Closing date:

PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER (EWS), P3 (Temporary Job Opening)

City/location:
Nairobi, Kenya
Organization:
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

This job posting has closed

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Org. Setting and Reporting

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 100 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyses action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with U.N. Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community.

The temporary position is located in the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa (ROA) in Nairobi. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Regional Office.

Responsibilities

Context and Operational Background
The Africa Road Map for Improving the Availability, Access and Use of Disaster Risk Information for Early Warning and Early Action, including in the Context of Transboundary Risk Management, aligned to the Plan of Action for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for DRR across the African region, features the main priorities for the implementation along with the related implementation modalities and lists implementing partners, identified by the African stakeholders.

It is the result of an extensive and participatory consultation process, inspired by exchange of knowledge and experience with continental and international stakeholders, customized to the specific needs and capacity of the African stakeholders, aiming to ensure their ownership and political commitment. It builds on previous efforts over many years and systematizes the support provided by donors and implementing partners.

Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Supports the development, implementation and monitoring of projects related to the implementation of the African Road map for Impact-based Early Warning Systems for Early Action and Transboundary risk management, aligned to Plan of Action for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Africa.
Under the leadership of the Senior Programme Manager and in coordination with the Deputy Chief of the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa and with other relevant units in the organization drafts programme documents and reports; addresses priorities, problems and issues and implements corrective actions as required; work with relevant parties and timely executes follow-up actions.
Performs data-based research and under the guidance of the Senior Programme Specialist presents information gathered from diverse sources.
Supports the development and implementation of coherent policy documents.
Performs data collection and supports the development and implementation of databases, data analytics, modelling of hazard and risk scenario and other strategies that optimize the risk understanding for its multipurpose applications including, among others, for impact-based early warning systems for early/anticipatory actions and transboundary risk management; in coordination with the Sendai Framework Monitor Officer, the Risk Knowledge Officer and the External Communication Officer support the development and implementation of coherent, actionable and time-dynamic policies for disaster risk reduction climate change adaptation and sustainable development, including through the application of resilient dividends approach. statistical efficiency and quality; reviews, analyses and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions, while ensuring engagement of UNCTs.

Drafts various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
Provides assistance in the organization and roll out of consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.

Supports outreach activities, maintains and strengthens regular contact with other implementing partners and beneficiaries, including, among others, the AUC, ACMAD, the RECs, African Governments, DRR stakeholders, technical-scientific partners, universities and research centres, ensuring timely dissemination of relevant information related to the programme implementation; support to access to the infrastructure, software and services needed to develop and deploy data/information products; promotes and support disaster risk-informed decision-making processes.
In cooperation with other implementing partners, supports the organization and roll out of training workshops, seminars, etc., makes presentations on assigned topics/activities; assists in the development of training of trainers and training on the job for the design of contingency/emergency plans activated by risk scenarios forecasted in the early warning messages.

Participates in field missions, and cooperates with external consultants, government officials and other parties, drafts mission summaries, etc.
Contributes to the preparation of budget plan and funding proposal providing technical inputs aimed at enhancing the UNDRR added value; assists in the preparation of programme/project reports progress reports, etc.

Establishes and maintains technical dialogue with relevant beneficiaries and partners.
Supports the recruitment of technical experts to boost the implementation of activities in beneficiary entities.
Assists in the development and review of the legal and institutional framework for the identification of roles and responsibilities of DRR stakeholders from continental to the regional, sub-regional, national and sub-national levels.

Contributes to the installation and customization of the common open-source platform for the exchange, analysis and redistribution of DRR data and information and ensures the link up of the relevant stakeholders into the continental network.
Supports the definition, testing and endorsement of Standard Operating Procedures to exchange, analyses and redistribute DRR data and information, through common open-source platform.
Supports the design, development and rolling out of training for development, customization and operational use of hydro-meteorological modelling for impact-based early warning systems.
Supports the development and roll out of awareness campaign for the effective communication and use of early warning messages; contributes to the development of customized messages for the different end users, with specific focus on Disaster risk reduction and Disaster risk management (DRR/DRM) officers and general public.

Facilitates and participates in the exchange of knowledge and experience and to the establishment of triangular cooperation mechanism with international and global stakeholders active in the field of impact-based early warning system for early action and transboundary risk management and related scientific research activity, including, among other, EU-DG ECHO, ARISTOTLE network, Civil Protection and DRR/DRM authorities at international and global level, as well as with other international organizations active in the field of DRR/DRM, including but not limited to WMO, UNOCHA, WFP, FAO, IOM, IFRC, INGOs.Drafts project related monitoring and reporting.
Participates in the organization and roll out of visibility events and the production of visibility material related to the implementation of the Road Map for its broader endorsement and implementation.
Provides inputs for the development of strategic papers, talking points, speeches and presentations for the Chief and Deputy Chief of the Office as well as for senior management, related to project activities, outcomes and policy making.
In coordination with the SFM Officer facilitate the collection and management of inputs to support the monitoring of target G of the Sendai Framework.
Upon request from the Chief of the Office and of the Senior Programme Officer, represents UNDRR at Inter-Agency meetings, seminars, etc. on Early Warning Systems for Early Action and transboundary risk management, makes presentations to groups on UNDRR activities and advocate issues of concern.
Assists in the identification of funding opportunities and in the preparation of project proposals for the implementation of the Africa Road Map.
May perform other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:
Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and other risk management topics;
Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems;
Ability to conduct data collection using various methods;
Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases;
Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities;
Shows pride in work and in achievements;
Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter.
Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.
Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.
Remains calm in stressful situations.
Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies
and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

TEAMWORK
Works collaboratively with colleagues, beneficiaries and implementing partners to achieve programme and organizational goals.
Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; demonstrates openness to exchange knowledge and experience, including with indigenous partners, ensuring the implemented programme is customized, owned and sustainable with local resources and capacities
Places team agenda before personal agenda
Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

CLIENT ORIENTATION
Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view
Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients, other stakeholders and donors by gaining their trust and respect
Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions
Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems
Keeps clients, partners and donors informed of progress or setbacks in projects, along with the identified copying solutions
Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS
Keeps abreast of available technology, methodologies, and modeling related to Impact-Based EWSs
Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the beneficiaries and in general of the African technological context
Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks
Shows willingness to learn new technology and explore hybrid solution merging innovative tools with indigenous knowledge.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in economics, physic, engineering, mathematic, environmental science, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years, of which at least two (2) in Africa, of progressively responsible experience in the establishment and operationalization of impact-based Early Warning Systems is required.

Experience in Hydro-meteorological monitoring and forecasting tools is required.

At least 2 years of operational working experience in impact-based Early Warning Systems for early Disaster Risk Management actions and transboundary risk management is required.

Experience in development and testing of Standard Operating Procedures for operational collection analysis and use of DRR data for impact based Early Warning Systems for early action is desirable.

Experience in facilitating partnership among DRR/DRM institutions and academia is desirable.

Experience in developing and rolling out capacity building activities on risk modeling and Early Warning Systems in international context is desirable.

At least 2 years of working experience in project management, including development and monitoring of work plans, procurement and financial reporting, within the UN Common System is desirable.

Experience in working with the European Union Civil Protection and/or United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination team, and INGOs working on DRR/DRM at regional/national level is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
For the post advertised fluency in English is required; knowledge of French is desirable.
Knowledge of one or several languages spoken in the region are an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available with a contract duration of 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.

This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.

Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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