Regional Liaison Officer (LAC), P-4

Position description

The objective of this Convention is to combat land degradation and desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach which is consistent with Agenda 21, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development.

The functions of the secretariat are, among others, (a) to make arrangements for sessions of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its Subsidiary Bodies established under the Convention and to provide them with services as required; (b) to compile and transmit reports submitted to it; (c) to facilitate assistance to affected developing country Parties, on request, particularly those in Africa, in the compilation and communication of information required under the Convention; (d) to coordinate its activities with the secretariats of other relevant international bodies and conventions.

Regional Liaison Offices (RLOs) are a part of, and under the direct supervision/coordination of, the Global Policy Advocacy and Regional Cooperation Unit (GPARC) of the UNCCD Secretariat Headquarters based in Bonn. The basic functions of GPARC, including all RLOs, are the framing of relevant and persuasive policy messages and the delivery of related strategic advocacy on issues of desertification, land degradation, and drought; building partnerships with key stakeholders – governments, civil society and the private sector – to enhance cooperation and collaboration in the implementation of the Convention; the coordination of the programme of work of the UNCCD institutions at the regional, sub regional and national levels; the facilitation of effective communications between country Parties and headquarters.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Global Policy Advocacy and Regional Cooperation (GPARC) Unit, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities and tasks:

Representation and Advocacy:

• Lead UNCCD’s presence in the Region including carrying out high level representation with Ministers and other national and regional authorities.
• Support and advise the Executive Secretary, the Chief of GPARC and other UNCCD Units including the GM, on the development of a Policy and advocacy strategy that reflects key regional themes and priorities.
• Undertake outreach and awareness raising efforts, in line with an agreed strategy, at the national, sub-regional and regional level.
• Support country Parties in the region to actively participate in discussions, meetings, conferences, workshops on the relevant decisions of the COP and its subsidiary bodies on the implementation of the Convention and its Agenda.
• Support country Parties in the region to engage in different processes of the Convention, related to consultations, reporting system, capacity building processes, among others.

Regional Policy and Coordination:

• Foster and coordinate opportunities and messages for policy dialogue between the countries in the region, organizations and decision-making bodies at national and regional level including support to bilateral, regional and international agencies to implement Convection program/Workplan.
• Consolidate analysis and evidence regarding policy and normative gaps and advise and support the Chief on the presentation of such findings and proposed approaches to policy and decision-makers.
• Support the development of strategies, policies and other measures designed to achieve the objectives of the UNCCD secretariat, GM and other partners.
• Prepare and draft summary and analytical reports, including background notes, note verbale and inputs for briefing notes related to Secretariat and RLO activities.
• Organize and provide substantive and practical support to conferences, meetings, seminars and workshops, as necessary.

Partnership building:

• Advise the secretariat, and particularly CERP unit, on the latest regional developments and trends regarding opportunities for partnerships and resource mobilization.
• In close collaboration with CERP, establish strong partnerships with other organizations including various UN bodies, sub regional organization, development partners and non-governmental organizations in the region and facilitate the conclusion of partnership agreements for the implementation of the Convention at the regional level.
• Provide region-specific input and guidance for the development, drafting and preparation of project/program proposals to donors, as appropriate.

Communication support:

• Provide in close collaboration with CERP, an efficient means of communication, between the secretariat and GM and key national (especially NFPs) and regional stakeholders, on activities related to the implementation of the Convention.
• Support the communications team in the wide dissemination of information about UNCCD secretariat and GM activities in the region (such as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought).
• Facilitate in- and inter-regional exchange of best practices.

Management and Administrative Support:

• Support the planning, implementation and oversight/evaluation of agreed programs, strategies and activities, at the regional and sub-regional levels, as required.
• Initiate and provide support to capacity building activities for the regions/countries.
• Act as focal point with host institution/country on issues related to logistics, management of human and financial resources, protocol and visa issues, security and general overall administration (including management of utilities, IT, office space, etc.).
• Take overall responsible for information management in particularly maintaining and updating the address list of key and potential stakeholders (e.g. National Focal Points and Ministers, civil society organizations and private sector) for your region and making this available for the Secretariat.
• Perform any other job-related duties and activities required to achieve the goals and objectives of the Secretariat and the work programme of the GPARC Unit.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational vision and messages. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Judgement/Decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impact on others and on the Organization; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; Checks assumptions against facts; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

Advanced degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, political and social sciences, public administration, environment or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy, resource mobilization, international relations, diplomacy programme management, or a related area is required.
• Demonstrated experience in dealing with senior government officials, development partners and other country stakeholders is required.
• Experience working with programs, funds, and specialized agencies of the United Nations is desirable.
• Experience in programme management, capacity building and partnership development is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English including excellent drafting skills. Working knowledge of another UN official language, in particular an UN official language used in the region where the RLO is based (such as Spanish), would be a strong advantage.

Application instructions

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