Crisis Risk Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. The organization focuses on building resilience, supporting crisis prevention, and promoting sustainable development goals (SDGs). UNDP employs thousands of staff members worldwide, collaborating with various stakeholders to implement programs and initiatives that foster inclusive growth and development.

Job Overview:
The Crisis Risk Specialist position is designed to provide strategic leadership and expertise in advancing UNDP's crisis risk analytics and anticipatory action agenda. This role focuses on coordinating the INFORM initiative and leading the INFORM Warning system, which are critical components of UNDP's approach to crisis risk management. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring that these initiatives deliver high-quality, policy-relevant insights that inform decision-making processes. The position requires a deep understanding of crisis dynamics, data analytics, and the ability to translate complex risk assessments into actionable intelligence. The specialist will work closely with UNDP teams, UN system partners, and other stakeholders to enhance the organization's capacity to anticipate risks and protect development gains in crisis-prone contexts. The role emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, requiring collaboration across various functions and teams to achieve strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Global Coordination and Leadership of the INFORM Initiative: Provide strategic leadership and stewardship of the INFORM initiative, coordinating with partners across UN entities, Member States, and civil society to ensure coherent delivery of objectives. Lead governance and planning processes, oversee the delivery of analytical products, and ensure methodological integrity.
• Strategic and Operational Leadership of INFORM Warning: Define vision and priorities for the INFORM Warning program, ensuring effective project management and implementation. Translate scientific contributions into operational methodologies and ensure the quality of anticipatory insights.
• Integration and Strategic Positioning of Crisis Risk Analytics: Contribute to the development of a coherent analytics offer, supporting the integration of INFORM products into UNDP's decision-making processes. Translate analytics into practical inputs for organizational use.
• Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Facilitate knowledge sharing and strategic dialogue to enhance understanding of UNDP's anticipatory risk analytics. Engage with experts and stakeholders to strengthen analytical quality and operational relevance.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise one IPSA and ensure effective team management and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Climate Science, Risk Management, Data Science, or related analytical fields. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience may be considered.
• A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) is desired, particularly with advanced training in quantitative analysis and scientific methods.
• Proven experience in crisis risk analysis, early warning systems, and anticipatory action, with a minimum of seven years of relevant experience for Master’s degree holders or nine years for Bachelor’s degree holders.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating complex, multi-partner initiatives and translating scientific research into operational tools.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to engage with technical experts and communicate complex concepts to non-technical audiences.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Climate Science, Risk Management, Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a related analytical or scientific field. A first-level university degree in these areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, will also be considered. A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) is preferred, especially if it demonstrates advanced training in quantitative analysis and scientific methodologies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in crisis risk analysis, early warning, anticipatory action, or crisis risk management. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree should have at least nine years of relevant experience. Experience should include advanced analytical work, research, policy analysis, and senior coordination of complex initiatives in an international context. Demonstrated experience in leading multi-partner initiatives, resource mobilization, and program management is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in another UN language is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in a multicultural environment and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes equal opportunity and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to UNDP's standards and principles. The role may involve a probationary period for new fixed-term appointments, and UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement.