Programme Management Officer (Risk Knowledge) at United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

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

• Contributes to the development, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions. Under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer (Early Warning and Risk Knowledge Coordinator), supports Member States in the region in the development and implementation of their national disaster risk reduction plans, through risk assessments, development of disaster loss databases and disaster risk profiles.
• Supports Member States in the region, the African Union Commission and the Regional Economic Commissions to implement the risk knowledge components of the programme of Action for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa and the Framework for Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System for Africa. Serves as a focal point for disaster risk knowledge and analysis in the region and contributes a regional perspective and lessons learned to a global UNDRR community of practise on disaster risk knowledge and analysis. Collaborates closely with UNDRR colleagues responsible for global risk analysis, risk modelling, and reporting and disaster loss databases in the Risk Knowledge Branch in UNDRR headquarters.
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. Upon delegation from the Deputy Chief of the Regional office, participates in regional or national meetings on the implementation of the Sendai Framework in the region, provides programmatic/substantive expertise, and holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. Drafts written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. presenting the analysis of the disaster risk in the countries in the region and progress and lessons learned in reducing disaster risk.
• Identifies capacity development needs in the region and provides, substantive input to the Chief of Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) to effectively support the capacity development of member states and key partners in the region in the areas of risk assessment and analysis, risk profiles and disaster loss databases.
• Contributes at his/her level to programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Regional Office, including preparation of work plans and budgets, development of project proposals, and monitoring and reporting on budget/programme performance in the context of results-based management. Ensures that the outputs produced meet high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data; and that they comply with relevant organizational mandates.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Carries out other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, early warning systems or other relevant specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with 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.
• 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. 
• 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.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in international development, climate and disaster related studies, business administration, management, 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management administration, or related area is required.
• Experience in disaster risk reduction is required.
• Experience in conducting disaster and/or climate risk assessments is required.
• Experience in building strategic alliances and partnerships including with governments and academia is desirable.
• 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 post advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable.