Org. Setting and Reporting
Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 140 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community.
This position is located in the UNDRR Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in Brussels. The Chief of Regional Office will report to the Director of UNDRR.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Chief of Regional Office will be responsible for the following duties:
- Under the overall guidance of the Director and the SRSG for Disaster Risk Reduction, contributes to the formulation and implementation of the work programme for the Regional Office in line with the UNDRR Strategic Framework and Work Programme, by determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery, in cooperation and co-ordination with UNDRR Headquarters and other offices.
- Oversees and coordinates the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Regional office, including preparation of work plans and budgets, recruitment of staff, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), and monitoring and reporting on budget/programme performance in the context of results-based management. Ensures that the outputs produced by teams under his/her supervision meet high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data; and that they comply with relevant organizational mandates. Contributes to UNDRR’s global resource mobilization efforts by mobilizing resources from the region.
- Provides policy guidance to the Senior Management of the UNDRR on conceptual strategy development and management of the implementation of the UNDRR strategic framework. In line with the UNDRR strategic framework and biennial work programme, builds partnerships for broad and focused cooperation towards reducing vulnerability to disasters in the region of Europe and Central Asia.
- Supports Member States and other disaster risk reduction (DRR) partners in the implementation and monitoring of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk; identifies, builds and enhances strategic partnerships for national, sub regional and regional cooperation with Governments, regional organizations, the private sector, civil society, parliamentarians, and science and technology community at large to mobilize support for sound and coherent action related to disaster risk reduction, and to ensure meaningful involvement and participation of those stakeholders in the development and implementation of effective disaster risk reduction policies, frameworks and programmes.
- Supports and coordinates with the UN Regional Collaborative mechanisms aiming to strengthen UN Coherence on disaster risk reduction aligned with the UN plan of Action and ensure integration of risk reduction policies and programs through cooperation with the Resident Coordinator system and UN Country Teams.
- Communicates and advocates for the integration of disaster risk reduction as a key element of the sustainable development agenda. Communicates the linkages between climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and make a compelling case on the importance of reducing disaster risk as a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development. Provides substantive regional input in the preparation of position papers and reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly, and other policy-making organs as appropriate.
- Liaises with governments and other partners to ensure that the agreed commitments of Regional Platforms for DRR are monitored. Advocates for and supports the Making City Resilient 2030 and diverse thematic networks in the region to foster DRR with the private sector, women, girls, and persons with disabilities through regional counterparts and partnerships.
- When requested, represents the Director and the SRSG in relevant meetings on disaster risk reduction in the region. Provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue or hold programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. Encourages cooperation and facilitate intergovernmental consultation and negotiation. The Chief of Office will represent UNDRR and proactively engage with the European Union institutions, including the European Parliament, as well as other relevant partners, to advance collaboration with UNDRR on issues of common interest
- Contributes to effective planning and monitoring at the regional and global levels, ensures effective interface with HQ and other regions, and proposes proactively new solutions and approaches.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and other risk management topics. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to establish and foster successful partnerships and collaborations. Ability to identify strategic opportunities for advancing the agenda of the Department. Well developed political acumen and analysis. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Show 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 personal concerns. Show persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
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.
LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in international relations, social sciences, natural and environmental sciences, government, public administration, public policy, social policy and programmes, social development, community development, risk management or other related disciplines is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively relevant work experience in programme/project management, building strategic alliances and partnerships and resource mobilization is required.
A minimum of four (4) years of experience in international organizations such as the United Nations or similar organizations is required.
A minimum of three (3) years of experience in disaster risk reduction is required.
Experience in engaging senior officials representing national governments, civil society, private sector, and other organizations is required.
A minimum of three (3) years of experience in representation functions with international organizations is desirable.
At least three (3) years of experience managing offices and people is desirable.
Work experience in disaster risk reduction in the region is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.
Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Candidate Profile (CP) and Motivation Statement.
Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher, temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.
At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
In line with the overall United Nations policy, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction encourages a positive workplace culture which embraces inclusivity and leverages diversity within its workforce. Measures are applied to enable all staff members to contribute equally and fully to the work and development of the organization, including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies and standards of conduct.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.
The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
