Project officer for the overseas countries and territories’ regional risk reduction initiative (OCTs R3I)

Background

Islands in the sub-region have recognised the need for, and continue to support efforts to enhance regional and national capacities for disaster risk reduction and effective recovery, particularly within the context of climate change. This project seeks to address the risk and exposure of the small island OCTs by developing the capacity, knowledge and tools to enable the mainstreaming of disaster risk management (DRM) consistent with the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) and the CDERA-led Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Strategy.

Its objectives are to:

- Develop the local capacities of the overseas countries and territories and provide them with tools (spatial data infrastructure and models) and best practices
- Support CDM Capacity building in response and recovery

Main duties

The Project Officer reports directly to the Project Coordinator and works in close collaboration with other UNDP staff and other partner institutions and will be responsible for providing support for programme and logistical arrangements under the project, to ensure that project objectives and deliverables are achieved.

Specifically, the Project Officer:

1. Assists in the orderly operation of the project, in line with established procedures and within established budgets
2. Provides assistance for preparation and review of project implementation reports and other documents related to the project
3. Identifies and recommends consultants to carry out specific tasks relating to the project
4. Monitors the execution of performance contracts and proposes contract amendments where necessary
5. Ensures that programming processes are carried out in conformity with UNDP and EC standards and policies
6. Supports preparation of quarterly and annual project progress reports and annual work plans for review by the Project Board
7. Assists in information sharing and coordination of activities amongst beneficiary country and partner institutions
8. Liaises with key personnel of project partners to ensure adequate and timely programming inputs to the project
9. Designs and coordinates production of various communication and visibility materials, including brochures, project profiles, advertisements, and posters, as required
10. Undertakes such travel as may be required from time to time in connection with project execution
11. Undertakes any other activities required for the fulfillment of the mandate of the post
12. Participates in disaster response activities of UNDP, as may be required

Qualifications and experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science, Environmental Sciences, Social Science or equivalent qualification.
- Two (2) years experience in the areas of disaster management or natural resource management.
- Project management certification or at least two (2) years project management work experience would be an asset.

Knowledge and skills

- Ability to efficiently utilise word processing, Microsoft Office, database management, and spreadsheet/accounting software programmes
- Report writing, data acquisition and analysis skills
- Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills
- Ability to meet deadlines and prioritise multiple tasks
- Good presentation skills
- Good interpersonal and communications skills
- A good working knowledge of disaster and project management issues
- Experience working within a UN Agency would be an asset

Language Requirements

Good knowledge of English. Competence in Dutch would be a distinct asset.