Associate 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 aimed at reducing disaster risks. The organization plays a crucial role in ensuring synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, addressing both developed and less developed countries. UNDRR is led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG) and has a workforce of over 160 staff members based in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in various regional and liaison offices. The organization is committed to guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which aims to enhance global awareness and catalyze action to reduce disaster risks. UNDRR collaborates with UN Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the scientific community. Additionally, the International Recovery Platform (IRP), a global partnership established after the Second UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Kobe, Japan, in 2005, focuses on promoting best practices in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. The IRP aims to support the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) and has evolved into an international mechanism for sharing experiences and learning among countries and stakeholders to promote resilient recovery and build-back-better initiatives. The IRP Secretariat, located in Kobe, Japan, is supported by various partners and is governed by a Steering Committee. The organization actively engages in knowledge sharing, capacity building, and advocacy for effective recovery outcomes, facilitating discussions among policymakers and practitioners through events such as the annual International Recovery Forum.

Job Overview:
The Associate Programme Management Officer for the International Recovery Platform (IRP) will be based in the UNDRR Office in Kobe, Japan, and will report to the Programme Management Officer, Head of the Recovery Readiness Unit within the Intergovernmental Processes, Interagency Cooperation and Partnerships Branch at the UNDRR Office in Geneva. This position entails a multifaceted role that involves working closely with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes and projects related to the IRP. The officer will support the IRP secretariat function, liaising with the IRP Steering Committee and collaborating with other IRP partners. The role requires monitoring and analyzing specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation, reviewing relevant documents and reports, identifying problems and issues, and recommending corrective actions. The officer will also engage with regional offices to promote the implementation of Priority 4 (Build Back Better) of the Sendai Framework, conducting basic research on selected aspects of programmes and operations, and collecting, analyzing, and presenting statistical data and information from diverse sources. Furthermore, the officer will provide substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, assist in consulting assignments, participate in survey initiatives, contribute to the preparation of various written outputs and knowledge products, and undertake outreach activities to promote build-back-better initiatives in recovery. The position also involves coordinating activities related to budget funding and preparing related documents and reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Programme Management Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Facilitating the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, particularly the International Recovery Platform (IRP).
• Supporting the IRP secretariat function, including liaising with the IRP Steering Committee and collaborating with other IRP partners.
• Monitoring and analyzing specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation, reviewing relevant documents and reports, and identifying problems and issues to recommend corrective actions.
• Engaging with regional offices to promote the implementation of Priority 4 (Build Back Better) of the Sendai Framework.
• Conducting basic research on selected aspects of programmes and operations, including collecting, analyzing, and presenting statistical data and information from diverse sources.
• Providing substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including reviewing and analyzing emerging issues and trends.
• Assisting in consulting assignments by planning and facilitating workshops and developing action plans for clients.
• Participating in survey initiatives, assisting with the design of data collection tools, and analyzing and interpreting responses.
• Contributing to the preparation of various written outputs and knowledge products in English and Japanese, including drafting background papers, analytical notes, and sections of reports. 1
• Providing administrative and substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences, including proposing agenda topics and handling logistics. 1
• Undertaking outreach activities, developing communication materials for IRP, and participating in training workshops and seminars. 1
• Participating in field missions, providing substantive and administrative support, and collecting data. 1
• Coordinating activities related to budget funding and preparing related documents and reports. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a comprehensive set of qualifications, including:

• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and Build Back Better initiatives.
• Ability to identify issues, analyze problems, and participate in their resolution.
• Familiarity with human rights and gender-based approaches in promoting inclusion and ensuring equal participation in UNDRR’s work.
• Proficiency in data collection using various methods and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis.
• Strong conceptual analytical and evaluative skills, with experience in using various research sources, including electronic databases.
• Ability to apply sound judgment in the context of assignments, plan work effectively, and manage conflicting priorities.
• Demonstrated professionalism, competence, and mastery of subject matter, with a commitment to meeting deadlines and achieving results.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to tailor language and style to match the audience.
• Excellent planning and organizing skills, with the ability to develop clear goals and adjust priorities as needed.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, or related fields is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level or advanced degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in any field of study, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree in the specified fields.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, resource mobilization, stakeholder coordination, or a related area. Candidates who have successfully passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme examination (YPP) or the G to P Examination (G to P) are exempt from the experience requirement. Experience in disaster risk reduction, particularly as it relates to the Sendai Framework, is essential. Desirable experience includes mobilizing resources with donors and/or the private sector, information and knowledge management, and working within international organizations such as the United Nations or similar entities.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Japanese is required. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but for this specific job opening, the ability to communicate effectively in both English and Japanese is mandatory. Candidates should consult the UN Language Framework for details on the minimum required level for each skill in these languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kobe, Japan, and is likely to be a full-time role. Additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, compensation, and benefits may be provided during the recruitment process. The organization is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.