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 100 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 catalyses 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 positions is located in the UNDRR Sub-regional Office in Suva, Fiji. The Programme Management Officer reports to the head of the Sub-regional Office and will have lead responsibility for UNDRR’s deliverables as part of the CREWS (Climate Risk Early Warning Systems) Initiative 'Strengthening Hydro-Meteorological and Early Warning Systems in the Pacific'.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall guidance of the Head, the Programme Management Officer carries out the following duties and responsibilities:

•  Contributes to the development, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects; namely the CREWS Initiative; 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.
•  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 data bases and disaster risk profiles. Serves as a focal point for disaster risk knowledge and analysis in the region and contributes a Pacific perspective and lessons learned to a global UNDRR community of practice 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 Sendai Monitoring Branch in UNDRR headquarters.
•  Initiates and coordinates outreach activities in particular with civil society groups; produces a training module on effective risk messaging to vulnerable communities and conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
•  Participates in regional or national meetings on the implementation of the Sendai Framework with a focus on inclusive early warning systems, provides programmatic/substantive expertise, and holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions.
•  Drafts case studies, written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. on inclusive early warning systems in the Pacific, presenting the analysis of the disaster risk in the region .
•  Identifies capacity development needs in the Pacific region and develops a plan for an integrated and inclusive Early Warning System in one Pacific country.
•  Develops guidelines to be used regionally – and referenced globally – on how to make early warning systems both gender and disability inclusive.
•  Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
•  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.
•  Coordinates with other CREWS Initiative partners, in particular WMO, World Bank and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP).
•  Carries out other duties as assigned by the Head of the Sub-regional Office.

COMPETENCIES

PROFESSIONALISM

 Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and other risk management topics; Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; Ability to conduct data collection using various methods; 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; 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 honors 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

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work 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 as well as in building strategic alliances and partnerships is required.
• International work experience is required,
• Experience in disaster risk reduction is required.
• Experience advocating with governments and other stakeholders on critical issues is desirable.
• Experience working in geographically dispersed teams is desirable.
• Experience working in the Pacific is desirable.
• Experience working on or in support of early warning/ early action systems, is desirable.

Source:https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=144190

LANGUAGES
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required and knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.