Associate Programme Management Officer, P2 (Temporary Job Opening)

Org. Setting and Reporting

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) 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), UNISDR has over 100 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNISDR 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.

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 was adopted by UN Member States on 18 March 2015 at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It was endorsed by the UN General Assembly following the WCDRR.

The Sendai Framework is a 15-year, voluntary, non-binding agreement which recognizes that the State has the primary role to reduce disaster risk but that responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders including local government, the private sector, academia and civil societies. UNISDR has been tasked to support the implementation, follow-up and review of the Sendai Framework.

The voluntary commitments initiative, initially developed in response to General Assembly resolution 68/211 (2013) was launched in the lead-up to the WCDRR in March to support the development of partnerships at all levels to implement the Sendai framework.

The modalities of the Voluntary Commitments’ follow up was further elaborated by the General Assembly resolution A/69/283 (2015) - “commitments by relevant stakeholders are important in order to identify modalities of cooperation and to implement the present Framework. Those commitments should be specific and time-bound in order to support the development of partnerships at local, national, regional and global levels and the implementation of local and national disaster risk reduction strategies and plans. All stakeholders are encouraged to publicize their commitments and their fulfilment in support of the implementation of the present Framework, or of the national and local disaster risk management plans, through the website of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.”

To respond to the request from the General Assembly Resolution, UNISDR establishes a mechanism as an on-line platform to take stock, mobilize, and monitor the voluntary commitments from multi-stakeholders to implementation of the Sendai Framework. 

The On-line platform for Voluntary Commitments (VCs) contributes to, and is part of the overall Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy of UNISDR. It is critical to ensure a strong linkage and coordination among existing on-line tools managed by UNISDR to support monitoring and implementation of Sendai Framework, including Sendai Monitor and a planned on-line platform for UN Plan of Action for DRR.

In contribution to the Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy of UNISDR, the purposes of the On-line Platform for VCs are:

• To incentivize stakeholders to inform the public about their work
• To serve as a vehicle for sharing commitments and initiatives and for motivation for the implementation of Sendai Framework
• To enable UNISDR to take stock and monitor the progress and impact

Overall management of the Voluntary Commitments (VCs) for Sendai Framework is led by UNISDR Office in Japan (Kobe Office), including management of the On-line Platform for VCs, under overall guidance from of the Chief of Branch of Partnerships, Inter-governmental process and Inter-agency cooperation at the HQ of UNISDR and direct supervision of the Coordination Officer at the Kobe Office. Strong coordination and collaboration with UNISDR Regional Offices and other part of UNISDR at HQ is prerequisite for success of this work. 

The position is located in UNISDR Office in Kobe, Japan, that manages the On-line Platform for Voluntary Commitments (VCs). The Associate Programme Management Officer reports to the Coordination officer at the P-4 level leading UNISDR Office in Japan.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Coordination Officer heading the UNISDR Office in Japan, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

1. Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation and manages the on-line platform for Voluntary Commitments (VCs); monitors and analyzes the registered commitments, progresses and achievements to develop a report on the VCs to be launched at the Global Platform for DRR.; reviews relevant documents,reports and submission for upload to the on-line platform; Establishes and maintains contacts with submitters. Maintains an updated contact database of the names and contact details of submitters’ focal points. identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. 
2. Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. In particular, analyses and selects any good practices and achievements to highlight them through the On-line Platform for VCs. Establishes a modality within the On-line Platform for VCs to regularly disseminate selected good commitments and their achievements and deliverables. 
3. Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Coordinates with relevant units in UNISDR which manage other tools to monitor and support the implementation of Sendai Framework, such as Sendai Monitor, UN Plan of Action, and Making Cities Resilient Scorecards (monitoring on local actions). This includes working together for an integrated advocacy for UNISDR’s existing tools for Sendai Framework implementation. 
4. Provides administrative and substantive support to the project,. Reviews, records, distributes and/or processes mails and other documents; follow-up on impending actions. Responds or drafts responses to routine correspondence and other communications as necessary. Maintains calendar/schedules; monitors changes and communicates relevant information to appropriate staff inside and outside the Team. Maintains files (both paper and electronic) and databases for this activity. 
5. Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. Develops a wide range of presentations, guidelines and communication materials, by using appropriate technology/software, to disseminate the On-line Platform for VCs widely and to mobilize partners to register their initiatives. Supports HQ and UNISDR Regional Offices for their outreach and advocacy to mobilize and facilitate their partners to register/submit their commitments, including dissemination of information and relevant materials regarding the On-line Platform for VCs to partners. 
6. Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). 
7. Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. 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.

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 Demonstrated planning and organizational skills and ability to work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences, development studies, disaster risk management, geography, environment, urban or regional planning or a related field. 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 two years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management in areas relevant to this position including information and knowledge management in disaster and post-disaster settings. Experience in International organizations is desirable. Experience advocating on disaster risk reduction with a range of actors/stakeholders is also desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is available for a period of 364 days. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.

This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.

Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.