Associate programme officer, L-2

The position is located in the secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR), in Geneva, Switzerland under the overall guidance of and reporting to the Coordinator for the Global Report on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Duties and responsibilities

Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of projects/programmes; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of disaster risk reduction programmes/projects and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
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.
Provides substantive support for policy coordination, reporting and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluation and other studies.
Participates in survey initiatives; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions. i.e. Conduct analytical review of the HFA reporting from regions, sub-regions and countries in order to select case studies and highlights for inclusion in the GRDRR.
Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, briefing notes, etc.
Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.
Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, and data collection.
Participates in activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents and reports.
Perform other duties as required and requested by the Director.

Work implies frequent interaction with staff at all levels, within UN/ISDR and the disaster risk reduction community as well as national counterparts. Representatives of other UN agencies and other UN specialized agencies; member state personnel with responsibility for disaster risk reduction; non-governmental organization representatives; and representatives and officials in national governments, international and regional organizations, IFIs, and research institutes.

Results Expected:

Development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of assigned programme and initiatives. Provision of thorough, well reasoned contributions (e.g. background papers, analysis, sections of reports/studies, inputs to publications, etc.) Development and maintenance of effective working relationships. Efficient use of resources.

Competencies

Professionalism: Keen interest in and understanding of disaster reduction and development issues, with practical experience at either country or HQ level; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; including ability to defend and explain difficult issues and positions to staff including senior officials in the UN and national governments; familiarity with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments give; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Communications: Good communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports, studies and other communications and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style. Excellent analytical, spoken and writing skills in English; including ability to defend and explain difficult issues and positions to staff including senior officials in the UN and national governments. Gender Mainstreaming: Ability to identify and address relevant gender perspectives in substantive work. Technology Awareness: Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets and other statistical applications, internet, etc. Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree in political science, development studies, administration or the equivalent combination of education and experience in a related area.

Experience: At least 3-4 years progressively responsible in the areas associated with this post, such as areas of social, economic, environment and/or humanitarian spheres, development, programme evaluation, or coordination, policy analysis, or environment.

Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; fluency in French is desirable. Other UN languages a plus.

Other skills: Familiarity with disaster risk reduction, the ISDR system and its partners and the Hyogo Framework for Action. Working experience in developing countries. Basic knowledge of relevant institutional mandates, policies, guidelines. Knowledge of the institutions of the UN system.