Desk Officer for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Santiago network

Job Posting Organization:
The Santiago network was established in December 2019 at COP25/CMA2, as part of the Warsaw International Mechanism, aimed at addressing loss and damage associated with climate change. It seeks to catalyze technical assistance from various organizations and experts to implement relevant approaches in developing countries vulnerable to climate change. The network is supported by a Secretariat and an Advisory Board, with a consortium of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) co-hosting the Secretariat for an initial term of five years. UNOPS provides administrative support while UNDRR offers technical expertise. UNOPS operates globally, with over 6,000 personnel across 80 countries, focusing on sustainable project management and infrastructure services.

Job Overview:
The Desk Officer for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) plays a crucial role in facilitating technical assistance and membership matters for SIDS globally. This position involves close coordination with Regional Coordinators and designated contact points to ensure effective and timely support tailored to the specific needs of small island developing states. The Desk Officer will contribute to the implementation of guidelines for accessing technical assistance, recognizing the capacity constraints faced by SIDS, and creating an enabling environment for demand-driven requests. The role is integral to enhancing the capacity of SIDS to address climate change impacts and to ensure that their unique challenges are met with appropriate support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supporting technical assistance processes and systems by contributing ideas for enabling access to technical assistance and collaborating with Regional Coordinators to create an environment conducive to demand-driven requests.
• Facilitating technical assistance and membership by providing expertise to SIDS in identifying their needs, guiding them in preparing requests, and liaising with in-country focal points to identify capacity gaps.
• Monitoring the implementation of technical assistance in SIDS, assessing the effectiveness of assistance provided, and managing risks that may impact delivery.
• Engaging with partners and stakeholders by organizing workshops, serving as a focal point for SIDS, and implementing strategies for maintaining partnerships.
• Knowledge management by facilitating the development and dissemination of information on loss and damage in SIDS and collecting data to inform technical assistance delivery.
• Upholding corporate functions and team building by fostering a collaborative work environment and contributing to the Santiago network's strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in development studies, international relations, political science, environmental sciences, climate change, economics, social sciences, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in programme management related to development, loss and damage, disaster risk reduction, or climate change adaptation is required, with at least three years of experience working with stakeholders in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Familiarity with UNFCCC processes and the loss and damage agenda is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in relevant fields such as development studies, international relations, political science, environmental sciences, climate change, economics, or social sciences. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with sufficient qualifying experience, specifically two additional years of relevant work experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in programme management, particularly in areas related to development, loss and damage, disaster risk reduction, or climate change adaptation. Within this timeframe, candidates must have at least three years of demonstrated experience working with various stakeholders in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Familiarity with the UNFCCC processes and the loss and damage agenda is considered a significant advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) at the ICS-10, IICA-2 level, with an initial duration of one year, subject to renewal based on satisfactory performance and funding availability. UNOPS encourages applications from all nationalities, and may issue a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) for successful applicants who are nationals or permanent residents of Fiji. The organization emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. UNOPS also provides reasonable accommodations for shortlisted candidates during the assessment process.