Org. Setting and Reporting

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) 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), UNDRR has over 150 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR 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 catalyzes 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. This temporary position is located in the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa in Nairobi and reports to the Programme Management Officer (Risk Knowledge and Early Warning) under the overall authority of the Deputy Chief of the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: – Supports the implementation of the Africa Road Map for Improving the Availability, Access and Use of Disaster Risk Information for Early Warning and Early Action, including in the Context of Transboundary Risk Management, and facilitates and participates in the exchange of knowledge and experience and to the establishment of triangular cooperation mechanisms with international and global stakeholders active in the field of impact-based early warning system for early action and transboundary risk management and related scientific research activity, disaster risk reduction/disaster risk management authorities at international and global levels, as well as with other international organizations active in the field of disaster risk reduction / DRM. Assists in the development and review of the legal and institutional framework for the identification of roles and responsibilities of disaster risk reduction stakeholders from continental to the regional, sub-regional, national and sub-national levels. Participates in field missions, cooperates with external consultants, government officials, and other parties, drafts mission summaries, etc. – Contributes to the identification of funding opportunities, preparation of proposals, development, implementation and monitoring of projects related to the Africa Road Map, aligned to the Programme of Action (PoA) for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Africa. Contributes to the preparation of budget plan and funding proposal providing technical inputs aimed at enhancing the UNDRR added value, and supports the recruitment of technical experts to boost the implementation of activities in beneficiary entities. – Supports the design, development, and rolling out of training for the development, customization, and operational use of hydro-meteorological modelling for impact-based early warning systems, including by contributing to the installation and customization of the common open-source platform for the exchange, analysis, and redistribution of disaster risk reduction data and information, supporting the definition, testing, and endorsement of standard operating procedures for use of the platform, and, ensures the link-up of the relevant stakeholders into the continental network. – Undertakes outreach activities, liaises with stakeholders to access infrastructure, software, and services needed to develop and deploy data/information products; promotes and supports disaster risk-informed decision-making processes; supports the organization and roll out of training workshops, seminars, etc., makes presentations on assigned topics/activities; assists in the development of training of trainers and training on the job for the design of contingency/emergency plans activated by risk scenarios forecasted in the early warning messages. – Facilitates, in coordination with the Sendai Framework Monitoring Officer, the collection and management of inputs to support the monitoring of Target G of the Sendai Framework (related to availability and access to early warning systems and disaster risk information), performs data collection, and supports the development and implementation of databases, data analytics, modelling of hazard and risk scenario and other strategies that optimize the risk understanding for its multipurpose applications including, among others, for impact-based early warning systems for early/anticipatory actions and transboundary risk management. – Maintains and strengthens regular contact with other implementing partners and beneficiaries, including, among others, the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD), the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), African Governments, disaster risk reduction stakeholders, technical-scientific partners, universities and research centres, ensuring timely dissemination of relevant information related to the programme implementation. – Provides assistance in the organization and roll out of consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. Upon request from the Chief of the Office and of the Deputy Chief of the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa, represents UNDRR at inter-agency meetings, seminars, etc. on early warning systems for early action and transboundary risk management, makes presentations to groups on UNDRR activities and advocates issues of concern. – Supports the development and roll out of awareness campaigns for the effective communication and use of early warning messages; contributes to the development of customized messages for the different end users, with a specific focus on disaster risk reduction/disaster risk management officers and the general public. – Supports the development and implementation of coherent policy documents and drafts various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, and inputs to publications. Provides inputs for the development of strategic papers, talking points, speeches, and presentations for the Chief and Deputy Chief of the Office as well as for senior management, related to project activities, outcomes, and policy making. – May perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, early warning systems or other related specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with 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. 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, management, economics, physics, engineering, mathematics, environmental science, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience in the establishment and operationalization of impact-based early warning systems is required. Experience in facilitating partnerships among disaster risk reduction/disaster risk management institutions and academia is desirable. At least two (2) years of working experience in development and monitoring of work plans, procurement and financial reporting is desirable. Experience in the African region is desirable. Experience in hydro-meteorological monitoring and forecasting tools is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available for a period of 364 days. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. 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. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. 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. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. In line with the overall United Nations policy, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction encourages a positive workplace culture which embraces inclusivity and leverages diversity within its workforce. Measures are applied to enable all staff members to contribute equally and fully to the work and development of the organization, including flexible working arrangements, family friendly policies and standards of conduct. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher, temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

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. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The 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 according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. 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 reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (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.