Programme Management Officer (Deputy Chief of Office), P4 at United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

Job Description

About UNDRR As the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNDRR brings governments, partners and communities together to reduce disaster risk and losses to ensure a safer, more sustainable future. UNDRR (formerly UNISDR) is the United Nations focal point for disaster risk reduction. UNDRR oversees the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction -, supporting countries in its implementation, monitoring and sharing what works in reducing existing risk and preventing the creation of new risk. Photo Abbie Trayler-Smith / Panos Pictures / Department for International Development

Responsibilities

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

Actively contributes to specific topics related to the formulation and implementation of the work plan for the Regional Office in line with the UNDRR Strategic Framework and Work Programme. Undertakes, programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Regional office, including preparation of work plans and budgets, recruitment and promoting capacity development of staff, evaluation of staff performance (PAS) through regular dialogue and feedback, and monitoring and reporting on project implementation, budget/programme performance in the context of results-based management. Ensures that the outputs produced by team under his/her supervision meet high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data; and that they comply with relevant organizational mandates. Ensures the continuous development and implementation of 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 (Africa Roadmap). Contributes to the effective and coherent integration of the multiple projects into the African Road Map. Coordinates with UNDRR Headquarters and other regional offices in harmonizing the implementation of projects on a continuous basis. Facilitates the implementation of need-based and agreed-upon regional/national/ local level support. Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned programmes/projects related to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development, with primary focus on impact-based early warning systems for early and anticipatory actions, including the customization and implementation of the EW4All initiative in Africa. For projects and programmes within portfolio, provides specialist guidance in support of risk-informed approach towards comprehensive disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development, and ensure review and analysis of trends for the implementation of continental, regional, national, and local policies and strategies are coherently undertaken. Coordinates implementation of ROA’s project related contribution when included in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework: Coordinates provision of technical support to Common Country Assessments and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework processes in countries. Contributes to resource mobilization efforts in the Africa region to support project implementation in the region. Supports the Chief of the Regional Office in the coordination and implementation of UN Plan of Action on Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience in the region. Ensures the integration of risk reduction policies and programmes through cooperation with the relevant regional coordination mechanisms, Resident Coordinator system and UN Country Team. Contributes to the identification, building and enhancing of strategic partnerships for national, sub regional and regional cooperation with Governments, regional organizations, the private sector, civil society, parliamentarians, and science and technology community at large to mobilize support for sound and coherent action related to disaster risk reduction On occasion, as appropriate, may represent the Chief of Regional Office and other UNDRR officials in meetings on disaster risk reduction in the region. Provides programmatic/substantive expertise. Engages, as appropriate, in the development of local, national and regional strategies in line with the Sendai Framework, including in support of MCR ; contributes to the strengthening of policy and advocacy in support of risk-informed development and ensures review and analysis of trends for the implementation of national policies and strategies are undertaken. In this regard, collaborates with the the Africa office Programme Management Office (Governance) responsible for coordinating policy guidance on disaster risk reduction and contributes project related information and analysis on regional needs and priority areas of interest. Contributes to effective planning and monitoring at the regional and global levels, ensures effective interface with HQ and other regions, and proposes proactively new solutions and approaches.

Requirements

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. Ability to collaborate within geographically dispersed teams. Ability to contribute to the identification of strategic agenda for engagement within the region. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to coordinate task teams and ensure quality and timely outcomes. 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. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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. Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field 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 progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience building strategic alliances and partnerships, and in resource mobilization is required. Work experience in the United Nations or similar international organisation is required. Experience in disaster risk reduction is required. Experience working in geographically dispersed teams is desirable. Experience advocating with governments and other stakeholders on critical issues is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.