Programme Management Officer, Partnerships at United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Contributes to the implementation and monitoring of the UN Plan of Action for Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience in sub-Saharan Africa, including coordination with members of the UN system at regional and national levels to advance the integration of disaster risk reduction in the strategic plans and programmes throughout the UN system.
• Contributes to the integration of disaster risk reduction policies through cooperation with the UN resident coordinator system and UN country teams, in particular in relation to the preparation and review of United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDC), Common Country Assessments (CCA), and other key regional and national UN planning instruments.
• Acts as the focal point for partnerships with the private sector, civil society organizations, parliamentarians, and the science and technology community in the region and collaborates closely with the Intergovernmental processes and Inter-agency cooperation and Partnerships Branch in Geneva.
• Supports engagement of partners at the regional and national level, in line with the overall UNDRR Partnership Engagement Strategy; collaborates closely with partnership focal points in other regional offices to ensure coherence and information exchange.
• Facilitate partner’s / stakeholders’ engagement in key regional processes such as regional platform conferences and regional coordination meetings; which includes but not limited to keeping track of stakeholder’s commitments and facilitating updates during the above meetings/conferences; and managing regular communication and follow up with regional partners and stakeholder groups.
• Provides substantive inputs for the development of strategic partnerships with key constituencies at the regional level; upon delegation from the Deputy Chief of the Regional Office, serves as a liaison to private sector organizations, educational organizations, civil society organizations, academic organizations, as required. Suggests improvements of the Partnership Strategy based on the regional context for the review by the Deputy Chief of Office and the Partnerships, Intergovernmental processes and Inter-agency cooperation Branch in Geneva.
• Develops and maintains partner structures, groups and registries in the region, in line with the overall Partnership Engagement Strategy. Works with key clients to facilitate the design, implementation and evaluation of UNDRR Partnership Engagement Strategy, 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.
• Carries out research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting data and other information gathered from diverse sources.
• 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.
• Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.  
• Upon request from the Deputy Chief of the Regional Office, represents UNDRR at inter-agency meetings, seminars, etc. on partnership engagement and related partnership initiatives/issues, fulfils speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UNDRR activities and advocate issues of concern.
• May perform other duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation, or other related specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.
• 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 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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in international relations, development studies, public administration, business administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in partnership building, programme management, and advocacy campaigns is required. Work experience in building strategic alliances and partnerships in an international environment is required. Experience in integrating disaster risk reduction and/or resilience into policy decisions and programmatic approaches of international organizations is desirable. Experience advocating with international organizations and other stakeholders on sustainable development, climate change, resilience and/or disaster risk reduction is desirable.