Programme Officer, Cairo or Geneva, P4, (5 posts)

15-PGM-UNISDR-42429-R-MULTIPLE D/S (X)

United Nations Core Values:

Integrity ● Professionalism ● Respect for diversity

Org. Setting And Reporting

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in socio-economic and humanitarian fields. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNISDR has over 100 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and 5 regional offices and other field presences. Specifically, UNISDR coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction, and guides, monitors and reports on the progress of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action; campaigns to create global awareness of disaster risk reduction benefits and empower people to reduce their vulnerability to hazards; advocates for greater investments in disaster risk reduction to protect people's lives and assets, and for increased and informed participation of men and women in reducing disaster risk; and informs and connects people by providing practical services and tools such as PreventionWeb, publications on good practices, and by leading the preparation of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction and the Organisation of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Responsibilities

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

• Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning and facilitating workshops and other interactive sessions, providing technical support and advice as required and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• In line with the UNISDR strategic framework and work programmes, builds and sustains productive partnerships with multiple stakeholders in the disaster risk reduction area and fosters synergies and coherence through working groups, networks, meetings and joint initiatives; facilitates coordination and collaboration among disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (CCA) players.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies, Generates survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings and conferences including the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) and Preparatory Committees by proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparing documents and presentations and engaging in logistical and communication tasks, liaising with focal points and counterparts as necessary.
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Coordinates and implements special projects as assigned by the Head of Section; oversees the work of external consultants; supports the Head of Section in carrying out programmatic and administrative tasks and performs other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Establish and maintain relationships with counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies; Representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations, consultants.

Results Expected:

Develops, implements, evaluates, effective leadership and management of major projects and teams; demonstrates timely delivery of outputs in accordance with overall objectives and policies. Plays a lead role in identifying significant issues and develops well-reasoned, innovative approaches to deal with these issues. Serves as an effective spokesperson internally and externally and forms strong partnerships with relevant parties.

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.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise;
• is willing to learn from others; 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.

Planning & 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.

• 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 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 informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, natural and environment sciences or related area. 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 7 years of progressively responsible experience at international level in project or programme management, including at least 4 years’ experience related to disaster risk reduction, disaster risk management, climate change adaptation or similar fields. Experience in developing partnerships on disaster risk reduction (DRR) issues at country, regional or international level is desirable. Experience in advocating for disaster risk reduction (DRR), disaster risk management or climate change adaptation also desirable. UN experience, including field work experience desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of French and Arabic is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

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

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.