Country Lead - RESIslands Initiative (Comoros)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is implementing the RESIslands Project, a multi-country initiative focused on strengthening the institutional capacities of African Island States to manage climate risks and bolster resilience. The project aims to enhance decision-making for climate resilience by improving multi-hazard risk assessments. This role is embedded within the National Designated Authority (NDA) or a similar national institution.

Job Purpose

The Country Lead will serve as the primary in-country focal point and facilitator for all RESIslands activities within their assigned country. This role is crucial for ensuring project activities align with national priorities and regional agendas, while also facilitating effective stakeholder engagement. The Country Lead will support institutional strengthening, capacity building, and the continuity of project outcomes. They will provide essential local data and insights to consultants and technical partners, contributing to the development of knowledge products and research. The ultimate goal is the effective and well-coordinated implementation of RESIslands activities at the national level, fostering strong stakeholder partnerships and enhanced institutional capacity for climate resilience.

Responsibilities

The Country Lead will manage stakeholder engagement by organizing and convening national workshops, consultations, and training events. They will liaise with national authorities, UN Resident Coordinator Offices, civil society, and academia. In terms of implementation, the role involves providing technical assistance for country-level deliverables, conducting training needs assessments, preparing field visits, and facilitating local logistics and procurement. For reporting and monitoring, the Country Lead will prepare technical progress reports and ensure alignment with work plans and budgets. They will also contribute to knowledge management by collecting data and facilitating the dissemination of best practices. Finally, the role focuses on sustainability and institutional ownership by engaging national stakeholders for deliverable validation and ensuring post-project uptake of project tools and platforms.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in climate resilience, institutional development, or project coordination is necessary. Experience leading donor-funded climate or development projects, working with governments, and prior engagement in climate, environment, or risk management at national or regional levels are desirable. Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting is also an asset.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement, project facilitation, institutional strengthening, capacity building, technical assistance, data collection and analysis, reporting, knowledge management, logistics coordination, procurement, climate resilience, environmental policy, project management.

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