Programme Management Officer - Resilient Infrastructure

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 disaster risks. The organization aims to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, addressing both developed and less developed countries. UNDRR is led by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and employs over 150 staff members at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in regional offices. The organization is responsible for guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supporting its regional and national implementation, and catalyzing action to enhance global awareness of 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 located in Geneva and reports to the head of the Infrastructure and Finance for Resilience Unit within the Inter-governmental processes, Inter-agency cooperation, and Partnerships Branch of UNDRR. The primary focus of this role is the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs and operations related to Sendai Target D, which emphasizes resilient infrastructure. The officer will engage with various stakeholders, including engineers and financiers, coordinate activities of regional offices, and manage critical partnerships. The incumbent's responsibilities will encompass a wide range of activities, from policy advocacy to providing technical support and capacity building, ensuring that the organization's objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programs/projects focused on infrastructure financing, recovery, and resilience. This includes monitoring and analyzing program/project development and implementation, reviewing relevant documents and reports, identifying problems and proposing corrective actions, and liaising with relevant parties.
• Conducting consulting assignments in collaboration with UNDRR regional offices and partner countries, which involves planning and facilitating workshops and assisting in the development of action plans.
• Researching, analyzing, and presenting information gathered from diverse sources on infrastructure financing and resilience.
• Assisting in policy development by reviewing and analyzing issues and trends, preparing evaluations, and conducting other research activities and studies.
• Undertaking survey initiatives, designing data collection tools, reviewing and interpreting responses, identifying problems, and preparing conclusions.
• Preparing various written outputs, including draft background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, and inputs to publications.
• Providing substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences, including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, and preparing documents and presentations.
• Conducting outreach activities, including training workshops and seminars, and making presentations on assigned topics.
• Participating in or leading field missions, providing guidance to external consultants and government officials, and drafting mission summaries. 1
• Coordinating activities related to budget and funding, including program/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, and financial statements, and preparing related documents and reports. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or program management, administration, or a related area. At least three years of work experience specifically in infrastructure resilience and disaster risk reduction is required. Additionally, experience in disaster risk reduction financing is essential, while experience in sub-national/local level disaster resilience-building is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the relevant theories, concepts, and approaches in the field, as well as the ability to identify and analyze issues and participate in their resolution.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, international development, management, public policy, economics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or program management, administration, or a related area. Specifically, at least three years of work experience in infrastructure resilience and disaster risk reduction is mandatory, along with experience in disaster risk reduction financing. Experience in building disaster resilience at the sub-national or local level is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable, which could enhance communication and collaboration within the organization and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for a period of 10 months. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions in accordance with established rules and procedures. The selection for this temporary assignment does not affect the future incumbency of the post. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization promotes a positive workplace culture that embraces inclusivity and diversity, offering flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.