Individual contractor (event planning support)

Vacancy no.: ISDR/IC/01/2011

United Nations Core Values: - Integrity - Professionalism - Respect for diversity

Background:

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is a multi-disciplinary and multistakeholder platform to enable societies to increase their resilience to natural, technological and environmental disasters and to reduce associated environmental, human, economic and social risk and losses. A range of United Nations organizations and international partners participate in cooperation with Governments, the private sector and civil society organizations.

The implementation of the ISDR is supported by a secretariat lead by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. The secretariat’s main functions are policy coordination, advocacy and information management, at the international and regional levels on disaster risk reduction.

In January 2005, the World Conference on Disaster Reduction adopted the Hyogo Declaration and the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters. The Hyogo Framework constitutes the essential guide for implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and represents the key international policy framework for reducing risk and to strengthen community resilience.

Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 8-13 May 2011

The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, established by the UN General Assembly in 2006, is the main global forum for disaster risk reduction, and is complemented by a system of regional, thematic and national platforms, which bring together all relevant stakeholders.

The Third Session is planned for 8-13 May 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland. The overall Theme of the Global Platform 2011 will be ‘Invest Today for a Safer Tomorrow - Increased Investment in Local Action’. The theme is based on the Chair’s Summary of Second Session the Global Platform in 2009, which called for “Reduced risk for all”. The theme of the Third Session of the Global Platform 2011 is supported through the three proposed topics. They include:

1. Recovering and Reducing Risks after Disasters (World Reconstruction Conference)
2. Understanding the Economics of Disaster Risk Reduction
3. Strengthening Alliances for Climate Change Adaptation and Development

Further information can be found in the Second Announcement of the Global Platform 2011: http://www.preventionweb.net/globalplatform/2011/announcements/Outline-GP-26112010.pdf

Duties and responsibilities:

Reporting to the Senior Coordinator, Global Platform, the Individual Contractor will provide event planning support for the effective organization and roll-out of the Second Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, to be held at the Centre de Conférences International de Genève (CICG), at Geneva, from 8 to 13 May 2011 by:

• Identifying requirements and overseeing key aspects of conference planning, roll-out and reporting including administrative, and logistical support;
• Supporting and guiding Global Platform coordination and working with ISDR administration in all aspects of conference event planning including but not limited to liaison and planning with UNOG Conference services, external suppliers and/or CICG
management;
• Providing oversight and/or guidance to other conference-assigned staff, such as volunteers and interns as necessary; and
• Performing other conference-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism - Ability to manage processes, maintain records in a systematic fashion, interpret/analyze a wide variety of data, and identify/resolve data discrepancies and activity problems. Knowledge of issues related to disaster risk reduction and/or development. Experience of UN system regulations and rules.
Planning and Organizing - Demonstrate effective organizational skills and ability to handle work in an efficient and timely manner.
Technological Awareness - Fully proficient computer skills, particularly in using relevant information databases, internet services, contact sources.
Communication - Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally. Be able to make external contacts when necessary.
Teamwork - Good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi ethnic, multi-timezone environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience: Seven years of experience in general office support, administration, logistics, finance or related field.
Languages: Fluency in oral and written English required, knowledge of French is desirable
Other skills: Knowledge of Internet-based information services, Excel Spreadsheet. Proven experience in coordinating events.