Closing date:

Associate Programme Management Officer, P2 (Temporary Job Opening)

City/location:
Kobe
Organization:
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Kobe Office

This job posting has closed

Special notice

A current staff member who holds a fixed-term, permanent or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above his or her current grade. However, a current staff member who holds an appointment at the G-6 or G-7 level may also apply to temporary positions in the Professional category up to and including the P-3 level, subject to meeting all eligibility and other requirements for the position. A staff member holding a temporary appointment shall be regarded as an external candidate when applying for other positions, and may apply for other temporary positions at any level, subject to section 5.7 below and staff rule 4.16 (b) (ii). Therefore, a staff member holding a temporary appointment in the General Service or related categories may only apply to positions within those categories. For full information on eligibility requirements, please refer to section 5 of ST/AI/2010/4Rev.1 on Temporary Appointments. In its resolution 66/234, the General Assembly further “stressed that the Secretary-General should not recur to the practice of temporarily filling posts in the Professional and higher categories with General Service staff members who have not passed the General Service to Professional category examination other than on an exceptional basis, and requests the Secretary-General to ensure that temporary occupation of such posts by the General Service staff shall not exceed a period of one year, effective 1 January 2013…” Consequently, eligible candidates in the General Service or related categories for temporary job openings in the Professional category that have not passed the competitive examination may be selected only on an exceptional basis endorsed by the Office of Human Resources Management where no other suitable candidate could be identified.

Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat.

Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

Subject to the funding source of the position, this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.

While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. An external candidate selected for this position is bound by the prevailing condition of the staff selection system under ST/AI/2010/3, as amended, and ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1. A staff member holding a temporary appointment who is recruited in the Professional and above categories on a temporary appointment, and placed on a position authorized for one year or longer may not apply for or be reappointed to his/her current position within six months of the end of his/her current service. This provision does not apply to staff members holding temporary appointments and placed on positions authorized for one year or more in duty stations authorized for peacekeeping operations or special political missions.

The expression “Internal candidates”, shall mean staff members who have been recruited after a competitive examination under staff rule 4.16 or after the advice of a central review body under staff rule 4.15.

Please note that 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.

For information on special post allowance, please refer to ST/AI/1999/17. For more details on the administration of temporary appointments please refer to ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.1.

The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuances governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook/English

Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.

Staff members are not eligible to apply for the current temporary job opening if they are unable to serve the specified duration of temporary need before reaching the mandatory age of separation. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

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 efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNISDR has over 100 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNISDR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyses action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community.

The International Recovery Platform (IRP) is a thematic platform of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). The International Recovery Platform (IRP) was established following the Second UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan, in 2005 to support the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) by addressing the gaps and constraints experienced in the context of disaster recovery. After a decade of functioning as an international source of knowledge on good recovery practice, IRP has renewed its role as an “international mechanism for the sharing of experience and learning among countries and all relevant stakeholders” to support the implementation of Priority Four of the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030’’, in particular to promote “build back better” in recovery. IRP is mentioned under the paragraph 34 (d) in the Sendai Framework.

IRP functions as a platform for interested partners to periodically meet to exchange lessons and ideas that will promote recovery best practice and learnings as well as capacity building. Its activities are governed by a Steering Committee and supported by a Secretariat. The IRP Secretariat, situated in Kobe, Japan, is a joint secretariat supported by IRP partners.

Being guided by the IRP Strategic Framework, IRP works towards supporting greater advancements in the field of resilient recovery and build-back-better by (i) periodically bringing together a broad range of senior policy makers and practitioners to exchange experiences and facilitate discussion on resilient recovery challenges and build-back-better opportunities at the annual International Recovery Forum; (ii) advocating for closer cooperation with development partners, regional intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations, and UNISDR regional platforms in promoting and building capacity for achieving effective build-back-better outcomes; and (iii) sharing of information through its inter-active website.

Among its functions, IRP Secretariat coordinates the development and oversees the implementation of the IRP annual work plan; it supports the organization of IRP meetings and events such as IRP Steering Committee meetings and an annual international recovery forum; it acts as an advocate for build back better; and, through the IRP website, serves as a steward of IRP knowledge management and output by developing an effective knowledge network, promoting and supporting an active dialogue amongst IRP partners of the IRP Community of Practice, collecting existing tools and documentation, generating and maintaining knowledge management products with IRP partners. He or she will work in close consultation with the IRP Steering Committee.

The Associate Programme Management Officer for IRP is located in UNISDR Office in Kobe, Japan, and reports to the Coordination Officer leading UNISDR Office in Japan.

Responsibilities

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

Under the supervision of the Coordination Officer in UNISDR Office in Japan:

  • Coordinates the International Recovery Platform (IRP) Secretariat by working together with the other IRP Secretariat members;
  • Coordinates the development and implementation of IRP activities, in accordance with the adopted Strategic Framework for IRP, and contributes to the implementation of the Sendai Framework for DRR, in particular Priority 4.
  • Provides secretariat service to the IRP Steering Committee and substantive support to the Chair and the Co-Chair of the Steering Committee including organising regular meetings of the IRP steering Committee, preparing the agenda, background documentation, and reports for these regular meetings;
  • Coordinates with the other members of the IRP Secretariat for the development of the annual IRP work plan and regular progress reports in close consultation with IRP Steering Committee members and relevant partners, monitors the status of its implementation, and ensures its linking with the UNISDR work programme;
  • Ensures IRP activities are along with the strategic goals of the IRP Strategic Framework and aligned with the IRP work plan endorsed by the IRP Steering Committee;
  • Leads and/or participates in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting summaries, etc.
  • Performs other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Competencies

Professionalism:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the UNISDR and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, knowledge of disaster risk reduction and recovery.
  • Knowledge of inter-disciplinary and cross-cutting development issues; shares and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside of UNISDR networks.
  • Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
  • Ability to grasp and synthesize inputs from a range of resources as well as to develop sources for data collection.
  • 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 the audience
  • Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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

Education 

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences, development studies, disaster risk management, geography, environment, urban or regional planning or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional 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 or programme management in areas relevant to this position including information and knowledge management in disaster and post-disaster settings. Experience in disaster recovery programmes at the country level is desirable. Experience in International organizations is desirable. Experience advocating on disaster risk reduction with a range of actors/stakeholders is also desirable.

No experience is required for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the G to P Examination (G to P).

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required; knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

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

United Nations considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, 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 or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

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” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: no amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.

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