PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER (Head of the Sub-regional Office), P4

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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.

This position is located in the UNDRR Sub-regional Office in Suva, Fiji. The Programme Management Officer (Head of the Sub-regional Office ) leads the overall UNDRR’s work for the Pacific and reports to the Chief of Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) (Bangkok).

 

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) and within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Develops and implements the work and cost plans for the Sub-regional Office (SRO) and actively participates in the development of ROAP’s work and cost plans, in line with the UNDRR Strategic Framework and Work Programme.

Undertakes programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the SRO, including recruitment and capacity development of staff, evaluation of staff performance through regular dialogue and feedback, and monitoring and reporting on budget/programme performance in the context of results-based management.

Ensures that the outputs produced by the SRO team meet high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data, complying with relevant organizational mandates. Actively promotes a positive, collaborative and effective team and performance culture in the in the Office as well as the whole of ROAP’s work.

Liaises with the senior regional government and territory leaders and other stakeholders across the Pacific to advance the disaster risk reduction and risk resilient development;

Supports the Sendai Framework implementation at the regional, national and local levels in coherence with the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement, the SAMOA Pathway, and in line with the 2020 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review and the UN Plan of Action on Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience.

Provides strategic, programmatic/substantive advice and expertise aimed at the integration of disaster risk reduction policies and programmes in development and climate action through cooperation and close engagement with, and support to, relevant regional organizations, such as Pacific Island Forum, the Pacific Community, and the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, regional and national coordination mechanisms, the Resident Coordinator system and UN Country Teams as well as other stakeholders; facilitates the contribution of Pacific experience in disaster and climate risk management to global learning; represents UNDRR in relevant meetings in the region.

Supports the 4 UN Resident Coordinators in the Pacific region – based in Fiji, Samoa, Micronesia and Papua New Guinea – to coordinate DRR efforts across UN programming; performs a lead role in the development of new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF) in 2023 for all 4 UN country teams (the work of Fiji, Samoa and Micronesia multi-country offices is consolidated into one UNSDCF).

Closely engages in and represents the entire UN system on the Pacific Resilience Partnership, the multi-sector, multi-stakeholder mechanism mandated by Pacific governments to support disaster and climate resilience at the national and local level; plays a leading support role in organizing the biennial Pacific Resilience Meeting.

Builds effective partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders including Parliamentarians, local government and village officials, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society organization representing women, children, youth and people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and the media to mobilize support for sound and coherent action related to disaster risk reduction; facilitates meaningful involvement and participation of multiple stakeholders in the development and implementation of effective disaster risk reduction strategies, policies, frameworks and programmes and plans of action in the region.

Contributes to ROAP’s resource mobilization initiatives and the management of partnerships with donors.

Actively engages in the preparation of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction, including the development and implementation of an action plan, the work of task teams, preparation and review of relevant documents and reports, identification of priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaison with relevant parties, identification and start-up of follow-up actions, continuous dialogue with the country hosting the Conference, the development of a host country agreement, definition of budget requirements and the mobilization of resources; coordination with UN system entities and stakeholders, follow-up to the Conference’ outcome and deliberations, and application of lessons learned to future Conferences.

Carries out any other duties requested by the Chief of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP).

 

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, financing for development, climate change and other related disaster risk reduction topics. Ability to identify issues, analyze and propose solutions for the resolution of issues/problems. 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.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and 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.

 

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in international relations, management, economics, social sciences, law or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of relevant progressively responsible experience in project or programme management is required.

Experience in building strategic alliances and partnerships and in disaster risk reduction is required.

International work experience is required.

Experience in representation functions with international organizations is desirable.

Experience in resource mobilization is desirable.

At least five years of experience in intergovernmental organizations at the international level is desirable.

Experience in advocating with governments and other stakeholders on disaster risk reduction and climate action is desirable.

At least five years of experience in providing strategic policy guidance on disaster risk reduction and climate action is desirable.

Experience working with small island developing states (SIDS) is desirable.

Experience in the Pacific region 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 another UN official language is desirable.

 

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

In line with the overall United Nations policy, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction encourages a positive workplace culture which embraces inclusivity and leverages diversity within its workforce. Measures are applied to enable all staff members to contribute equally and fully to the work and development of the organization, including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies and standards of conduct.

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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