Programme officer for central Asia and the Caucasus

Vacancy Code VA/2011/SWOC/UNISDR/001

Background

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is a strategic framework, adopted by United Nations Member States in 2000, aiming to guide and coordinate the efforts of a wide range of partners to achieve substantive reduction in disaster losses and build resilient nations and communities as an essential condition for sustainable development.

The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) is the secretariat of the ISDR system. The ISDR system comprises numerous organizations, States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, financial institutions, technical bodies and civil society, which work together and share information to reduce disaster risk.

UNISDR serves as the focal point for the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) – a ten year plan of action adopted in 2005 by 168 governments to protect lives and livelihoods against disasters.

UNOPS has been requested to assist in the implementation of this activity.

Duties and Responsibilities

This position is located in UNISDR Central Asia and the Caucasus (CAC) based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Under the direct supervision of UNISDR Regional Coordinator for Central Asia and the Caucasus, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of UNISDR programmes in the region, as well as the overall coordination of disaster risk reduction activities with key regional and national partners.

Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to
be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, the identification of problems/issues, response interpretation and proposals for solutions, the preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications etc. 
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs other duties as required.
• The task will also imply frequent interaction with the Regional and national disaster risk reduction partners, senior officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies.
• Collaboration is also expected with representatives and officials in national governments from the Central Asian and Caucasus
region, relevant Donor Agencies, local Governments and local actors, including the civil society and community-based organizations, the private sector and the media.

Required Selection Criteria

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, the HFA and its inter-linkages with other key development areas. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems, ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; 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.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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
• Planning & 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.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format
to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Client Orientation: Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, economics, social science, engineering or a related field or a first university degree in any of the above fields with qualifying experience is required.
• Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area, or a First University degree in related fields with at least 7 years of experience in similar responsible position is required.
• Languages: Fluency in English and Russian (both oral and written) is required.
• Other: Ability and flexibility to travel throughout the Central Asian and Caucasus region is required. Knowledge of disaster risk reduction and basic understanding of the Central Asian and Caucasus cultural diversity an asset