Country Lead - RESIslands Initiative (Tanzania/Zanzibar)

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 Climate Commission (AISCC) member states to manage climate risks and bolster resilience. This project, supported by the Green Climate Fund, aims to enhance decision-making for climate resilience through multi-hazard risk assessments.

Job Purpose

The Country Lead will serve as the primary in-country focal point and facilitator for all RESIslands project activities within their designated country. This role is crucial for ensuring that project activities are aligned with national priorities and regional agendas, and for facilitating effective stakeholder engagement. The Country Lead will support institutional strengthening, capacity building, and the continuity of project outcomes, while also providing essential local data and input for knowledge products developed by consultants and technical partners. The ultimate goal is the effective and well-coordinated implementation of RESIslands activities at the national level, leading to strengthened institutional capacity for climate resilience.

Responsibilities

The Country Lead will manage stakeholder engagement by organizing and convening national workshops, consultations, and training events, and by liaising with national authorities, UN Resident Coordinator Offices, civil society, and academia. They will provide technical assistance for country-level deliverables, including tailored training programs, and conduct field visits for vulnerability and risk assessments. Logistical support for activities, including permits and local procurement, will also be managed. The role involves preparing timely technical progress reports and activity briefs for UNECA and national authorities, and monitoring outputs against work plans and budgets. Furthermore, the Country Lead will collect data for knowledge management tools, facilitate the dissemination of best practices, and engage national stakeholders to ensure the post-project uptake of project platforms and tools.

Work Experience

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

Skills

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

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