Closing date:

Project officer, P3 (DRR Coordination and Regional Programmes)

City/location:
Geneva
Organization:
United Nations Office for Project Services
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

This job posting has closed

Vacancy code: VA/2014/B5006/4624

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations.

We employ more than 6,000 personnel and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.

Functional Responsibilities

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 eduction 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 organization of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly requested UNISDR to facilitate the development of a post-2015 framework on disaster risk reduction (A/RES/66/199). In 2012, the Assembly decided to convene the third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) in Japan in 2015. to review implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action and to adopt a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.

The position is located in the UNISDR Office in Geneva. The Project Officer will work under the overall guidance of the Chief of Section, DRR Coordination and Regional Programmes/the coordinator of the WCDRR, and in close cooperation with the UNISDR Office in Japan. The position will be part of the team responsible for the developing the HFA2 and coordinating logistical and programme activities of WCDRR.

Responsibilities:

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

  • Assist the Coordinator of the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015 in the development, implementation and evaluation of WCDRR related matters.
  • Provide substantive support in the preparation and organization of consultation events and Preparatory Committee meetings for the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction (HFA2)
  • Research and analyse aspects of services and of logistics required for the successful undertaking of the WCDRR.
  • Liaise with the Host Government and local host city in consultation with the UNISDR Office in Japan on the WCDRR related matters, in order to ensure that sessions are organized in a coordinated manner.
  • Monitor and administer budget related matters, compile events, review and support preparation of background information and staff roles.
  • Provide support to the WCDRR Coordinating team in UNISDR on the organisation of high-level meetings and sessions.
  • Monitor and assess, and identify potential problem areas and propose solutions for logistical and practical arrangements needed for the sessions.

Gender mainstreaming: Provides leadership and take responsibility for ensuring appropriate attention to both gender balance and geographic representation in staffing and to incorporating gender perspectives into the substantive work.

  • Perform other duties as may be required by the World Conference coordinator

Competencies

  • Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. 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 with faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains clam in stressful situation. take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
  • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from other and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Ability to articulated options concisely.
  • 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. Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity.
  • 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. Ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
  • Technology awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
  • Commitment to continuous learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in the field; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from other; seeks feedback to learn and improve. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive and constructive attitude.
  • 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 by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' need 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/Experience/Language requirements

  • Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, disaster risk reduction or other related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
  • A minimum of 5 years progressively responsible experience in multilateral relations, disaster risk reduction, climate change, project management or related areas.
  • Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Japanese is highly desirable.

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