Associate 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 and liaison 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 catalyses 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 focusing on build-back-better in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The International Recovery Platform (IRP) was established following the Second UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan, in 2005 to support the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) by addressing the gaps and constraints experienced in the context of disaster recovery. It was founded as a partnership between the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan, Hyogo Prefecture, Asia Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) and UNDRR, and its permanent Chair is Japan. After a decade of functioning as an international source of knowledge on good recovery practice, IRP has renewed its role as an “international mechanism for the sharing of experience and learning among countries and all relevant stakeholders” to support the implementation of Priority Four of the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030’’, in particular to promote “build back better” in recovery. IRP is mentioned under the paragraph 34 (d) in the Sendai Framework. IRP functions as a platform for interested partners to periodically meet to exchange lessons and ideas that will promote recovery best practice and learnings as well as capacity building. Its activities are governed by a Steering Committee and supported by a Secretariat. The IRP Secretariat, situated in Kobe, Japan, is a joint secretariat supported by IRP partners. Being guided by the IRP Strategic Framework, IRP works towards supporting greater advancements in the field of resilient recovery and build-back-better by (i) periodically bringing together a broad range of senior policy makers and practitioners to exchange experiences and facilitate discussion on resilient recovery challenges and build-back-better opportunities at the annual International Recovery Forum; (ii) advocating for closer cooperation with development partners, regional intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations, and UNDRR global platforms and regional platforms in promoting and building capacity for achieving effective build-back-better outcomes; and (iii) sharing of knowledge and information to promote build-back-better through its inter-active website (https://recovery.preventionweb.net). Among its functions, IRP secretariat coordinates the development and oversees the implementation of the IRP annual work plan; it supports the organization of IRP meetings and events such as IRP Steering Committee meetings and an annual international recovery forum; it acts as an advocate for build back better; and, through the IRP website, serves as a steward of IRP knowledge management and output by developing an effective knowledge network, promoting and supporting an active dialogue amongst IRP partners, collecting existing tools and documentation, generating and maintaining knowledge management products with IRP partners. He or she will work in close consultation with the IRP Steering Committee. The Associate Programme Management Officer for IRP is located in UNDRR Office in Kobe, Japan, and reports to the Programme Management Officer, Head of Recovery Readiness Unit, within the Intergovernmental Processes, Interagency Cooperation and Partnerships Branch, UNDRR Office in Geneva.

Within delegated authority, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects (the International Recovery Platform – IRP), etc.; support the IRP secretariat function including liaison with the IRP Steering Committee (Cabinet Office, Hyogo Prefecture, ADRC etc), and working together with other IRP partners; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Engages with regional offices to promote the implementation of the Priority 4 (Build Back Better) of the Sendai Framework, carries out basic 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. • Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies. • Assists in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change. • Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions. • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs and knowledge products through IRP in English and Japanese, 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; develops communication materials for IRP in English 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. • Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Performs other duties as required.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, Build Back Better or other relevant specialized field. 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 assist with 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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.

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or related fields is required. A first-level or advanced degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in any fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree in the specified fields of studies.

Not available.

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, resource mobilization, stakeholder coordination or related area is required. No experience for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme examination (YPP) or the G to P Examination (G to P). Experience in disaster risk reduction, as relates to the Sendai Framework, is required. Experience in mobilizing resources with donors and/or private sector is desirable. Experience in information and knowledge management is desirable. Experience in international organizations, such as the United Nations or similar ones, 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. This position is currently based in Kobe, however the duty station may change within the same country in the future. 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.