Senior Programme Manager, Santiago network

Contract

This is a P-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 208,988 USD and 261,909 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Santiago network for averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage

The Santiago network was established in December 2019 at COP25, as part of the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM), 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 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.

Organizational structure of the secretariat

The Santiago network secretariat, co-hosted by UNOPS and UNDRR, is responsible for facilitating the implementation of the functions of the network and managing its day-to-day operations in accordance with decision 12/CMA.4.

While UNOPS will provide the necessary administrative and infrastructural support for the effective functioning of the secretariat, UNDRR will provide 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. Accordingly, UNDRR will annually submit a review of the management of technical issues within the Secretariat to the Advisory Board for consideration.

Relevant decisions on the Santiago network can be consulted here.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director of Santiago network, the Senior Programme Manager drives and supervises provision of catalyzed technical assistance under the Santiago network, 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 Senior Programme Manager oversees the technical work of the Santiago network secretariat, including regional coordination, programme delivery, and outreach, in consultation with UNDRR designated technical experts, and acts as key focal point for partners and technical agencies and constituted bodies (e.g., WIM Executive Committee). The Senior Programme Manager also leads the development and implementation of capacity building strategies and plans of the Santiago network, including through strategic and actionable knowledge management.

The Senior Programme Manager will guide and supervise Santiago network’s Regional Managers, envisaged for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), East Africa, West Africa and Asia-Pacific, as well as the Programme Manager - Partner Networks.

1. Programme implementation and monitoring - Spearhead the entire lifecycle of the Santiago network’s technical assistance (TA), from management of countries’ requests, design of response plans, and management of engagement processes and conduct of due diligence on deliverables by OBNEs, to the implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation for Learning and Accountability (MEAL) Framework. - Building upon the outcomes of the Santiago network’s regional scoping workshops on loss and damage, lead on new and ongoing consultative processes to identify and integrate the evolving TA priorities. - Ensure that the identified TA needs align with the strategic workstreams of the five-year rolling work plan of the ExCo of the WIM, and lead on actions emanating from decisions of the governing body or bodies of the WIM. - Lead on the process of the Santiago network’s work programme development and implementation, once approved by the Advisory Board. - As part of the operationalisation of the Santiago network, manage the design, set-up and implementation of fit-for-purpose, demand-based requests for TA from developing countries to the Santiago network secretariat. - Coordinate the effective engagement with developing countries, communities and other stakeholders in identifying their capacity gaps and developing requests for TA, where needed. - Build, manage and oversee a network of suitable OBNEs for the provision of TA to support developing countries in averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage associated with climate change impacts. - Lead on the development and implementation of specific TA and capacity building strategies and plans of the Santiago network to achieve the overall Santiago network strategy. - Oversee the preparation of reports of the Santiago network secretariat, including to the Advisory Board, particularly in relation to the technical elements of requests received and provided, and challenges and best practices identified. - Act as focal point for relevant constituted bodies of the UNFCCC and organizations outside of the UNFCCC with a view to strengthening the support provided to countries through TA under the Santiago network; - Manage the design and implementation of a results-based monitoring and evaluation system to assess the timeliness, appropriateness and outcomes of assistance provided under the Santiago network.

2. Outreach and advocacy - Develop strategies for engaging and maintaining partnerships, including collaborative projects, joint events, and resource sharing. - Establish communication channels and platforms for effective networking and information exchange among members, and identify potential partners and stakeholders aligned with the mission and goals of the Santiago network. - Oversee research and analysis to identify key advocacy issues and opportunities for collective action. - Lead development of advocacy campaigns, policy briefs, and other materials to support the Santiago network's advocacy efforts. - Participate in international fora and high-level meetings and ensure that interests and priorities of the Santiago network are fully considered. - Contribute substantially to the development and implementation of a resource mobilization strategy for the Santiago network to secure funds to support TA for the developing countries.

3. Regional coordination oversight - Provide regional leadership and strategic direction through coordinating and overseeing the programme delivery in the regional offices, envisaged in Latin America and Caribbeans (LAC), East Africa, West Africa and Asia-Pacific, ensuring alignment with the Santiago network’s overall goals and approved work programme, and making use of the regional and subregional UNDRR offices. - Guide and oversee the work of the Santiago network’s Regional Managers ensuring they have the resources and support needed to effectively deliver TA in their respective regions, including facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing across the regions.

4. Knowledge management and innovation - Manage knowledge sharing and strategic communication across the Santiago network, ensuring collaboration and continuous feedback as appropriate. - Champion knowledge on averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage. - Promote and raise awareness of the Santiago network. - Manage strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders for strategic partnership development and engagement. - Cultivate innovation and best practices in knowledge management.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) 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 and Qualifications:- A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional management experience is required. - From overall ten (10) year experience, a minimum of five (5) years of project and programme management experience, involving technical assistance to developing countries on climate action, particularly on climate change adaptation and/or disaster risk reduction is required. - From overall ten (10) years of experience, a minimum of five (5) years of experience on climate change adaptation and/or disaster risk reduction is required. - From overall ten (10) years of experience, a minimum of five (5) years of experience managing multidisciplinary and/or multicultural teams is required. - From overall ten (10) year experience, a minimum of three (3) years of experience in working with developing countries - Professional experience in dealing with topics related 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.

Language Requirements: - Full working knowledge of English is essential. - Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Staff Contract level: P5 (FTA) 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. 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.