms, to affected developing country Parties” (Article 21, para. 4, UNCCD). Such actions include a broad range of country-level strategic planning and implementation efforts. The position is based in the Global Mechanism in UNCCD Office, Bonn, Germany. The Sahel Flagship unit coordinates and implements transformative initiatives across the circum-Sahelian region managing a large portfolio. The Unit will provide strategic leadership to achieve the bold vision of the Great Green Wall Initiative, manage UNCCD's contribution to large-scale land restoration efforts while supporting local communities to build resilience and drive economic transformation across the Sahel and Great Green Wall countries. ResponsibilitiesUnder the overall supervision of the Managing Director of the Global Mechanism the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: - Provides strategic leadership and direction for the Sahel Flagship unit, supervising staff and ensuring effective coordination of all unit activities across multiple complex projects. - Manages high-level donor relationships with key partners and donors; ensures 100% donor satisfaction through transparent reporting and timely milestone delivery. - Coordinates strategic partnerships with the African Union, Pan-African Agency for the Great Green Wall (PAGGW), CILSS, OSS, FAO, and other regional and international organizations to advance Great Green Wall implementation and expansion. - Directs the implementation and evaluation of flagship; ensures project milestones are achieved and impacts are measurable. - Coordinates the timely and effective implementation of the LOGME II: Widen Proven Furrows projects, funded by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (IMEES); moderates the project’s steering committee and co-chairs its advisory committee. - Leads resource mobilization efforts by implementing the GGW Accelerator Resource Mobilization Strategy, organizing high-level investor conferences, and developing bankable project portfolios to secure additional funding for scale-up activities. - Facilitates the establishment and coordination of National Coalitions across all 11 Great Green Wall countries through high-level exchanges with ministers and decision-makers, ensuring effective country-level implementation. - Provides board-level representation at major conferences including COPs, ministerial meetings, and international forums; serves as primary spokesperson for UNCCD Sahel initiatives and advocates for increased investment in land restoration. - Coordinates transboundary initiatives including the establishment of water task forces and cross-border restoration activities that address shared challenges across the Sahel belt. - Oversees budget management and financial oversight for the entire unit portfolio, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and effective allocation of resources across multiple projects and countries. - Directs the preparation of strategic documents including policy papers, technical reports, funding proposals, and high-level presentations for donors, partners, and international forums. - Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing implications for men and women in all planned actions and ensuring equal participation across all restoration initiatives. - Performs any other job-related activity required to achieve the goals and objectives of the Sahel Flagship unit, the Global Mechanism, or the UNCCD. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Demonstrated ability to provide innovative strategic leadership and technical expertise in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Proven track record of delivering results under pressure and managing competing priorities across multiple projects and countries. Knowledge and understanding of sustainable land management, climate adaptation, and international development cooperation. Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks while generating compelling organizational direction. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively at the highest levels, including with government ministers, senior donors, and international organization executives. Demonstrates exceptional presentation skills and ability to represent the organization at major international forums. Tailors' communication style to diverse audiences including technical experts, policy makers, and media representatives. Shows openness in sharing information and maintaining transparent communication with all stakeholders. Planning & Organizing: Develops and implements complex strategic plans for large project portfolios spanning multiple countries and time horizons. Demonstrates ability to coordinate activities across diverse teams, partners, and time zones while maintaining focus on long-term strategic objectives. Effectively manages risks and allows for contingencies in complex international development contexts. Uses time and resources efficiently while maintaining high standards of delivery. Judgment/Decision-making: Makes sound strategic decisions in complex, high-stakes environments involving multiple donors, governments, and international partners. Demonstrates ability to quickly assess situations, gather relevant information, and make decisions that consider positive and negative impacts on multiple stakeholders. Shows proven track record of making difficult decisions when necessary while maintaining stakeholder confidence and project momentum. EducationAdvanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, management, public administration, international relations, economics, environmental science, sustainable development, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project planning and management, with at least three (3) years in a supervisory or leadership capacity, in areas such as sustainable development, land restoration, climate adaptation, international development cooperation, or related field is required. Experience in implementing large-scale, complex projects and promoting partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders is required. Experience in high-level donor relationship management and resource mobilization is required. Experience in a field operation of an international organization, particularly in Africa/Sahel, is desirable. Experience in the United Nations system or a comparable international organization is desirable. Previous experience in land degradation, desertification, or climate adaptation initiatives is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. Arabic is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).