Programme officer (trust fund for tsunami, disaster and climate preparedness), P4

Background

The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote regional cooperation for inclusive economic and social development in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership, through its analytical, normative and technical cooperation, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region.

Through its disaster risk reduction mandate, ESCAP aims to support collaborative efforts so that member States are able to better manage natural disasters and the associated socio-economic risks. The goal of the ESCAP Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness, from which the position is funded, is to contribute to more resilient coastal communities, and ultimately save lives and reduce loss and damage.

Responsibilities

Policy development:

• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, including drafting and updating of unmet needs mapping.

Trust fund administration and management:

• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports.
• Develops, implements and evaluates 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 initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
• Leads and/or participates in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, including the Trust Fund's Advisory Council, its governing body, and the Trust Fund’s Inter-Agency Task Force, its technical advisory body, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.

Initiates and coordinates outreach activities:

• Conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities; synthesizes and communicates Trust Fund results to different audiences.
• Develops and maintains the Trust Fund's web site; prepares annual report and promotional and other materials.

Resource mobilization

• Identifies partnership and contribution opportunities for the Fund.
• Promotes the Trust Fund to potential partners and donors; coordinates and services of any donor meetings.

Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Knowledge and understanding of disaster risk reduction and early warning arrangements; practical experience in programme management, understanding of regional cooperation, experience in support to institutional strengthening. 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.

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.

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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or social or natural sciences or related field. A focus on disaster risk reduction would be an advantage. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience

• A minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Such experience must include development, management of projects, advocacy and resource mobilization.
• Experience in early warning systems, disaster risk reduction and/or climate change adaptation is highly desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Special notice

This post is funded from extra budgetary resources. The initial appointment is for a period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to availability of the funds.