Overview

Provides strategic leadership and direction for the Sahel Flagship unit, coordinating activities across multiple complex projects and managing high-level donor relationships.

Tasks Summary

• Provides strategic leadership and direction for the Sahel Flagship unit, supervising staff and ensuring effective coordination of all unit activities across multiple complex projects
• Manages high-level donor relationships with key partners and donors; ensures 100% donor satisfaction through transparent reporting and timely milestone delivery
• Coordinates strategic partnerships with the African Union, Pan-African Agency for the Great Green Wall (PAGGW), CILSS, OSS, FAO, and other regional and international organizations to advance Great Green Wall implementation and expansion
• Directs the implementation and evaluation of flagship; ensures project milestones are achieved and impacts are measurable
• Coordinates the timely and effective implementation of the LOGME II: Widen Proven Furrows projects, funded by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (IMEES); moderates the project’s steering committee and co-chairs its advisory committee
• Leads resource mobilization efforts by implementing the GGW Accelerator Resource Mobilization Strategy, organizing high-level investor conferences, and developing bankable project portfolios to secure additional funding for scale-up activities
• Facilitates the establishment and coordination of National Coalitions across all 11 Great Green Wall countries through high-level exchanges with ministers and decision-makers, ensuring effective country-level implementation
• Provides board-level representation at major conferences including COPs, ministerial meetings, and international forums; serves as primary spokesperson for UNCCD Sahel initiatives and advocates for increased investment in land restoration
• Coordinates transboundary initiatives including the establishment of water task forces and cross-border restoration activities that address shared challenges across the Sahel belt
• Oversees budget management and financial oversight for the entire unit portfolio, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and effective allocation of resources across multiple projects and countries
• Directs the preparation of strategic documents including policy papers, technical reports, funding proposals, and high-level presentations for donors, partners, and international forums
• Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing implications for men and women in all planned actions and ensuring equal participation across all restoration initiatives
• Performs any other job-related activity required to achieve the goals and objectives of the Sahel Flagship unit, the Global Mechanism, or the UNCCD

Experience Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to provide innovative strategic leadership and technical expertise in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Proven track record of delivering results under pressure and managing competing priorities across multiple projects and countries
• Knowledge and understanding of sustainable land management, climate adaptation, and international development cooperation
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks while generating compelling organizational direction

Qualification Requirements

Other Details