Programme Management Officer at United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

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

• Contributes to the implementation of early warning/anticipatory action and risk knowledge programmes and project management portfolio of the regional office.
• Provides expertise to ensure 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).
• Ensures effective and coherent integration of the multiple projects into the African Road Map and facilitates the implementation of needsbased and agreedupon regional/national/ local level technical and capacity 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 implementation of the Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action Systems (AMHEWAS) and the United Nations Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative in Africa.
• Contributes to the Office’s technical and capacity building support to national and regional authorities and stakeholders to collect, analyze and use disaster risk information in decision making processes.
• Provides strategic guidance to staff under supervision on policy and advocacy in support of a risk-informed approach towards comprehensive disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development, and ensures that reviews and analyses of trends for the implementation of continental, regional, national, and local policies and strategies are coherently undertaken.
• Identifies, builds and enhances strategic partnerships for national, sub regional and regional cooperation with Governments, regional organizations, United Nations Country Teams, the private sector, civil society, parliamentarians, and science and technology community at large to mobilize support for sound and coherent action related to early warning, anticipatory action and disaster risk knowledge with the overall objective of reducing disaster risk and building resilience.
• Undertakes programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the successful delivery of the portfolio for the unit under supervision, including preparation of work plans and budgets, grants, recruitment and promoting capacity development of staff, evaluation of staff performance (e-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 the 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.
• May perform other duties as required.

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.
• 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.
• Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, management, economics, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two 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 resource mobilization is required.
• International work experience in the area of disaster risk reduction or climate change adaptation is required.
• Experience in disaster risk assessments and/or managing disaster risk information is desirable.
• Experience in early warning systems, early/anticipatory action and risk knowledge is desirable.
• Experience advocating with and supporting capacity development of 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 advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.