Associate Programme Management Officer, Suva, Fiji

 

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. This project position is based in the UNDRR Pacific Subregional Office in Suva, Fiji, and reports directly to the Head of the Pacific Subregional Office, under the overall authority of the Chief of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

 

 

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: - Contributes to the development, implementation, and evaluation of early warning systems initiatives in the Pacific; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation in particular the CREWS SIEWAP, 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 guidance of the Head of Office, supports Member States, regional organizations and other relevant partners in the Pacific region in the development and implementation of early warning systems and anticipatory action initiatives through enhancing risk information, mainstreaming gender and disability inclusion into EWS, and risk communication. - Provides technical assistance in designing the anticipatory action frameworks in the Pacific region and supports the Pacific Anticipatory Action Technical Working Group as well as related technical working groups. - Collaborates closely with UNDRR colleagues responsible for risk information, disaster loss database, and reporting. - Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. - Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, capacity building; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. - Participates in the regional or national meetings on early warning systems and anticipatory action, and 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, and analysis of the early warnings systems in the countries, and progress and lessons learned in anticipatory action initiatives. - Contributes at his/her level to programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Sub regional office, including preparation of work plans and budgets, 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. - Carries out other duties as assigned by the Head of Pacific Sub-regional Office.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction and early warning systems. Ability to identify issues, analyze, and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan work and manage conflicting priorities. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. 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 and disability 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. 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.

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in disaster risk reduction, geography, meteorology, environmental sciences, engineering, urban planning, 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.

Not available.

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience building strategic alliances and partnerships is required. Experience in disaster risk reduction and early warning systems is required. Experience in the United Nations or similar international organization is desirable. Experience in disaster risk assessment for planning and policy development is desirable.

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

Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located (Fiji). This is a project post. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal or extension thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. 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.