Closing date:

Programme Officer, P3, Central Asia and South Caucasus

City/location:
Almaty
Organization:
United Nations Office for Project Services
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Sub-Regional Office for Central Asia

This job posting has closed

VA/2015/B5006/6523

United Nations Core Values:

Integrity ● Professionalism ● Respect for diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk 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 over 100 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and five 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, and 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 PreventionWeb, publications on good practices, and by leading the preparation of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and the organisation of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

This position is located in UNISDR Central Asia and South Caucasus (CASC) Sub – regional office based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Under the direct supervision of UNISDR Sub -regional Coordinator for Central Asia and South 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

  • Takes the lead 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, analyses 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 Asia and South 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

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction and resilience building the Hyogo Framework Agreement (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: 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 international relations, disaster management, social science, or a related field.   A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area.  Experience in the area of disaster risk reduction, resilience building, and HFA, international and regional cooperation in DRR is desirable.  Understanding of the Central Asian and Caucasus cultural diversity will be an asset.

Languages

 Fluency in English and Russian (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of one of regional languages will be an advantage.

No Fee

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

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