Disaster management expert - P4

Job Opening number: 11-PGM-desa pps jpn nagoya-19363-R-NAGOYA

This position is located at the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) in Nagoya, Japan. The incumbent will be under the supervision of the Director, of the UNCRD and under the general guidance of the Director of the Division for Sustainable Development, (DSD), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will take part in the approved work programme of the UNCRD and ensure quality of its output. Specific responsibilities include:

(1) Develop project proposals on disaster management for submission to possible donors and cooperating organizations.

(2) Design, manage, review and assess the implementation of advisory services and technical cooperation programmes and projects for disaster management more at the policy level, building on previous UNCRD work on Community based disaster management and other disaster mitigation and management work linking to other activities of the Centre, especially to urban management, to the extent possible.

(3) Conduct the training activities of the Centre by coordinating, facilitating and delivering lectures, preparing training materials, and assisting the fellows in the course exercises; Coordinate the UNCRD ITC training in the field of disaster management.

(4) Conduct missions, including field work, to promote Centre’s work programme on disaster management: (a) Plan, and organize intergovernmental meetings, workshops, and symposiums, including identification of appropriate participants, preparation of agendas, background document, policy recommendations and reports/discussion summaries. (b) Participate in international conferences/meeting to promote the activities of UNCRD and establish networks to explore future areas of cooperation.

(5) Contribute to DESA/DSD’s work on sustainable development from the point of view of disaster management and forge partnerships with key UN and non-UN agencies and organizations active in the field of disaster management.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Expertise in disaster management, particularly significant experience in the application of principals and concepts of preventive disaster management and mitigation planning; proven ability to produce reports and papers on disaster management issues; proven ability to design and complete in-depth research projects and to formulate sound policy recommendations.

• Planning and Organizing: Ability to independently plan and organize work, requiring an in-depth understanding of its strategic direction and ability to integrate the mission of the Centre into the work programme. 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.

• Communication: Good interpersonal skills; excellent drafting ability and communication skills, both oral and written; ability to communicate complex concepts orally; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and informative; good presentation and training skills; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; demonstrates openness in sharing information.

• 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

Advanced university degree (master degree or equivalent) in disaster management, public administration, civil engineering, urban planning or related area. A higher degree would be an asset.

Work Experience

At least seven years of responsible professional experience in policies and programmes related to disaster prevention, awareness-raising and management and/or related fields, including urban development. Working experience in developing countries and for UN organizations or other international organizations is an asset. Hands on experience in project formulation, implementation and management is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, full command of written and spoken English is required. Full proficiency in Japanese is highly desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

Competencies based interview.