CLOSED: Programme officer, P-3 (temporary position)

This post is subject to availability of funds

Background

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder platform to enable societies to increase their resilience to natural, technological and environmental disasters and to reduce associated environmental, human, economic and social losses. A range of United Nations organizations and international partners participate in cooperation with Governments and civil society organizations. In adopting ISDR, the United Nations General Assembly (Res/54/219) endorsed the establishment of an institutional framework for its implementation consisting of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction (IATF/DR) and the inter-agency secretariat (ISDR secretariat).

The main functions of the secretariat are policy coordination, advocacy and information management, at the international and regional levels, to ensure synergy between disaster reduction strategies and those in the socio-economic and humanitarian fields.

In January 2005, the World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR, 18-22 January 2005, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan) took place and represents a landmark in worldwide understanding and commitment to implement a disaster risk reduction agenda. This commitment was captured in the Hyogo Declaration and the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters adopted at the WCDR.

The Hyogo Framework constitutes the essential guide for implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction in the coming years and it constitutes an unprecedented conceptual shift that takes account of the complexity of action in disaster risk reduction and the large variety of actors whose inputs are required in the pursuit of this objective. It provides the basic concepts and prescribes and expected outcome; details three strategic goals for disaster risk reduction and a set of five priority areas for action; and assigns tasks to stakeholders at difference operational levels to reach the expected outcome.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Coordinator of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Duties and responsibilities

- Lead analysis and conduct research on aspects relevant to the theme of the 2011 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction. This will include collecting and managing information, distilling and presenting analysis and case studies from diverse sources.
- With the GAR Coordinator, prepare the required written outputs including the 2011 GAR detailed chapter outlines and abstract/s, as required.
- Prepare contributions to other publications of the UNISDR and ISDR partners, e.g. 2011 GAR concept note, background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, briefing notes, etc.
- Liaise with other GAR team members on outputs related to global risk updates and HFA monitoring and reporting to ensure timely completion of GAR programme activities and their relevance to the proposed 2011 GAR recommendations.
- Support the GAR Coordinator in identifying senior advisors and peer reviewers for the 2011 Report. Coordinate, along with the Associate Programme Officer, the timely completion of peer reviews for the 2011 GAR.
- Undertake outreach activities on behalf of the GAR Coordinator and the ASG; participate in the development of training workshops, seminars; participate in and make presentations on assigned topics/activities.
- Provide substantive support for coordination, reporting and evaluation functions, participation in UNISDR evaluations and other reviews.
- Perform other duties as required and requested by the Assistant Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction (ASG) and the GAR Coordinator.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following

- Staff at all levels, within UNISDR and the disaster risk reduction community as well as national counterparts
- Representatives of other UN agencies and other UN specialized agencies
- Member state focal points with responsibility for disaster risk reduction and climate change
- Non-governmental organization representatives
- Representatives and officials in national governments, international and regional organizations, IFIs, and research institutes

Results Expected

- Development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of assigned programme and initiatives.
- Provision of thorough, well reasoned contributions (e.g. background papers, analysis, sections of reports/studies, inputs to publications, etc.)
- Development and maintenance of effective working relationships.
- Efficient and accountable use of resources.

Competencies

Professionalism

Keen interest in and understanding of disaster reduction and development issues, with practical experience at either country or HQ level; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; including ability to defend and explain difficult issues and positions to staff including senior officials in the UN and national governments; familiarity with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments give; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.

Communications

Good communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports, studies and other communications and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style. Excellent analytical, spoken and writing skills in English; including ability to defend and explain difficult issues and positions to staff including senior officials in the UN and national governments.

Technology Awareness

Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets and other statistical applications, internet, etc.

Teamwork

Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.

Qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in political science, development studies, administration or the equivalent combination of education and experience in a related area. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience maybe accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the areas associated with this post, such as areas of social, economic, environment and/or humanitarian spheres, development, programme evaluation, or coordination, policy analysis, or environment.

Language

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; fluency in French is desirable. Other UN languages will be considered a plus.

Other skills

Familiarity with disaster risk reduction, the ISDR system and its partners and the Hyogo Framework for Action. Work experience in developing countries. Basic knowledge of relevant institutional mandates, policies, guidelines. Knowledge of institutions within the UN system.

Post Title & Level: Programme Officer, P-3

Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland

Duration: Temporary position

Vacancy Notice number: ISDR/G/15/2009

Date of entry: 14 September 2009