Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established in December 1999 and serves as the designated focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts to reduce disaster risks. 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 United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and employs over 160 staff members at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in various regional offices. The organization plays a crucial role in guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, while also supporting regional and national efforts to catalyze action and raise global awareness about disaster risk reduction. UNDRR collaborates with UN Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the scientific community.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer position is integral to the Interagency Coordination Unit within the Intergovernmental Processes, Interagency Cooperation, and Partnerships Branch of UNDRR. The incumbent will report to the Deputy Chief of Branch and will be responsible for planning and executing the work plan assigned to them, determining priorities, and allocating resources to ensure timely delivery of outputs that meet high-quality standards. The role involves overseeing programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the Unit's functioning, such as budget preparation, performance evaluation, and recruitment processes. The Programme Management Officer will also manage and develop staff, fostering teamwork and communication across organizational boundaries. A significant aspect of the role includes contributing to the implementation and monitoring of the UN Plan of Action for Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience, ensuring integration of disaster risk reduction policies within the UN system, and enhancing collaboration among disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation stakeholders. The officer will represent UNDRR in intergovernmental and inter-agency processes, providing substantive backstopping and policy advice on disaster risk reduction issues to Member States, and ensuring that these issues are reflected in the outcomes of relevant meetings and processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: contributing to the planning and execution of the work plan under their responsibility; determining priorities and allocating resources for timely delivery of outputs; ensuring high-quality standards for outputs produced by the Unit; undertaking programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the Unit's functioning; preparing budgets and reporting on budget/programme performance; evaluating staff performance and conducting interviews for job openings; managing recruitment processes with attention to geographical and gender balance; guiding, developing, and training staff; fostering teamwork and communication among staff; contributing to the implementation and monitoring of the UN Plan of Action for Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience; ensuring integration of disaster risk reduction policies; contributing to reports for intergovernmental bodies; providing analysis and reports on relevant discussions; drafting the Secretary General’s report on the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction; representing UNDRR in meetings; coordinating the organization of meetings and seminars; providing substantive inputs for the organization of meetings of the UN Senior Leaders Group; and identifying opportunities for advancing the disaster risk reduction agenda.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, management, economics, social sciences, law, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, with a proven track record in building strategic partnerships and alliances. Experience in disaster risk reduction and/or resilience-related programming or policy work, particularly related to the Sendai Framework, is essential. Candidates should also have experience supporting or engaging in intergovernmental and/or inter-agency coordination processes, and experience in representation on behalf of international organizations is desirable. Supervisory experience in disaster risk reduction and/or resilience-related technical or policy fields is also preferred, along with experience in data analytics or related areas, and working in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, management, economics, social sciences, law, or a related area is required for this position. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if accompanied by two years of qualifying experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant progressively responsible experience in project or programme management. Candidates should have experience in building strategic partnerships and alliances, as well as experience in disaster risk reduction and/or resilience-related programming or policy work, particularly in relation to the Sendai Framework. Experience in supporting or engaging in intergovernmental and/or inter-agency coordination processes is also required. Desirable experience includes representation on behalf of international organizations, supervising or coordinating teams in disaster risk reduction and/or resilience-related fields, and working in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of French is also required, while proficiency in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), or Russian is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. The role involves international collaboration and may require travel for meetings and events. The contract duration and specific compensation details are not provided in the job description.