Country Lead - RESIslands Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations that was established in 195

• Its mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and enhance the capacity of African countries to address their development challenges. UNECA operates in multiple countries across Africa, working with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement various initiatives aimed at sustainable development. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Country Lead for the RESIslands Initiative will play a crucial role in the effective and well-coordinated implementation of project activities at the national level in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This position involves ensuring strong stakeholder engagement, aligning project activities with national priorities, and strengthening institutional capacities to manage climate risks. The RESIslands Project aims to enhance the resilience of African Island States to climate change by building institutional capacities and promoting knowledge sharing among member states. The Country Lead will serve as the in-country focal point for all RESIslands activities, facilitating consultations, workshops, and training events while ensuring that the project aligns with both national and regional agendas. This role requires a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and the ability to provide local data and insights for project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Lead will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including organizing national-level workshops and consultations, liaising with key stakeholders such as government ministries and local governments, and providing technical assistance for project deliverables. Specific duties include preparing local field visits, conducting assessments of vulnerabilities and risks, and facilitating logistics for project activities. The Country Lead will also be tasked with monitoring project outputs, preparing technical progress reports, and ensuring alignment with work plans and budgets. Additionally, the role involves collecting data for knowledge management tools and facilitating the dissemination of best practices within the country. Engaging national stakeholders for the preparation and validation of project deliverables is also a key responsibility, ensuring that project outcomes are sustainable and owned by local institutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level) in fields such as Climate Science, Environmental Policy, Project Management, Economics, Social Sciences, Geography, Geoinformatics, or related disciplines. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in areas related to climate resilience, institutional development, or project coordination is required. Experience in leading donor-funded climate or development projects and working with government entities is highly desirable. Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, as well as reporting, will be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree at the Master’s level in relevant fields such as Climate Science, Environmental Policy, Project Management, Economics, Social Sciences, Geography, Geoinformatics, or other related areas. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of climate resilience and institutional development, which are critical for the successful execution of the RESIslands Initiative.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate resilience, institutional development, or project coordination. Prior experience in leading donor-funded climate or development projects, as well as working with government agencies, is highly desirable. Engagement at the national or regional level in climate, environment, or risk management is also preferred, along with experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this consultancy, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French would be an advantage, as it is also a working language of the UN, and proficiency in both languages could enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time consultancy position that requires professional exclusivity during the contract period. The consultancy is open only to nationals and residents of Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.