Project officer (open to Uganda nationals only)

Background

United Nations office for Disaster Risk Reduction Regional Office for Africa will be implementing an ECHO funded project entitled “Integrated Drought/Disaster Risk Reduction in the Horn of Africa (GHA)”. The project is designed to target government institutions in charge of drought risk reduction as well as practitioners and community members in drought prone areas in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia as well as the IGAD and EAC Secretariats. Building on existing initiatives, UNISDR supports state and non-state actors to integrate disaster risk reduction in development and relief efforts. UNISDR is looking for a National Project Officer based in Uganda to support the overall management of the project and follows up on the implementation of the project in Uganda through field missions, interventions where necessary and reporting in close liaison with the national and regional DRR Advisors working under this project as well as UNISDR Staff in Nairobi.

Duties and responsibilities

• Work with the Uganda National Platform for DRR to develop technical task teams on priority thematic areas such as drought risk reduction, develop a 12 month work plan with funding strategy and other capacity building measures to be determined
• Support multi-stakeholder reporting process on the Hyogo Framework for Action
• Develop inputs for high-level policy advocacy forum
• Technically support partners in developing drought contingency plans
• Train government officials in applications of disaster loss database
• Establish committee for development of easy-understandable early warning messages out of meteorological forecasts and other data
• Establish dialogue between traditional and modern early warning providers and support activities to integrate the two
• Conduct advocacy activities on drought risk reduction in three drought prone communities in Uganda
• Mobilize teachers and medical personnel for mainstreaming of DRR into education and health
• Provide local and national inputs to UNISDR publications and reports
• Ensure coordination among state and non-state partners for all national project activities as appropriate, as well as close cooperation with the other ECHO coordinating partners
• Ensure proofs and verification of activities undertaken and support project reporting tasks

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 (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in development studies, social sciences, environmental sciences or other related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of work experience in disaster risk reduction, project management and early warning systems.
• Experience in community-based disaster risk management and multi-stakeholder coordination
• Good knowledge of International Development Issues and/or Disaster Management.
• Good research and analytical skills.
• Good drafting skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

Language requirements:

Fluency in English (oral/written), local languages an asset

IT skills:

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, in particular Word and Excel. Basic knowledge of online databases and MIS would be desirable.