Role purpose

The incumbent of this position will lead the Santiago network secretariat to drive strategy development and implementation on behalf of the Advisory Board, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Santiago network secretariat according to the roles and responsibilities determined by the governing body/bodies of the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage (WIM).

The incumbent will ensure that activities are developed and implemented in a timely manner and is responsive to past and future decisions made by the governing body/bodies of the WIM, and the Advisory Board of the Santiago network.

In accordance with COP and CMA decisions (12/CMA.4 and 6/CMA.5), as well as the MOU between UNFCCC, UNOPS and UNDRR regarding the hosting of the Santiago network secretariat, which define the roles and functions of the Secretariat and the Director, the incumbent shall be accountable to the Executive Director of UNOPS, or their delegate, for administrative issues relating to the administrative effectiveness and efficiency of the Secretariat in accordance with relevant UNOPS regulations, rules and procedures, and to the Advisory Board for the effective implementation of the functions of the Santiago network. UNDRR may provide technical advice to the Director, as needed.

The performance of Director of the Santiago network secretariat will be appraised through the performance management process of UNOPS by the Executive Director of UNOPS in relation to the administrative effectiveness and efficiency of the Secretariat in accordance with relevant UNOPS regulations, rules and procedures, and by the Advisory Board on the substantive work of the Santiago network secretariat, to implement the functions of the Santiago network.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Management

• Provides strategic leadership to the Santiago network and manages its Secretariat.

• Serves as the secretary to the Advisory Board, and provides support and facilitates its work, in accordance with the roles and responsibilities of the Advisory Board.

• Oversees the disbursement of funds provided for the Santiago network in accordance with UNOPS financial rules and regulations fiduciary standards, legal and ethical integrity policies, and in accordance with relevant guidelines approved by the Advisory Board.

• Provides leadership to ensure cohesive and effective day-to-day operations of the Santiago network as per the terms of reference of the Santiago network.

• Develops and manages the network of member organizations, bodies, networks and experts (OBNEs) with expertise in topics related to averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage approaches. Coordinates the work of the network with other relevant constituted bodies of the UNFCCC, particularly the Executive Committee (ExCom) of the WIM.

• Facilitates collaboration, coordination, coherence and synergies to accelerate action by organizations, bodies, networks and experts (OBNEs), across communities of practice.

• Leads the development and oversees processes for Santiago network to catalyze provision of demand-driven technical assistance in developing countries and communities particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.

• Coordinates the network’s technical assistance with other relevant UN and non-UN OBNEs, , organizations and experts, including the fund and funding arrangements for responding to loss and damage and maximizes collaboration opportunities of these with the Santiago network.

• Oversees the execution of the work programme approved by the Advisory Board.

•  Oversees the development and maintenance of a monitoring and evaluation system to assess the timeliness, appropriateness and outcomes of technical assistance.

• Leads the effective implementation of all the functions of Santiago network.

• Facilitates the consideration in the work of the Santiago network of a wide range of topics related to averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage approaches at national, regional and international levels.

• Leads the development and implementation of a resource mobilization strategy, under the guidance of the Advisory Board, for the Santiago network to secure long-term, sustainable financing for the technical assistance into the developing countries particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change and the operations of the network.

• Oversees the preparation and delivery of reports for endorsement, approval or guidance of the Advisory Board and/or the co-hosts, including but not limited to, annual, progress and performance reports, financial reports, etc.

• Facilitates the commissioning of an independent review of the performance of the Santiago network based on the parameters outlined by the governing body/bodies of the WIM.

• Represents the Santiago network and participates in meetings, conferences, expositions, knowledge fora, and training activities as well as sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies (SBs) and governing body/bodies of the WIM, as required.

People Leadership

• Provides leadership to the Santiago secretariat’s professional and administrative staff to support them in meeting their responsibilities and performing their functions efficiently and effectively.

• Role-models UN values and behavioural competencies.

•  Promotes teamwork and collaboration across the Santiago secretariat, ensuring team members have clear direction, objectives, and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively, and efficiently.

• Fosters a positive work environment that is respectful of all. Ensures appropriate focus on team well-being, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion and that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Knowledge Management and Innovation

• Drives knowledge sharing and strategic communication with a broad range of stakeholders across the Santiago network and beyond, ensuring collaboration and continuous feedback as appropriate.

• Facilitates the development, provision, and dissemination of knowledge and information on averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage.

• Promotes and raises awareness of the Santiago network.

• Leads the planning, implementation, and organization of strategic capacity building for personnel, partners, and stakeholders to support strategic business development and engagement.

• Leads the ongoing development and implementation of best practices and innovative approaches to maximize performance and sustain achievements.

In addition, the incumbent will conduct any other assignment that is required for the effective operation of the Santiago network secretariat, including giving effect to the decisions of the Advisory Board and of the governing body/bodies of the WIM. 

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. (Applicable only for levels ICS-10 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 one's 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 its own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. 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.

Recruitment Qualifications 

Education

• An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in development studies, international relations, political science, 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 fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible professional management experience is required.

• From overall fifteen (15) year experience, a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in building and managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams is required.

• From overall fifteen (15) year experience, a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in building and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships is required.

• From overall fifteen (15) year experience, a minimum of three (3) years of professional management experience working on climate change adaptation and/or disaster risk reduction and climate change processes is required.

• Professional experience dealing with topics relating to averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the effects of climate change and familiarity with the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement is required.

• From overall fifteen (15) year experience, a minimum of three (3) years of experience working with developing countries is required.

Language

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.

• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Terms of Appointment

This is a 1 year initial appointment, renewable based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding. However, the Secretariat co-hosts (UNOPS and UNDRR) were selected for an initial term of 5 years, with 5-year renewal periods, and there is no scenario where the role of Director will not be needed. 

Location

Geneva, Switzerland (On-site)

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 02 June 2024 (23:59 hrs, GMT +2). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx).

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by United Nations Office for Project Services(UNOPS) to undertake this assignment.