OBNE and Member Engagement Specialist, Santiago network

Geneva

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Geneva
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Climate Change
  • Closing Date: 2025-08-06

Hosted Entities Santiago network
Job categories Climate, Programme Management
Vacancy code VA/2025/B5002/30459
Level ICS-11
Department/office GPO, GVA, Water, Environment & Climate (WEC)
Duty station Geneva, Switzerland
Contract type Fixed Term
Contract level P4
Duration One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.
Application period 16-Jul-2025 to 06-Aug-2025
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Functional Responsibilities

  1. Setting up processes and systems 
  2. Catalyzing technical assistance/Management of OBNEs
  3. Programme implementation and monitoring
  4. Partner and stakeholder engagement
  5. Knowledge management and innovation
  6. Corporate functions and team building

1. Setting up processes and systems 
  • Establish and manage processes and systems for the implementation of the guidelines for the designation of Organizations, Bodies, Networks and Experts (OBNEs) as Members of the Santiago network.
  • Set strategies to facilitate a strong, diverse and inclusive network membership, with relevant expertise at the local, national and regional level. 
2. Catalyzing technical assistance/Management of OBNEs
  • Facilitate the growth and diversification of the Santiago network's membership, including by managing the process of expressions of interest, in line with the guidelines approved by the Advisory Board
  • Collaborate with the Regional Coordinator for Eastern Europe in the planning and implementation of membership activities in Eastern Europe.
  • Facilitate the effective participation of Members in the provision of technical assistance, supporting matchmaking between demand and supply, in response to identified needs and in collaboration with global and regional functions.
  • Develop and implement outreach strategies to attract new Members, with a focus on local and community-based organizations, ensuring inclusive representation across regions, target groups and relevant  thematic areas.
  • Foster collaboration and synergies among Members by promoting peer-to-peer exchange, and identifying opportunities for joint action to enhance the delivery and impact of technical assistance.
  • Provide continuous guidance to OBNEs and Members of the Santiago network, enabling them to actively engage with and contribute to the network's objectives.

3. Programme implementation and monitoring
  • Design and implement an engagement programme for Members, aligned with relevant Santiago network functions such as technical assistance, collaboration, and knowledge and information sharing.
  • Conduct periodic assessments of the network’s performance in addressing the needs related to averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage at local and regional levels.
  • Identify, assess, and manage risks and issues that could affect the OBNE and membership processes, including proposing and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
  • Coordinate inputs on membership for regular reporting, including  reporting to the Advisory  Board and the Annual Report to the governing body or bodies.

4. Partner and stakeholder engagement
  • Coordinate the implementation of strategies for OBNEs and Member outreach and engagement in collaboration with regional roles, with a consistent approach across regions.
  • Set up and manage communication channels and platforms to support collaboration, coordination and synergies among Members, including through communities of practice.
  • Foster collaboration and partnerships with other relevant mechanisms, networks and organizations working in the area of loss and damage.
  • Liaise with the communications role to enhance knowledge sharing and mutual learning among Members and other stakeholders.

5. Knowledge management and innovation
  • Facilitate the development, provision, dissemination of and access to knowledge and information produced by Members on topics relevant for loss and damage.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of OBNEs, including contact information, areas of expertise, and availability for technical assistance
  • Develop and implement support mechanisms, including peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange, to strengthen Member engagement and enhance technical assistance delivery.
  • In collaboration with the Country Engagement Specialist, identify gaps in knowledge and expertise across the network in relation to TA needs, and take appropriate actions to address them.

6. Corporate functions and team building
  • Uphold and model team values, fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that supports collective success and individual well-being.
  • 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 organization and delivery of Advisory Board meetings and intersessional work, including the preparation of background documents, reports, and other relevant materials, as well as coordination of related functions.
  • Represent the Santiago network in international fora and technical meetings, contributing to advance the delivery of its mandate and objectives.
  • Others, as required by the supervisor.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education 
  • An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent), preferably 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 
  • A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in stakeholder engagement in the areas of development, loss and damage, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, or related climate change processes is required.
  • Technical skills to foster inclusive participation and knowledge exchange across the Santiago network are highly desirable.
  • Familiarity with UNFCCC processes and the loss and damage agenda is highly desirable.

Language 
  • Fluency in oral and written English is required. 
  • Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
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