Programme Management Officer at United Nations

The position is located in the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa in Nairobi. The incumbent reports to the Deputy Head of the Regional Office.

Responsibilities

Within delegated responsibility, the incumbent will carry out the following duties and responsibilities:

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Under the guidance and supervision of the Chief of the Regional Office, supports Member States in the region to translate the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction into national and local strategies and plans for disaster risk reduction in coherence with climate change adaptation processes. In collaboration with UNDRR headquarters colleagues responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the Sendai Framework, supports the rollout of the on-line monitoring system in the region to track progress in national implementation of Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction. Serves as a focal point for Sendai Framework monitoring in the region and contributes a regional perspective and lessons learned to a global UNDRR community of practice on monitoring and reporting on the implementation of Sendai Framework.
• Upon delegation from the Chief of the Regional office, participates in regional or national meetings on the implementation and monitoring of the Sendai Framework in the regional, 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. to present progress and lessons learned in implementing and monitoring of the Sendai Framework in the region.
• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Identifies capacity development needs in the region and provides, under the overall guidance of the Chief of the Regional Office, substantive input to the Chief of Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) to effectively support the strengthening of the capacity of member states and key partners in the region to monitor and report on progress in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:

1. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and other risk management topics;
2. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems;
3. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods;
4. 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;
5. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities;
6. Shows pride in work and in achievements;
7. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
8. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
9. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
10. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
11. Remains calm in stressful situations;
12. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

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

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, management, economics, engineering, environmental sciences 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 working in the following sectors is desirable: DRR & CCA ( climate change adaptation) policy coherence, DRR economics, impact-based early warning systems.
• Experience advocating with governments and other stakeholders on critical issues is desirable.
• Experience working in geographically dispersed teams is desirable.
• Experience working in international organizations such as the United Nations is desirable.
• At least two years of experience in disaster risk reduction is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Fluency in French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. Knowledge of one or several languages spoken in the region is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

In line with the overall United Nations policy, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction encourages a positive workplace culture which embraces inclusivity and leverages diversity within its workforce. Measures are applied to enable all staff members to contribute equally and fully to the work and development of the organization, including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies and standards of conduct.