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Background

The incumbent works under the supervision of the UNRC/UNDPRR, and the technical supervision of the Senior Advisor (Programmes), DRU Geneva and the ECIS Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor, Regional Office for Europe and CIS Almaty.
The incumbent is expected to comply with all policy directives and may be required to interpret guidelines and procedures in advising country office staff and subordinates. In the absence of appropriate guidelines on any particular issue, the incumbent will propose options to be considered by the UNDP Resident Representative and the Senior Advisor (Programmes)/DRU Geneva.
The incumbent reviews the establishment of objectives, work priorities and results with the Resident Representative within the context of broad policy guidance and resource availability, the incumbent works with a large degree of autonomy and minimal supervision. The incumbent is expected to report matters of overall management concern to the Deputy Resident representative, and on technical matters to the DRU Senior Advisor (Programmes) for guidance, as appropriate.

Description of Responsibilities

• Analyses, assesses the socio/economic environment, maintains continuous dialogue with partners to provide development advisory services in the field of disaster reduction and climate risk management, identifying catalytic areas where disaster risk reduction and climate risk management can be integrated and add value to other, ongoing or planned UNDP support interventions
• Analyses context, indicators; proposes UNDP’s contribution and drafts policy, documents especially for Country Programme and other strategic documents in the thematic areas of disaster reduction and climate risk management, seeking complementarities and mainstreaming into other UNDP practice areas where the Country Office has special interest and/or comparative advantages.
• Proposes content of Strategic Results Framework (SRF) and Results Oriented Annual Report (ROAR) in the thematic area of disaster reduction.
• Collects, compiles and updates/complements existing information on hazards, vulnerabilities and capacities in the country and ensures that this information is taken into consideration in the formulation, negotiation and implementation of UNDP development programmes. Advocates for the same level of utilisation with government agencies and other partners.
• Negotiates, designs and formulates programme and project documents in the thematic area. Advocates for them in local PACs and BCPR’s Allocations Committee as necessary. Supports submissions for Trac 1.1.3 and CPR TTF funds, ensuring compliance with rules and regulations.
• Distils and writes lessons learned and good practices and shares them with the CO, the UNCT, BCPR and the CPR Network.
• Contributes to learning and human resource development in the fields of disaster reduction and climate risk management. Organises and conducts periodic and special training for UNDP, UN and government staff on disaster reduction and climate risk management policy and practice. Seeks support from DRU, CADRI and other inter-agency mechanisms to ensure coherent and widely accepted approaches.
• Assist in strengthen UNDP portfolio of disaster reduction and climate risk management related projects through mobilization of cost-sharing resources from the government, donors and other partners. Identification of new funding opportunities, development of relevant project proposals.
• Steers the UN Disaster Management Team, ensuring its permanent functioning and the formulation, updating and testing of contingency plans, definition of roles and responsibilities and identification of joint disaster preparedness and reduction programmes. Ensures collaboration and coordination with OCHA Regional and or National Disaster Response Advisors as applicable.
• In the event of a disaster, assists the Resident Coordinator/Resident Representative in the formulation of UNDP components in situation reports and appeals and in the design of early recovery frameworks that ensure risk reduction considerations are factored in the rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes. Coordinates the early recovery programmes and mobilises technical and financial resources for critical aspects such as damage assessments, livelihood restoration, housing and built environment.
• Advocates, promotes awareness and understanding of a) UNDP mandate, mission and purpose and focus on Sustainable Human Development with special emphasis on thematic area managed. b) The links and mutually supportive goals and objectives of disaster reduction, sustainable development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. May represent RR/UNDP accordingly at public, national events.
• In consultation with the Deputy Resident Representative, set priority tasks. Regular decisions include substantive approaches to implementing UNDP policy and strategy in disaster reduction and climate risk management in the country, nature of information to be exchanged with internal and external partners and programme approaches for direct implementation by the country office. These decisions condition level of integration of disaster reduction and climate risk management. Work with other programmes of the CO and externally as well as the achievement of disaster reduction and recovery goals and objectives of UNDP. Decisions of presentation during interaction with other organisations affect the credibility of the organisation and the willingness of others to collaborate with UNDP.


Expected Output

Inappropriate recommendations on technical and strategic directions for programmes, abstract advice and unclear guidance would have the effect of misdirecting scarce organisational resources, seriously affecting the relevance and effectiveness of UNDP's assistance and resulting in vulnerabilities being inadequately addressed. The potential consequences of directly or indirectly contributing to increased disaster risk, unnecessary loss of social, economic and physical development gains and , loss of life in affected countries.

In representing the organisation, endorsement of technically inappropriate approaches could weaken UNDP's credibility and relationship with partner organisations. In turn, this could seriously constrain UNDP's ability to contribute to joint strategies and programmes necessary to support disaster reduction needs of the country.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning
- Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
- In-depth knowledge on development issues
- Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
- Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
- Strong IT skills
- Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change

Management and Leadership
- Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
- Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Qualifications

Education: Master’s Degree in social sciences or discipline relevant to disaster reduction and climate risk management with internationally recognized contributions to the theory and practice of disaster reduction through publications and contributions to professional associations and international committees.

Experience: Proven record of achievement of 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in planning and managing technical co-operation strategies and relevant advocacy programmes in disaster reduction, emergency response and post-disaster recovery. Extensive field experience in disaster environments and an in-depth knowledge of issues in the country and/or the CIS region. International field experience will be an asset.
Application of theoretical knowledge in the design, management and evaluation of complex, multi-disciplinary capacity building programmes involving national governments, civil society and international organisations. Well proven analytical and writing skills. Demonstrated abilities and contributions to policy and guideline formulation, resource mobilization, team building, team leadership and management, preferably in a capacity related to the UN system. Experience in establishing inter-organizational networks and partnerships at the operational level.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English and the working language of the duty station