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/ASG), UNDRR has over 100 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.
This position is located in the UNDRR Headquarters in Geneva. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Branch, Supporting and Monitoring Sendai Framework Implementation (SAMSFI).
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
– Plans, manages, supervises and carries out the annual work plan of the section under his/her responsibility, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery; ensures that the outputs produced by the Global Risk Analysis and Reporting Section meet high-quality standards and support relevant UNDRR mandates. Contributes to UNDRR strategic direction, provides analysis and substantive inputs to reports on relevant inter-governmental and inter-agency discussions bearing relevance to advancing the disaster risk reduction agenda and UNDRR mandate. Carries out the managerial, programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the efficient functioning of the section including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance, interview and evaluation of candidates for job openings and interaction with service providers and UN partners.
– Responsible for the overall development of the Global Assessment Report (GAR), including the main report and the special reports. Oversees the preparation of concept notes for each GAR publication through a consultative process and the development of the report’s annotated outline. Oversees the work of the part lead authors, chapter lead authors and contributing authors to ensure that the GAR’s content is of the highest standard and that it addresses the most relevant aspects related to the current state of global disaster risk, major risk trends, challenges, links with sustainable development and good practices and innovative ways to reducing it. Oversees the calls for contributing papers and ensures a thorough selection and peer-reviewing process. Manages the Secretariat of the GAR Advisory Board and advises the SRSG and the Chief of SAMSFI branch on the identification and selection of new members.
– Supervises the Secretariat of the Expert Group of the Global Risk Assessment Framework (GRAF) and the functioning of the various working groups. Coordinates and oversees the calls for expressions of interest for prospective members of the GRAF Expert Group and Working Groups and advises the SRSG and the Chief of SAMSFI Branch on their selection. Coordinates and oversees the implementation of projects for the operationalization of the GRAF, including pilot projects with countries and other UNDRR partners. Coordinates and oversees resource mobilisation efforts for UNDRR’s needs related to the operationalization and further development of the GRAF.
– In close collaboration with the Communication, Advocacy and Knowledge Management section, oversees the development and maintenance of the GRAF collaboration platform and GRAF website; the production of the GAR, including the planning process with relevant milestones and timelines. Oversees the overall layout, graphic design, copy-editing, translation and printing of the GAR. In collaboration with the Chief, Communication Advocacy and Knowledge Management Section, contributes to the development and implementation of the communication strategy and the promotion campaign for the GAR and oversees the launch of the report. Ensures compliance of data and visuals with UN standards.
Contributes to and facilitates the work of the UNDRR Community of Practice on risk knowledge, works in close collaboration with all units and regional offices on risk assessment and related projects under his/her responsibility.
– Carries out any other duties as requested by the Chief of Branch, the Director or the SRSG.
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; Ability to establish and foster successful partnerships and collaborations; Ability to identify strategic opportunities for advancing the agenda of the Department; Ability to effectively communicate to a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally; Well developed political acumen and analysis; 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;
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.
ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors 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.
LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; Empowers others to translate vision into results; Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
EMPOWERING OTHERS: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; Encourages others to set challenging goals; Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; Genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; Involves others when making decisions that affect them.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in international relations, management, economics, social sciences, sustainable development, law or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of relevant progressively responsible experience in project or programme management is required.
Experience in disaster risk analysis and disaster risk reduction is required.
Experience in building strategic alliances and partnerships in disaster risk reduction is required.
Experience working at the international level is required.
Experience in coordinating the development and production of substantive publications/reports on disaster risk reduction and related subjects involving multiple contributing authors and including peer-reviewing is desirable.
A minimum of 5 years of experience within the United Nations common system or another intergovernmental or multilateral public organization is desirable.
At least three years of experience in managing large scale projects that require careful planning including compliance with strict deadlines is desirable.
At least five years of experience in the preparation of budgets and inputs for results-based budgeting is desirable.
At least five years of experience managing and evaluating the performance of staff is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interviews.
Special Notice
Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover note.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
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.
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.
