Individual contractor - event planning support manager, Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2009

Background

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder platform to enable societies to increase their resilience to natural, technological and environmental disasters and to reduce associated environmental, human and economic and social losses. A range of United Nations organizations and international partners participate in cooperation with Governments and civil society organizations. In adopting ISDR, the United Nations General Assembly (Res/54/219) also endorsed the establishment of the ISDR secretariat (UNISDR).

The main functions of the secretariat are policy coordination, advocacy and information/knowledge management, at the international and regional levels, to ensure synergy between disaster reduction strategies and those in the socio-economic and humanitarian fields.

The Global Platform is the main consultative forum on disaster risk reduction at the global level. It brings together a wide range of actors in the various sectors of development and humanitarian work, and in the environmental and scientific fields related to disaster risk reduction. It aims at expanding the political space dedicated by governments to disaster risk reduction, in all sectors, and contributes to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in respect of poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. The Platform advocates for effective and timely action by nations, communities and all stakeholders and partners to mitigate risk, manage vulnerabilities and reduce disasters. The Global Platform takes place every two years. The second session will take place during the week of 15-19 June 2009 in Geneva.


Duties and responsabilities

Reporting to the Senior Coordinator, Global Platform, 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 13 to 19 June 2009 by:

- Identifying requirements and overseeing all aspects of conference planning, budgeting, roll-out and reporting including administrative, logistical, communications and reporting;

- Providing guidance to Global Platform administration 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, as necessary;

- 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. S/M required to have demonstrated experience of UN system, staff rules and regulations, as well as administrative policies and practices.

Planning and Organizing: Demonstrate effective organizational skills and ability to handle work in an efficient and timely manner.

Commitment to continuous learning: Initiative and willingness to learn new skills and flexibility to changes in the assignment.

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-time-zone environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent Degree.

Experience: Progressively responsible experience in the field of administration, logistical support, finance or related field.

Languages: Fluency in oral and written English required and French desirable

Other skills: Knowledge of Internet-based information services, Excel Spreadsheet,