Senior Programme Manager

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 requir

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is essential.
• Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Source: https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=28443#2