PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT OFFICER

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 160 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. The International Recovery Platform (IRP) is a global partnership established in 2005 to advance disaster recovery and promote the principle of Build Back Better (BBB). Recognized under the Sendai Framework as a key mechanism for strengthening recovery, IRP serves as a platform for governments, international organizations, and experts to exchange knowledge, share lessons learned, and build capacities for resilient recovery. Guided by a Steering Committee and supported by a Secretariat, IRP develops knowledge products, convenes global forums and technical exchanges, builds capacity of national governments, assists in Post-Disaster Needs Assessments (PDNA) and Damage and Loss Assessments (DALA) and promotes good practices to enhance recovery outcomes and long-term resilience. Recovery readiness has emerged as a critical priority for strengthening disaster resilience and achieving sustainable development. Building on lessons from recent disasters and the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework, UNDRR and IRP are promoting a shift from reactive recovery to proactive preparedness by supporting countries to establish the governance, institutional, planning and financing arrangements needed before disasters occur. Central to this effort is the development and implementation of a Recovery Readiness Assessment Framework, designed to help countries assess and strengthen their capacity for resilient and inclusive recovery. Through advocacy, technical assistance, capacity development, knowledge sharing and international partnerships, UNDRR and IRP aim to institutionalize recovery readiness, embed Build Back Better principles in recovery processes, and make resilient recovery the global norm across all levels of governance. This project position is located at the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Headquarters in Geneva. The incumbent reports to the Senior Coordination Officer of the Intergovernmental processes, Interagency cooperation and Partnerships Branch, under the overall authority of the Chief of Branch.

Within delegated authority and under the guidance of the supervisor, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Supports countries in assessing, strengthening and institutionalizing their readiness for resilient recovery to build back better by conducting assessment of their pre-disaster recovery preparedness capacity and assists in capacity development. • Establishes partnerships with relevant organizations (national and local governments, international organizations, private sector) to facilitate and accelerate the implementation of Priority 4 of the Sendai Framework (SF). • Coordinates the work of IRP Secretariat based in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture and permanently chaired by Government of Japan including providing secretariat service to the IRP Steering Committee and working together with other IRP partners. • Works through regional offices to support Member States in developing and strengthening resilient recovery governance, planning, and financing mechanisms, thereby enhancing recovery readiness and accelerating the implementation of Priority 4 of the Sendai Framework. • Carries out research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. • Identifies and engages in critical areas for UNDRR in the arena of post disaster recovery to build back better. • Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies. • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc. • Undertakes outreach activities including effective operation of the IRP website (English and Japanese); develops communication materials for IRP (UN languages and Japanese); participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities to promote build back better in recovery. • Leads/ participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget funding (proposals for resource mobilization, programme /project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) • Carries out any other duties requested by the Chief of Branch and / or Senior Coordination Officer.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change and sustainable development. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply a human rights- and gender-based approach in UNDRR’s work to promote inclusion and uphold the principle of leaving no one behind. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. 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. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, public administration, management, economics, social sciences, law, environmental studies or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Not available.

A minimum of seven years of relevant progressively responsible experience in project or programme management is required. Experience managing programmes in cooperation with governmental structures is required. Experience in disaster risk reduction and/or resilience-related programming or policy work, related to the Sendai Framework, is required. Three (3) years of experience in post-disaster recovery, including Build Back Better, in an international environment is desirable. Experience in coordinating humanitarian response in UN system is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English

and

Japanese are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

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Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

Japanese

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

This is a project post. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal or extension thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. 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. 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. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

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. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.