Background Information - Job-specific
Santiago network
The Santiago network was established in December 2019 at COP25/CMA2, 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 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 the United Nations Office for Project Services (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.
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.
Desk Officer for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Santiago network
Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Santiago network Secretariat and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the Desk Officer for Small Island Developing States, SIDS, facilitates the provision of catalyzed technical assistance and membership matters in SIDS globally, as well as the provision of related services, in close coordination with Regional Coordinators and designated contact points. This includes ensuring effective, timely and context-specific support, tailored to the needs of small island developing States.
The role contributes to the implementation of guidelines and procedures for enabling access to and assisting in preparing requests for technical assistance that recognize the significant capacity constraints of the small island developing States, as well as to the creation of an enabling environment for demand-driven technical assistance requests in SIDS.
Functional ResponsibilitiesSummary of Key results
Supporting technical assistance processes and systems Facilitating technical assistance Programme implementation and monitoring Partner and stakeholder engagement Knowledge management and innovation Corporate functions and team building
1. Supporting technical assistance processes and systems
Under the guidance of the Senior Programme Manager, contribute ideas for enabling access to and assisting in preparing requests for technical assistance that recognize the capacity constraints of SIDS.
Collaborate with Regional Coordinators in the creation of an enabling environment for demand-driven technical assistance, contributing expertise on tailored support for SIDS at a global level.
2. Facilitating technical assistance and membership
Provide expertise to support SIDS in identifying their needs, and propose tailored measures to address them in collaboration with global and regional roles.
Guide SIDS in the preparation of demand-driven technical assistance requests, explaining the guidelines, discussing initial ideas and reviewing and refining draft requests.
Liaise with in-country focal points in SIDS to identify capacity gaps that can be filled through technical assistance.
Sharing learnings within the Secretariat to support an improved technical assistance workflow in SIDS contexts.
Undertake outreach efforts as required, to grow and expand the inclusiveness of the membership network, including with OBNEs based and operating in SIDS.
3. Programme implementation and monitoring
Monitor portfolio implementation of technical assistance in SIDS, supporting the deployment of adaptive management measures as needed.
Assess the timeliness, appropriateness and outcomes of assistance provided to small island developing States, for effectiveness and continuous improvement.
Identify, assess and engage with the Senior Programme Manager to manage risks and issues that may impact the effective delivery of technical assistance in SIDS, in coordination with corporate functions.
Provide inputs to Santiago networkโs regular and annual reporting on specific measures to support SIDS, and recommendations based on experience.
4. Partner and stakeholder engagement
In collaboration with Regional Coordinators, organize scoping workshops for SIDS to support the identification of needs and provide tailored support for demand-driven technical assistance.
Serve as a focal point for actors in SIDS to match country-specific needs with capacity-building efforts for local and community-based stakeholders in SIDS.
Implement strategies for engaging and maintaining partnerships in small island developing States, in coordination with central and regional functions.
Liaise with relevant stakeholder groups and entities at all levels (local, national and regional) as they relate to the provision of technical assistance in SIDS.
Leverage Santiago network communication channels to encourage engagement of stakeholders in SIDS.
5. Knowledge management and innovation
Facilitate the development, provision and dissemination of knowledge and information on a wide range of topics relevant for loss and damage in SIDS
Collect information, data and case studies on loss and damage priorities in SIDS, to inform context-specific delivery of technical assistance.
Provide information on the technical assistance catalysed in SIDS for Santiago networkโs regular reporting.
6. Corporate functions and team building
Uphold and model team values, fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive, work environment, cultivating collaboration between regional and global functions.
Collaborate with regional and central functions in the fulfillment of Santiago network mandate and objectives.
Contribute to the development and implementation of the Santiago networkโs strategic, policy, and operational frameworks.
Represent the Santiago network in international fora and meetings in SIDS, contributing to advance the delivery of its mandate and objectives.
Others, as required by the supervisor.
CompetenciesDevelops 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. 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 five (5) 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.
Within those five (5) years, a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience working with a range of stakeholders in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), is required.
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: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA)*
Contract level: ICS-10, IICA-2
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
*Note that all nationalities are welcome to apply. UNOPS may instead be obligated to issue a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) for successful applicants who are nationals or permanent residents of the duty station country. 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. 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.