PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

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 160 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 catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. The International Recovery Platform (IRP) is a global partnership established in 2005 to advance disaster recovery and promote the principle of Build Back Better (BBB). Recognized under the Sendai Framework as a key mechanism for strengthening recovery, IRP serves as a platform for governments, international organizations, and experts to exchange knowledge, share lessons learned, and build capacities for resilient recovery. Guided by a Steering Committee and supported by a Secretariat, IRP develops knowledge products, convenes global forums and technical exchanges, builds capacity of national governments, assists in Post-Disaster Needs Assessments (PDNA) and Damage and Loss Assessments (DALA) and promotes good practices to enhance recovery outcomes and long-term resilience. Recovery readiness has emerged as a critical priority for strengthening disaster resilience and achieving sustainable development. Building on lessons from recent disasters and the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework, UNDRR and IRP are promoting a shift from reactive recovery to proactive preparedness by supporting countries to establish the governance, institutional, planning and financing arrangements needed before disasters occur. Central to this effort is the development and implementation of a Recovery Readiness Assessment Framework, designed to help countries assess and strengthen their capacity for resilient and inclusive recovery. Through advocacy, technical assistance, capacity development, knowledge sharing and international partnerships, UNDRR and IRP aim to institutionalize recovery readiness, embed Build Back Better principles in recovery processes, and make resilient recovery the global norm across all levels of governance. This project position is located at the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Headquarters in Geneva. The incumbent reports to the Senior Coordination Officer of the Intergovernmental processes, Interagency cooperation and Partnerships Branch, under the overall authority of the Chief of Branch.

Within delegated authority and under the guidance of the supervisor, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Supports countries in assessing, strengthening and institutionalizing their readiness for resilient recovery to build back better by conducting assessment of their pre-disaster recovery preparedness capacity and assists in capacity development.
• Establishes partnerships with relevant organizations (national and local governments, international organizations, private sector) to facilitate and accelerate the implementation of Priority 4 of the Sendai Framework (SF).
• Coordinates the work of IRP Secretariat based in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture and permanently chaired by Government of Japan including providing secretariat service to the IRP Steering Committee and working together with other IRP partners.
• Works through regional offices to support Member States in developing and strengthening resilient recovery governance, planning, and financing mechanisms, thereby enhancing recovery readiness and accelerating the implementation of Priority 4 of the Sendai Framework.
• Carries out research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.
• Identifies and engages in critical areas for UNDRR in the arena of post disaster recovery to build back better.
• Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities including effective operation of the IRP website (English and Japanese); develops communication materials for IRP (UN languages and Japanese); participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities to promote build back better in recovery.
• Leads/ participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (proposals for resource mobilization, programme /project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.)
• Carries out any other duties requested by the Chief of Branch and / or Senior Coordination Officer.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change and sustainable development. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply a human rights- and gender-based approach in UNDRR’s work to promote inclusion and uphold the principle of leaving no one behind. 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.

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.

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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, public administration, management, economics, social sciences, law, environmental studies or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of seven years of relevant progressively responsible experience in project or programme management is required. Experience managing programmes in cooperation with governmental structures is required. Experience in disaster risk reduction and/or resilience-related programming or policy work, related to the Sendai Framework, is required. Three (3) years of experience in post-disaster recovery, including Build Back Better, in an international environment is desirable. Experience in coordinating humanitarian response in UN system is desirable.

English and Japanese are required.

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