Disaster Risk Reduction and Multi-Dimensional Resilience Specialist at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Position Purpose

• The Disaster Risk Reduction and Multi-Dimensional Resilience Specialist will work in the SDG MPTF Kenya Secretariat for the full range of the UNCT Kenya with its 24 agencies and support conducive collaboration with all stakeholders at all levels in Kenya to facilitate and support joint action and pooled funding and financing under the Fund and thereby strengthen the overall deliverables of the Kenya UNCT to achieve the priorities outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Kenya 2022-2026 as regards Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and multi-dimensional resilience. The Specialist will also support the SDG MPTF Fund Board and the RC on matters related to DRR, multi-dimensional resilience and the humanitarian/development nexus and be the RCO focal person for Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Support to accelerate joint action and joint funding of the UNCT Kenya under the SDG MPTF Kenya for the UNSDCF Kenya. 

• Support the design and implementation of joint programmes and planning/results reporting processes of the SDG MPTF Kenya and the UNSDCF (with particular focus on Strategic Priority 2 "Prosperity and Planet") in close collaboration with all actors, including the UNCT, the Kenyan government, International Financing Institutions, development partners, private sector and a broad range of stakeholders.
• Support to the SDG MPTF Kenya to drive conducive financing and institutional mechanisms in Kenya for DRR and resilience, to deliver the objectives in the UNSDCF. The incumbent will work together with the government (both national and county level) and a broad range of stakeholders including multilateral entities, international funds and the SDG Partnership Platform to support the mutual synergy and coordination on financing and investments.
• Support networks with a broad range of actors in Kenya for the UNCT important for DRR and multi-dimensional resilience in Kenya (CSOs, Council of Governors, academia, international financial institutions, private sector etc) and drive the agenda forward
• In close collaboration with the humanitarian UNCT members, support the RC, the Fund Board and the UNCT to advice and facilitate on issues related to ASALs, the repatriation of refugees and the future of the refugee camps in Kenya, and assist the RC, together with OCHA, in ensuring overall coherence on humanitarian action and the humanitarian/development nexus.

Policy Level Input & Development Coordination.

• Monitor, analyze and support the SDG MPTF Board, RC and the UNCT on the policy development in Kenya as regards DRR, multi-dimensional resilience and the humanitarian/development nexus; identify problems and possibilities to be addressedand propose actions;liaise with relevantparties and identifyand track followup actions accordingly

Focal point and adviser to the RC and UNCT on issues related to DRR, resilience, the ASALs, humanitarian issues and PSEA

• Ensure facilitation and coordination of the PSEA work done by all agencies in the UNCT.

Data and Knowledge Management:

• Ensure and coordinate data and results reporting processes as relevant under the Fund, including for the UNSDCF and for UNINFO.
• The incumbent may be required to travel to conferences and workshops related to the position and is also expected to contribute to the overall work done by the Fund and the RCO as need be to realize the objectives of the UNSDCF
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
• Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:  Supervision and performance management of Programme Team

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results:  LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively:  LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility:  LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination:  LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion:  LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management 

• UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

• Business Direction & Strategy - System Thinking
  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
• 2030 Agenda: Planet - Disaster Risk Assessment
  • Ability to assess the risk level of a disaster.
• 2030 Agenda: Planet - Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery:
  • Disaster and Climate Risk Governance
• 2030 Agenda: Planet - Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery
  • Disaster Recovery Policy, Planning and Programming
• 2030 Agenda: Planet - Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery
  • Disaster Risk Information
• 2030 Agenda: Planet - Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery
  • Early Warning and Preparedness
• 2030 Agenda: Planet - Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery
  • Gender Responsive Disaster Risk Management and Reduction

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree in disaster risk management, engineering, social science, environment and/or climate studies, public administration, international studies, rural development, and management or a discipline relevant to disaster risk management related field is required. 
• A first- level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years (with Master’s degree) or seven (7) years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in disaster risk management, humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or other related area is required.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP.
• Experience/Knowledge of Nature-based Solutions (Nb-S) desirable.
• Experience of data management in the relevant fields desirable.
• Experience in the UN Common System or other comparable international organization is desirable
• Experience in disaster risk management in Kenya is desirable.
• Experience in the UN Common System or other comparable international organization is desirable.
• Experience in emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management
• Experience in humanitarian affairs
• Experience in managing development projects.

Language:

• Fluent in oral and written in English and local language is required