Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established in December 1999 and serves as the focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts to reduce disasters. The organization aims to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities across the UN and regional organizations, operating in both developed and developing countries. UNDRR is led by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and has a workforce of over 160 staff members based in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in various regional offices. The organization's mission includes guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supporting regional and national implementations, and raising global awareness to mitigate disaster risks. The position of Programme Management Officer is located in the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, where the officer will report to the Early Warning and Risk Knowledge Coordinator under the supervision of the Deputy Chief and Chief of the Regional Office.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Africa Early Warning for All Action Plan and the African Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System. This position involves facilitating knowledge exchange and establishing cooperation mechanisms with international stakeholders involved in impact-based early warning systems and transboundary risk management. The officer will assist in developing and reviewing legal and institutional frameworks that define the roles and responsibilities of disaster risk reduction stakeholders at various levels. The role also includes participating in field missions, collaborating with external consultants and government officials, and drafting mission summaries. The officer will contribute to identifying funding opportunities, preparing proposals, and monitoring projects aligned with the Sendai Framework's implementation in Africa. Additionally, the officer will support the design and rollout of training programs for hydro-meteorological modeling and impact-based early warning systems, ensuring the integration of relevant stakeholders into a continental network. The position requires outreach activities to promote disaster risk-informed decision-making and the organization of training workshops and seminars. The officer will also facilitate data collection and management to support monitoring efforts related to the Sendai Framework's targets, ensuring effective communication of early warning messages to various end users.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the Africa Early Warning for All Action Plan and the African Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System. This includes facilitating knowledge exchange and establishing cooperation mechanisms with international stakeholders in disaster risk reduction. The officer will assist in developing legal frameworks for disaster risk reduction stakeholders and participate in field missions, drafting mission summaries. The role involves identifying funding opportunities, preparing proposals, and monitoring projects related to the Sendai Framework's implementation. The officer will support the design and rollout of training for hydro-meteorological modeling and impact-based early warning systems, ensuring stakeholder integration into a continental network. Outreach activities will be conducted to promote disaster risk-informed decision-making, and the officer will organize training workshops and seminars. The officer will facilitate data collection and management to support monitoring efforts related to the Sendai Framework's targets and ensure effective communication of early warning messages. Additional responsibilities include drafting various written outputs, representing UNDRR at meetings, and supporting the development of awareness campaigns for early warning messages.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, physics, engineering, mathematics, environmental science, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or a related area. Experience in establishing and operationalizing impact-based Early Warning Systems is essential, along with experience in facilitating partnerships among disaster risk reduction institutions and academia. Desirable qualifications include at least two years of experience in developing and monitoring work plans, procurement, and financial reporting, as well as work experience in the African region.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, physics, engineering, mathematics, environmental science, or a related field is required for this position. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage projects and contribute to disaster risk reduction efforts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration, or a related area. Candidates must have experience in establishing and operationalizing impact-based Early Warning Systems, which is crucial for the role. Additionally, experience in facilitating partnerships among disaster risk reduction institutions and academia is desirable. At least two years of experience in developing and monitoring work plans, procurement, and financial reporting is also preferred. Work experience in the African region is considered an asset, as it provides valuable context for the role.

Languages:
English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is considered desirable, providing an additional language skill that can enhance communication and collaboration within the organization. The UN Language Framework outlines the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, and candidates should consult the framework for specific details regarding language proficiency expectations.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is based in Nairobi, Kenya. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government officials, international organizations, and disaster risk reduction partners. The Programme Management Officer will be expected to represent UNDRR at inter-agency meetings and contribute to the development of strategic papers and presentations for senior management. The position may involve travel for field missions and outreach activities, and candidates should be prepared to engage in collaborative efforts to achieve organizational goals.