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General Information

Publication for
Hosted Entity
Entity Name
Santiago Network
Position Title
Regional Coordinator, Santiago network (Africa), readvertised
Job Category
Programme
Duty Station(s)
Dar es Salaam
Seniority Level
Senior Level
ICS Level
ICS 11
Contract Type
Staff - IP - FTA
Contract Level
IP P-4
Posting Start Date
19-Dec-2025
Posting End Date
08-Jan-2026
Duration
One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Job Highlight

This is a unique opportunity to lead regional efforts within a critical global initiative, directly impacting vulnerable developing countries facing climate change impacts. The role offers a position in a dynamic international setting, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to catalyze technical assistance and build regional capacity for averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage through the Santiago network.

Job Specific Context

Santiago network


The Santiago Network was established in December 2019 at COP25, as part of the Warsaw International Mechanism, for averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, to catalyze the technical assistance of relevant organizations, bodies, networks and experts, for the implementation of suitable relevant approaches at the local, national and regional level, in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. (decision 2/CMA.2, para 43, noted by 2/CP.25). 


The Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Convention and the Paris Agreement subsequently decided on the functions of the Santiago Network at COP26 and on the institutional arrangements to enable its full operationalization. Parties agreed the structure would comprise:


  • A hosted Secretariat that will facilitate its work, to be known as the Santiago network Secretariat;

  • An Advisory Board, to provide guidance and oversight to the Santiago network Secretariat on the effective implementation of the functions of the network; and

  • A network of organizations, bodies, networks and experts (OBNEs) covering a wide range of topics relevant to averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage. 


At COP28 in 2023, Parties selected the consortium of UNOPS and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) as co-hosts of the Santiago Network Secretariat for an initial term of five years, with five-year renewal periods. 

While UNOPS provides the necessary administrative and operational support for the effective functioning of the Secretariat, UNDRR provides 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. 

Relevant COP/CMA decisions on the Santiago Network can be consulted here. Documents and reports from meetings of the Santiago Network Advisory Board are available here. 

Role Purpose

Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Santiago Network Secretariat and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager, the Regional Coordinator drives the achievement of the Santiago Network’s strategic priorities in the respective region, including: understanding technical assistance needs and priorities; scaling up delivery of demand-driven technical assistance; growing a strong, diverse and engaged Member network; enabling an effective loss and damage ecosystem and access to finance, technology and capacity building; and, engaging in rapid learning and sharing knowledge from delivery.


The Regional Coordinator leads the technical work of the Santiago Network Secretariat, in the respective region, including outreach and engagement, supporting development of technical assistance requests, programme delivery, monitoring, results and learning, in close coordination with Secretariat colleagues, and acts as key focal point for regional and national partners and technical counterparts.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Catalyzing technical assistance

  • Lead the implementation technical assistance (TA) cycle in the region, in line with the Santiago Network operational guidelines and in coordination with central functions and with Desk Officers for LDCs and SIDS as applicable, including submission, review, delivery, monitoring and knowledge sharing.
  • Coordinate the effective engagement with developing countries, communities and other stakeholders in the region, to support the identification of needs, capacity gaps and developing requests for TA, where needed.
  • Contribute to building and managing a network of suitable Members in the respective region for the provision of TA to support developing countries in averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage associated with climate change impacts in response to their needs.
  • Maintain close coordination with National Liaisons to the Santiago Network and UNFCCC National Focal Points in the absence of a designated National Liaison. 


2. Technical assistance implementation and monitoring

  • Lead the implementation of regional results-based monitoring and evaluation activities, in coordination with central functions, to assess the timeliness, appropriateness and outcomes of assistance provided under the Santiago Network.
  • Oversee the implementation and delivery of results of technical assistance in the region, under the Monitoring and Evaluation for Learning and Accountability (MEAL) Framework.
  • Identify, assess and manage risks and issues that may impact the effective delivery of technical assistance in the region, in coordination with corporate functions.
  • Provide inputs on regional operations to inform Santiago Network regular communications and reporting, including to the Advisory Board and inputs to the Annual Report to the governing body or bodies.


3. Partner and stakeholder engagement

  • Develop and implement regional, national, subnational and community-based strategies for the engagement of relevant stakeholders, aiming to facilitate demand-driven technical assistance.
  • Develop strategies for engaging and maintaining partnerships in the region, including collaborative activities, joint events, and resource sharing.
  • Establish communication channels and platforms for effective networking and information exchange among  Members in the region, in coordination with central functions.
  • Lead capacity building of partners and stakeholders for strategic regional partnership development and engagement.


4. Knowledge management and innovation

  • Facilitate the development, provision and dissemination of knowledge and information in the region, on a wide range of topics relevant for loss and damage.
  • Champion knowledge on averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage, relevant for technical assistance delivery in the respective region.
  • Promote and raise awareness of the Santiago Network in the region.
  • Foster innovation and best practices in knowledge management, contributing to the development of feedback loops informed by operational experience.


5. Corporate functions and team building

  • Uphold and model team values, fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive, team environment, fostering collaboration between regional and global functions.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of the Santiago Network’s strategic, policy, and operational frameworks, ensuring alignment with its mandate and evolving needs.
  • Support the implementation of a resource mobilization strategy for the Santiago Network to secure funds for technical assistance for developing countries.
  • Represent the Santiago Network in international fora and high-level meetings  in the respective, contributing to advance the delivery of its mandate and objectives.
  • Others, as required by the supervisor.

Skills

Communication, Knowledge Management, Partnerships, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning
Strategic Perspective
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnerships
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Excellence
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Adaptability
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Decision-making
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in development studies, international relations, political science, environmental sciences and climate change,  economics, social sciences, or related areas with 9 years of relevant experience OR

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in any of the above or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience is required

Experience Requirements

Required

  • Relevant experience is work in the fields of country engagement, development climate finance loss, loss and damage, disaster risk reduction or  related climate change area, including work in the respective region.
  • A minimum of at least five (5) years of demonstrated experience in the region in one of the relevant areas as listed above, is required.


Desired

  • Familiarity with UNFCCC processes and the loss and damage agenda is highly desirable.
  • Strong coordination, communication, and technical skills are desirable.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired
FrenchFluentRequired

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
  • Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. 
  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
 
Terms and Conditions
 
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
  • For more details about the contract types, please click here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.