Disaster risk management advisor, P4

Background

Uganda has witnessed increasing and highly devastating disasters, both climate and human-induced that have exerted a significant human and economic toll on its population and which, to an extent affected the country’s ability to fully maximize the benefits from its economic growth and social development. The country remains vulnerable to a range of hazards that, if not prevented and/or mitigated, can result in disasters. To address this situation, the Government of Uganda (GoU) developed and approved a National Policy on Disaster Preparedness and Management in 2012 with the purpose of creating and promoting a disaster preparedness and management system that safeguards the country against disasters and ensures continued productive capacity of the people.

To respond to this challenge, the GoU in collaboration with UNDP is in the process of developing a programme dedicated to the strengthening of the capacity for disaster preparedness and humanitarian response, including mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change and the provision of protection and other assistance to citizens and refugees affected by conflict or natural disasters. The programme entitled, ‘Strengthening Uganda’s Disaster Preparedness and Management Capacities’, will undertake this by strengthening the capacity of institutions to enhance community security and disaster risk reduction and establishing systems and mechanisms for disaster risk reduction.

To support the finalization and implementation of the programme document, Strengthening Uganda’s Disaster Preparedness and Management Capacities, the GoU in partnership with UNDP seeks to deploy - an International DRM Advisor for an initial period of twelve (12) months to undertake the following specific assignments;(1) finalization of the DRM project document; (2) development of the Uganda DRM strategic programme and investment framework (SPIF); and (3) oversight and overall coordination of the DRM programme initiation phase and the implementation and attainment of the project expected outputs

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides policy and advisory services to determine optimised approaches for enhanced development effectiveness in support of DRM processes, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

- Provide technical leadership in the development of a Strategic Programme and Investment Framework (SPIF) for Uganda that is participatory, inclusive, and which operationalizes the National Policy on Disaster Preparedness and Management;
- Lead advocacy efforts related to mainstreaming of DRM into Government systems, the UN and other development partner supported development initiatives in the country;
- Perform additional tasks as may be assigned.

Provides management support to DRM processes which is needs-based and conducted in an effective and principled manner in the best interests of affected and vulnerable populations, focusing on achievement of the following results:

- Support the mainstreaming of the relevant CPAP strategic objectives within UNDAF operationalization where appropriate;
- Analyze the UNDAF and ensure that a disaster risk reduction approach and risk reduction strategies are duly integrated into its operationalization;
- Lead the finalization and implementation of the programme document " Strengthening Uganda’s Disaster Preparedness and Management Capacities";
- Facilitate the presentation of the programme document to the Local Project Appraisal Committee and its approval and signing by the GoU and UNDP;
- Oversee initiation of the programme "Strengthening Uganda’s Disaster Preparedness and Management Capacities";
- Advise the OPM on DRM issues including: promoting the adoption of prevention and mitigation measures, linkages with climate change adaptation, utilization of emergency grants, post-disaster needs assessments, reorientation, as appropriate, of existing programs to meet risk reduction and recovery needs; and planning for longer term recovery;
- Advise the OPM in the coordination and implementation of the National Policy on Disaster Preparedness and Management and its complementation/link with the SPIF;
- Provide technical support to the OPM in the running of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Management
- Technically provide support in the design, development, and implementation of DRM initiatives in support of the National Policy and the DRM SPIF;
- Identify specific needs and demands of the programme and help build partnerships at the national and sub-national levels to meet those needs. Where possible, serve as a broker in harnessing regional and global support to respond to such needs;
- Advice and support the OPM in the coordination of programme efforts with the other system partners – government agencies, UN agencies, the World Bank, national and international NGOs, academic and research institutions at the country and international levels;
- Support monitoring mechanisms and reporting of DRM activities in a timely, transparent and consolidated manner, identifying gaps and proposing alternatives.

Works with UNDP work planning, in the particular areas of Disaster Risk Reduction, including advocacy and resource mobilisation efforts, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

- Advise and follow up on strategic partnership opportunities with Government, Development Partners, regional bodies and other relevant actors in successfully positioning the UNDP within the DRM environment;
- Support DRM resource mobilization activities and oversees the management of fund requests and allocations from UNDP and other donors.

Ensures the establishment of a knowledge culture with effective advocacy tools, focusing on achievement of the following results:

- Create synergies between relevant stakeholders involved in DRM efforts, while promoting national ownership of coordination processes through increased participation of national and local stakeholders;
- Facilitate the flow of information between UN global systems, UNCT, Government and development partners on DRM issues Support to provision and application of the latest policy guidelines and technical standards;
- Liaise with and participate in the Global Cluster Working Group on DRM, other relevant expert networks and derive lessons learned.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Policy Advice and Knowledge Management

- Proven experience and leadership in the development of a DRM Strategic Programming and Investment Framework
- Knowledge of the international DRM system and agenda
- Knowledge of the country’s hazards, vulnerabilities and risks
- Ability to provide inputs for disaster risk assessment and its application to risk management decision-making
- Knowledge of DRM coordination mechanisms
- Proven experience in project development processes, especially in the context of UNDP
- Ability to develop evidence-based policy advise
- Ability to develop planning and advocacy documents involving multiple stakeholders
- Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture
- Knowledge on joint programming and operational issues
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in relevant practice areas

Development and Operational Effectiveness

- Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
- Ability to lead and manage corporate strategic initiatives
- Excellent computer and information system skills

Management and Leadership

- Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Demonstrates advanced oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrates strong team management skills
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
- Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
- Strategic thinking, strategic decision-making and proven leadership qualities and experience in management of teams and large groups
- Demonstrates capacity to communicate effectively and plan programmes effectively
- Resourcefulness, initiative and mature judgment

Corporate Competencies:

- Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the common UN system
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Treats all people fairly without favouritism
- Demonstrates excellent analytical and organizational skills

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

- Advanced university degree in social sciences, rural development, and management or a discipline relevant to disaster risk management.

Experience:

- At least 7 years of increasingly responsible international development experience;
- Proven leadership and experience in planning and managing technical co-operation strategies/investment frameworks and in disaster risk management;
- Extensive field experience in disaster environments and an in-depth knowledge of issues in the country;
- Extensive experience in project development especially in the areas of DRM and crisis prevention and recovery;
- Well proven analytical and writing skills;
- Demonstrated abilities and contributions to policy and guideline formulation, resource mobilization, team leadership and management;
- Experience in establishing inter-organizational networks and partnerships at the operational level;
- Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS word, Excel, etc) and knowledge

Language Requirements:

- Fluency in English is essential.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.