Associate Programme Officer, Americas, P2

14-PGM-UNISDR-37592-R-PANAMA CITY (X)

United Nations Core Values:

Integrity ● Professionalism ● Respect for diversity

Special Notice

This is an Extra Budgetary post. Extension of the appointment is subject to the availability of funds.

Org. Setting And Reporting

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in socio-economic and humanitarian fields. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNISDR has around 100 staff located in its HQ in Geneva, Switzerland, and 5 regional offices and other field presences. Specifically, UNISDR coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction and guides, monitors and reports on the progress of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action; campaigns to create global awareness of disaster risk reduction benefits and empower people to reduce their vulnerability to hazards; advocates for greater investments in disaster risk reduction to protect people's lives and assets, for increased and informed participation of men and women in reducing disaster risk; and informs and connects people by providing practical services and tools such as Prevention Web, publications on good practices, and by leading the preparation of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction and the organization of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. The focus of this job is the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes, operations and other activities of the UNISDR regional office - The Americas. The Associate Programme Officer reports to the Head of Regional Office

Responsibilities

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

Works with key disaster risk management clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of the work plan of the UNISDR regional office-The Americas within a geographic sub-region; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project development 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 and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and sustainable development issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies. Assists in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.

Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions.

Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, websites and social media networks, 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, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.

Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.

Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

Acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc. Performs other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Counterparts, officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies. Representatives and officials in national and local governments, international organizations, regional intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, technical and scientific organizations, civil society, partners of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, consultants.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Professionalism:
- Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk management.
- Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
- Ability to assist with 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 disaster risk management; 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 the audience-Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Teamwork:
- Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
- Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
- Places team agenda before personal agenda-Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position-Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

Client Orientation:
- Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients " and seeks to see things from clients' point of view
- Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect-Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions-Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems-Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects-Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, disaster risk management, development studies, economics or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with at least two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration or related field. UN experience desirable. (No experience is required for candidates who have passed a United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination.)

Languages

Fluency in English and Spanish, (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

United Nations Considerations

Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date. Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants.

Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on "Manuals" on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).

The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.