Programme Management Officer, P-3

Org. Setting and Reporting
 
The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy oriented research and analysis, normative support and technical assistance and capacity building, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region.

The objective of the  Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD) is to strengthen information and communications technology (ICT) connectivity and enhance regional cooperation and capacity with the goals of improved management of disaster risk reduction and the associated socioeconomic risks, towards  inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.

The Disaster Risk Reduction Section (DRS) works towards improving the capabilities of ESCAP members to reduce the socioeconomic impact of disasters and build the resilience by mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into sustainable development. Among others, DRS implements activities under the ESCAP Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness in Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian Countries.

This position is located in the Disaster Risk Reduction Section, Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division. The incumbent reports to the Chief of DRS.
 
Responsibilities
 
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of DRS, and overall supervision of the Director of IDD, the incumbent is required to perform the following functions:

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation and supports the management and administration of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami Disaster and Climate Preparedness in Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian Countries; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; coordinates activities related to project selection and funding (proposal reviews, project preparations and submissions, progress reports, terminal reports, financial statements, etc.); identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Facilitates workshops, researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, etc.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications including the Asia-Pacific Disaster Report, etc.
• Provides substantive support to conferences, consultative and other meetings, including the Trust Fund’s Advisory Council, Inter-Agency Task Force and relevant Expert Group Meetings, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, drafting meeting summaries, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs other related duties as required.

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 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.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

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 business administration, management, engineering, economics, social or natural sciences or related field.
• A focus on disaster risk reduction would be an advantage.
• A relevant first-level university degree in the above fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required.
• Experience in early warning systems, disaster risk reduction and/or climate change adaptation is required.
• Experience in fundraising is required.
• Experience in the United Nations Common System or international organization 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 another UN official language is an advantage.
 
Assessment
 
Qualified applicants may be evaluated through a competency-based interview and/or other assessment methods.
 
Special Notice
 
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. ESCAP is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality within the Secretariat. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

This post is funded from extra budgetary resources. The initial appointment is for a period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.