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 140 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 is a temporary position for a period of 364 days. The position reports to the Chief of the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa in Nairobi.

Responsibilities

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

Actively contributes to specific topics related to the formulation and implementation of the work plan for the Regional Office in line with the UNDRR Strategic Framework and Work Programme. Undertakes, programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Regional office, including preparation of work plans and budgets, recruitment and promoting capacity development of staff, evaluation of staff performance (PAS) through regular dialogue and feedback, and monitoring and reporting on project implementation, budget/programme performance in the context of results-based management. Ensures that the outputs produced by team under his/her supervision meet high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data; and that they comply with relevant organizational mandates.

Ensures the continuous development and 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 (Africa Roadmap). Contributes to the effective and coherent integration of the multiple projects into the African Road Map. Coordinates with UNDRR Headquarters and other regional offices in harmonizing the implementation of projects on a continuous basis. Facilitates the implementation of need-based and agreed-upon regional/national/ local level support. Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned programmes/projects related to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development, with primary focus on impact-based early warning systems for early and anticipatory actions, including the customization and implementation of the EW4All initiative in Africa.

For projects and programmes within portfolio, provides specialist guidance in support of risk-informed approach towards comprehensive disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development, and ensure review and analysis of trends for the implementation of continental, regional, national, and local policies and strategies are coherently undertaken. Coordinates implementation of ROA’s project related contribution when included in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework: Coordinates provision of technical support to Common Country Assessments and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework processes in countries. Contributes to resource mobilization efforts in the Africa region to support project implementation in the region.

Supports the Chief of the Regional Office in the coordination and implementation of UN Plan of Action on Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience in the region. Ensures the integration of risk reduction policies and programmes through cooperation with the relevant regional coordination mechanisms, Resident Coordinator system and UN Country Team. Contributes to the identification, building and enhancing of strategic partnerships for national, sub regional and regional cooperation with Governments, regional organizations, the private sector, civil society, parliamentarians, and science and technology community at large to mobilize support for sound and coherent action related to disaster risk reduction On occasion, as appropriate, may represent the Chief of Regional Office and other UNDRR officials in meetings on disaster risk reduction in the region. Provides programmatic/substantive expertise.

Engages, as appropriate, in the development of local, national and regional strategies in line with the Sendai Framework, including in support of MCR 2030; contributes to the strengthening of policy and advocacy in support of risk-informed development and ensures review and analysis of trends for the implementation of national policies and strategies are undertaken. In this regard, collaborates with the the Africa office Programme Management Office (Governance) responsible for coordinating policy guidance on disaster risk reduction and contributes project related information and analysis on regional needs and priority areas of interest. Contributes to effective planning and monitoring at the regional and global levels, ensures effective interface with HQ and other regions, and proposes proactively new solutions and approaches.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, financing for development, climate change and other related disaster risk reduction topics. Ability to identify issues, analyze and propose solutions for the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to collaborate within geographically dispersed teams. Ability to contribute to the identification of strategic agenda for engagement within the region. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to coordinate task teams and ensure quality and timely outcomes. 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.

Planning and 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.

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.

Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field is required. 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required.

Experience building strategic alliances and partnerships, and in resource mobilization is required.

Work experience in the United Nations or similar international organisation is required.

Experience in disaster risk reduction is required.

Experience working in geographically dispersed teams is desirable.

Experience advocating with governments and other stakeholders on critical issues is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) 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 competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is temporarily available for a period of 364 days and is advertised to fill a temporarily vacant position during the absence of the regular incumbent. The regular incumbent is entitled to return to this position at the expiry of the temporary vacancy period. If the regular incumbent exercises the right to return, the appointment or temporary assignment or promotion of the candidate selected for this job opening will not be renewed or extended.

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.

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.