Assistant Programme Management Officer, NO-A, Addis Ababa
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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 project position is located in the UNDRR African Union Liaison Office (AULO) under the Regional Office for Africa. The Assistant Programme Officer reports to the Head of the Liaison Office under the overall supervision of the Chief of the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
- Prepares assigned inputs for the Head of Liaison Office to advance the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) agenda in Africa in coherence with climate actions and early warning -early action support within the context of the Sendai Framework and the Programme of Action (PoA) for its implementation in Africa, taking into consideration other related decisions and strategic priorities adopted by Member States.
- Assists in the organization of national and regional events such as the biannual meeting of the Africa Working Group on DRR and the Africa Regional Platform for DRR, including by assisting in the preparation of a detailed budget for the events, drafting relevant documentation, undertaking related logistical and administrative tasks, and following up on the implementation of adopted outcome documents. Provides assistance to event organizing committees’ regular meetings, including by contributing to the preparation of agendas, meeting outcome documents, and following up on the implementation of agreed action points. Follows up on the publication of event documentation including concept notes, agenda and outcome documents on UNDRR website, maintaining high-quality standards and the correct application of the UN branding guidelines and publishing standards.
- Assists in developing the work plan for Opportunities and Issues-Based Coalitions (OIBCs) in which UNDRR is participating. Assists the Head of the Liaison Office in following up with participating UN entities to support the implementation of the work plan for the DRR sub-group, which UNDRR leads/co-leads. Assists in the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of progress in the implementation of work plans for the relevant OIBC and AU-UN Regional Collaborative Platform (RCP) Joint Secretariat. Assists in organizing regular meetings of the sub-group that UNDRR leads/co-leads. Assists in following up on activities related to African Union-UN collaboration, including relevant recommendations/follow-up actions agreed at the AU-UN RCP Annual Meeting.
- Supports the integration of DRR-related matters into the Common Country Assessment (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Ethiopia. Assists in preparing periodic reports on the implementation of UNSDCF in consultation with relevant ROA staff, with a focus on DRR-related activities. Assists in the preparation and implementation of UNDRR-supported projects in Ethiopia. Assists in organizing events for the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) in Ethiopia and at African Union Commission (AUC) level.
- Participates in efforts to enhance partnerships with UNDRR strategic partners, including AUC, UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), UN Regional entities and African Permanent Missions, and by assisting in the identification of key traditional and non-traditional partners in support of the implementation of the Sendai Framework in Africa. Assists in organizing regular briefing sessions and briefing materials, talking points, and presentation as assigned, including during IDDRR event, for African Permanent Missions and other partners based in Addis Ababa to mobilize resources and increased support to effectively implement the Sendai Framework in Africa. In consultation with the UNDRR Africa Office and the head of the AU Liaison Office (AULO), provides assistance for the implementation of UNDRR projects, including by engaging with the AUC DRR unit.
- Assists in following up on the implementation of the MoU between UNECA and UNDRR, and between AUC and UNDRR. Follows up with UNECA on issues related to the services it provides to the AULO based on the above MoU and related agreements. Supports the Africa Office administrative team on all administrative issues, including those related to meetings and conferences managed by the UNDRR Africa Office and/or African Union Liaison Office.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and other risk management topics. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Contributes to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. 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.
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.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, management, economics, international relations, disaster risk reduction, climate change, agriculture, development studies, social sciences 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
No work experience is a requisite with a relevant advanced university degree. A minimum of two years of work experience in project/programme management, administration or related area in combination with a first level university degree is required. Work experience at the sub-regional and/or regional levels in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation-related programme/project development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and administration is desirable. Work experience in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation at the national level (in Ethiopia) is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This is a project post. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity 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.
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. 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.