Project Officer (Sahel)

Organizational Context

The UNCCD aims to combat desertification and land degradation globally, particularly in Africa. Its Global Mechanism (GM) mobilizes financial resources for sustainable land management. The Sahel Flagship unit, based in Bonn, Germany, leads transformative initiatives and large-scale land restoration efforts across the Sahel region, supporting community resilience and economic transformation.

Job Purpose

This Project Officer role within the UNCCD's Global Mechanism, specifically for the Sahel Flagship unit, is to provide strategic leadership and direction for initiatives across the circum-Sahelian region. The purpose is to achieve the Great Green Wall Initiative's vision, manage UNCCD's contribution to land restoration, and support local communities in building resilience and driving economic transformation. The role involves coordinating complex projects, managing donor relationships, fostering strategic partnerships with key regional and international organizations, leading resource mobilization efforts, and ensuring effective country-level implementation and transboundary initiatives. The incumbent will also oversee budget management, prepare strategic documents, and advocate for increased investment in land restoration.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Sahel Flagship unit, supervising staff and coordinating unit activities across multiple complex projects. Manage high-level donor relationships, ensuring satisfaction through transparent reporting and timely milestone delivery. Coordinate strategic partnerships with organizations like the African Union and FAO to advance the Great Green Wall implementation. Direct project implementation and evaluation, ensuring measurable impacts. Lead resource mobilization efforts, including organizing investor conferences and developing bankable project portfolios. Facilitate the establishment and coordination of National Coalitions in Great Green Wall countries. Represent UNCCD at major conferences and serve as a spokesperson for Sahel initiatives. Oversee budget management and financial oversight for the unit's portfolio, ensuring compliance and effective resource allocation. Prepare strategic documents, policy papers, and funding proposals. Ensure gender mainstreaming in all planned actions.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in program or project planning and management, with at least three years in a leadership capacity, is required. Experience in implementing large-scale projects, promoting partnerships, managing donor relations, and resource mobilization is essential. Experience in a field operation within Africa/Sahel or the UN system is desirable.

Skills

Strategic leadership, project management, donor relationship management, resource mobilization, partnership coordination, budget management, strategic planning, communication (written and verbal), presentation skills, gender mainstreaming, decision-making, problem-solving.

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