UNOP
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Apply by: July 10, 2010
Email: SWOCjobs@unops.org
UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering
from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex
projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence,
UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:
Vacancy Details
Vacancy Code
VA/2010/SWOC/UNISDR/GARRO/002
Post Title
Programme Officer, Africa
Post Level P-4 (Fixed Term Appointment)
Position status Non-rotational
Project Title
Technical Assistance to Regional Inter-governmental Organisations on Disaster
Risk Reduction through the regional offices of UNISDR
Org Unit
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Secretariat
(UNISDR), Geneva, Switzerland
Duty Station Nairobi, Kenya
Duration
12 Months
Closing Date
10 July 2010
Background
The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder
platform to enable countries, communities and individuals increase their resilience to natural, technological
and environmental disasters and to reduce associated environmental, human, economic and social losses.
A range of United Nations organizations and international partners participate in cooperation with
Governments and civil society organizations.
The implementation of the ISDR is supported by a secretariat lead by the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. The secretariat main functions are policy coordination,
advocacy and information management, at the international and regional levels, to ensure synergy between
disaster reduction strategies and those in the socio-economic and humanitarian fields.
Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:
This position is located in the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction secretariat
(UNISDR) Regional Office for Africa based in Nairobi, Kenya reporting to the Regional Coordinator – Head
of Office for Africa.
Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
Develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects; monitor and analyze
programme/project development and implementation progress (i.e. sub-regional deliverables of the
Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR); review relevant documents and
reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed, initiate corrective actions, bring relevant
updates to the World Bank electronic database; liaise with relevant parties; ensure follow-up
actions;
Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources. Facilitate capacity
building of key sub-regional organizations such as ECCAS, ECOWAS and SADC as well as
national resource centers and academic institutions for the collection and analysis of regional data
on hazards, vulnerabilities and disaster risk reduction measures including progress in implementing
HFA. Facilitate greater awareness of the availability of these technical resources among climate
change adaption practitioners;
Provide technical assistance on DRR as well as DRR for climate change adaptation to ECCAS,
ECOWAS and SADC regions, including policy proposals development on disaster risk reduction
for African Ministerial Conferences’ consideration; Support development of activity proposals for the
implementation of the Common Policy of francophone Africa for Disaster risk reduction. Support
Central Africa to develop a common strategy for disaster risk reduction and AU’s Programme of
Action’s implementation;
Promote mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction into relevant development programmes of West
Africa and Central Africa;.
Support West Africa in resource mobilization for implementation of its common policy on Disaster
Risk Reduction; Coordinate activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and
submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports
(pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc);
Provide substantive backstopping to the organization of, Ministerial conferences, Regional Platform
meetings, consultative and other meetings and Parliamentarian related foras to ensure
consideration and references to disaster risk reduction as part of the agenda, support the
identification of participants, the preparation of relevant working documents and presentations. This
is to include (a) meetings of the Ministers responsible for disaster risk reduction in both West and
Central Africa, (b) establishment and development of national platforms for disaster risk reduction;
Lead the establishment and strengthening of a national and regional monitoring and reporting
mechanism, based on National Platforms as well as long term multi-stakeholder and multi-sector
planning for disaster risk reduction;
Facilitate information sharing, exchange of experience and practices on DRR through the
establishment of regional knowledge networks for exchange of good practices and experiences
throughout Africa regional forums and the Global Information Platform information to promote
knowledge exchange on DRR member countries of ECCAS and ECOWAS and in cooperation with
climate change adaptation community;
Lead and/or participate in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants,
government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc;
Perform other duties as required; and.
The selected candidate will be responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions,
plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Staff at all levels, within UNISDR, partners in the field, UNOG, UNDP and OCHA counterparts and the
disaster risk reduction community as well as national counterparts. Representatives of other UN agencies
and other UN specialized agencies; member state personnel with responsibility for disaster risk reduction;
non-governmental organization representatives; and representatives and officials in national governments,
international and regional organizations, International Financial institutions and research institutes.
Results Expected:
Play a lead role in identifying significant issues and problems to be addressed. Develop well-reasoned,
innovative suggestions and approaches to deal with complex policy/technical issues. Effective leadership
and management of major projects and work teams and timely delivery of outputs, in accordance with
overall objectives and policies. Serve as an effective spokesperson internally and externally and form
strong partnerships with relevant parties to help meet the organization’s objectives with respect to overall
policy initiatives and coordination of disaster risk reduction.
Required Selection Criteria
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster
risk reduction (in the field of political affairs, sustainable development policy and humanitarian action);
practical experience in programme management; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills,
including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; familiarity with and
experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources; ability to apply good judgment in the
context of assignments give; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
Planning and Organizing: Demonstrated planning and organizational skills and ability to coordinate the
work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
Client Orientation: Ability to identify clients’ needs and develop appropriate solutions; ability to establish
and maintain productive partnerships with clients.
Teamwork: Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain
effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for
diversity, including gender balance.
Communication: Effective communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills, including ability to
defend and explain difficult issues and positions to staff including senior officials. Commitment to
continuous learning: Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field.
Education/Experience/Language
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, development,
environment, political affairs, international or public relations, or a related field. A first-level university
degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university
degree.
Experience:
Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management,
administration or related area. Previous field experience desired.
Language:
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; knowledge of other official UN languages is an added
advantage.
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and
an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), to Artan Aliko, via e-mail
to SWOCjobs@unops.org Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when
applying by email.
Additional Considerations
– Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
– Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
– Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
– UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.