Programme Management Officer at United Nations

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Programme Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Leads the implementation of the project titled “Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Solidarity to Reduce Disaster Impacts and Humanitarian Needs in West Africa”.
• Coordinates UNDRR’s work on early warning and action in West African countries and serve as UNDRR’s liaison with regional organizations, including the Economic Community of West Africa States.
• Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; develops detailed project work plans; produces relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
• Performs consulting assignments by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing of action plans.
• Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Leads the organization of consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Supervises the work of and provides guidance to junior staff members. • Performs other duties as required.

Requirements
Educational Qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Disaster Management, Climate Science, International Development, or a related field.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management in disaster risk management and early warning and action, or related area is required.
• Experience implementing disaster early warning and early action projects in Africa is required. Experience providing support to regional organizations and/or national governments in Africa on disaster risk analytics and risk assessment is required.
• Experience working with regional organizations and national governments in West Africa on issues related to disaster management and in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is desirable.

Competencies:
Professionalist:

• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction and preparedness, early warning and action, and humanitarian affairs.
• Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
• Ability to conduct data collection using various methods.
• Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda;
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• Identifies priority activities and assignments;
• Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Accountability:

• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments;
• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
• Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;
• Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments;
• Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
   

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and French is required.

Assessment:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.