Senior Programme Officer, DRR Coordination and Programming Section, P5 - temporary

UNISDR/IMIS:  508317   

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 (SRSG/ASG), 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 empowers 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 (DRR).

This position is located in the DRR Coordination and Programming Section of UNISDR and the incumbent reports to the Chief of Section. Under the guidance of the Chief of Section, the incumbent carries out the following responsibilities/duties:

Summary of main duties

- Plans, manages, supervises and carries out the work programme of the World Conference and UN Coordination Section under his/her responsibility, determining priorities, and allocation of resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery; ensures that the outputs produced meet high-quality standards and support relevant UNISDR mandates. Participates in setting the UNISDR strategic direction, planning and monitoring of the achievements.

- Organizes the third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in collaboration with, Member States, major groups and UN agencies by directly carrying out or coordinating various tasks, including, proposing agenda topics, identifying speakers, preparing concept notes, documents and presentations, engaging in logistical and communication tasks, liaising with focal points and counterparts as necessary.

- Carries out the managerial, programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the efficient functioning of the section, including preparation of work plan and costplan, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on programmatic and budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting and interaction with Regional Offices, service providers and UN partners as necessary.

- Provides substantive backstopping and policy advice on disaster risk reduction issues to Member States, the United Nations and other major stakeholders in the context of the third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Drafts and coordinates the preparation of official documents and reports.

- Represents UNISDR in inter-governmental and inter-agency processes and meetings, provides substantive and programmatic advice as required and ensures that disaster risk reduction is reflected in the outcome of these processes.

- Acts as the interlocutor for UNISDR Regional Offices at Headquarters and coordinates dialogue and collaboration among Regional Offices and Headquarters sections, to facilitate coherent programming and facilitate support to delivering the UNISDR work programme at the regional level

- Contributes to the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience and promotes coherence in communication strategies among UN agencies.

- Coordinates the preparation of UN statements, documents and input into the post-2015 framework, CEB and other disaster risk reduction processes.

- In line with the UNISDR strategic framework and work programme, 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; enhances coordination and collaboration among disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (CCA) players.

- Monitors progress against the time schedule and milestones and coordinates the preparation of regular updates. Identifies gaps and opportunities for UNISDR to intervene, ensuring additional technical support to the process

- Carries out any other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Knowledge and understanding of concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of the operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. 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. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable

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' 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.

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.

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.

Qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, management, economics, social sciences, natural and environmental sciences, public administration 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 ten years of relevant professional work experience in programme/project management, building strategic alliances and partnerships and resource mobilization; international and developing country work experience and field work experience; background/familiarity with disaster risk reduction is required; UN experience desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of Japanese would be an asset.