Desk Officer for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Santiago network

Job Posting Organization:
The Santiago network was established in December 2019 during COP25/CMA2 as part of the Warsaw International Mechanism. Its mission is to avert, minimize, and address loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change. The network aims to catalyze technical assistance from relevant organizations, bodies, networks, and experts for implementation at local, national, and regional levels in developing countries vulnerable to climate change. The Santiago network operates under the guidance of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, with a structure that includes a Secretariat, an Advisory Board, and a network of organizations and experts. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) were selected as co-hosts of the Santiago network Secretariat for an initial term of five years at COP28 in 202

• UNOPS provides administrative support while UNDRR offers technical expertise in loss and damage.

Job Overview:
The Desk Officer for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) plays a crucial role in facilitating technical assistance and membership matters for LDCs globally. This position operates under the guidance of the Director of the Santiago network Secretariat and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager. The Desk Officer is responsible for ensuring effective, timely, and context-specific support tailored to the needs of least developed countries. This includes implementing guidelines and procedures for accessing technical assistance, recognizing the capacity constraints of LDCs, and creating an enabling environment for demand-driven requests. The role also involves collaborating with Regional Coordinators and designated contact points to provide comprehensive support and services to LDCs, contributing to the overall mission of the Santiago network.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supporting technical assistance processes and systems: Contribute ideas for enabling access to technical assistance and assist in preparing requests that recognize LDCs' capacity constraints. Collaborate with Regional Coordinators to create an enabling environment for demand-driven assistance.
• Facilitating technical assistance and membership: Provide expertise to LDCs in identifying their needs and propose tailored measures. Guide LDCs in preparing technical assistance requests and liaise with in-country focal points to identify capacity gaps.
• Programme implementation and monitoring: Monitor the implementation of technical assistance in LDCs, assess outcomes, and manage risks that may impact delivery.
• Partner and stakeholder engagement: Organize workshops for LDCs, serve as a focal point for matching needs with capacity-building efforts, and maintain partnerships in LDCs.
• Knowledge management and innovation: Facilitate the dissemination of knowledge on loss and damage in LDCs and collect data to inform technical assistance delivery.
• Corporate functions and team building: Uphold team values, collaborate with regional and central functions, and represent the Santiago network in international forums.

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 areas is required. 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 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. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in programme management, specifically 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 a range of stakeholders in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Familiarity with UNFCCC processes and the loss and damage agenda is considered highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required, as well as fluency in oral and written French. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is an International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) at the ICS-10, IICA-2 level, with an initial duration of one year, renewable based on satisfactory performance and funding availability. All nationalities are welcome to apply, and UNOPS may issue a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) for successful applicants who are nationals or permanent residents of the duty station country. UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. Background checks are conducted on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks.