Junior Professional Officer (JPO) at P2 level, Associate Expert – Disaster Risk Reduction

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

• Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; 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 concerning disaster risk reduction, climate change and all aspects of sustainable development.
• Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies.
• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides substantive and administrative support to, and engage in meetings of, UN governance bodies, such as the General Assembly, the ECOSOC and their subsidiary bodies, as well as to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents, presentations, speeches, and talking points, as well as handling logistics, etc.
• Supports the preparation of missions to and meetings in New York of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and the senior management of UNISDR.
• Undertakes outreach activities; may represent UNISDR in interagency meetings, and liaises, as appropriate with Delegates, UN officers and other stakeholders; 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.
• Performs other duties as required.  

Eligibility

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, political science, international relations, development, social and environmental sciences, economics 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.
• Experience: A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, partnerships, sustainable development or related area. Experience working on inter-governmental and/or inter-agency processes is desirable. Experience in representation functions in international organizations is desirable. Experience working in the private sector or civil society organizations is desirable.
• Other skills: experience in the use of computers and proficiency in office software and packages, as well as good knowledge of and experience in handling web-based management systems.
• Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other official language(s) spoken in the region is desirable.
• Work Location: New York City, NY, USA

UN competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. 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 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.
• 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.
• Communication: Speaks fluently, expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; presents information with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; projects credibility; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience; presents information in a well-structured and logical way.

Learning Elements

On completion of the assignment, the JPO will have/be able to:

• Unique opportunity to work at the cross-roads of disaster risk reduction, preparedness for response, climate change adaptation and sustainable development in the post-2015 context.
• Established a wide network with other UN, regional and national public and private partners.
• In-depth understanding of UN and other intergovernmental work processes in sustainable development, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and preparedness for response.
• In-depth knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of the region.
• Facilitate private sector input for international processes and conferences.
• Support strategy development of UN agency work programmes with partners.
• Undertake well researched and sound analysis of sustainable development issues, including on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
• Assist in the organization and preparation of meetings with the key partners.
• Liaise and interact with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally.
• Draft strategy papers (resource mobilization, engagement/ partnership strategies and so on).
• Draft work plan and cost plans.
• Write assessment reports.
• Draft project proposals.
• Draft project budgets according to UN standards.
• Formulate project documents to address issues of public private partnership issues, issues of effect of disasters on business, business continuity planning and so on in the region.
• Monitor progress on commitments made by a group of organizations as a stakeholder group.