Bangladesh nationals: Programme Associate

Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Disaster Response and Recovery Facility (DRRF) is a standing and flexible facility by UNDP Bangladesh, mandated to accelerate disaster preparedness for eff­ective response to a­ffected people, contribute to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. UNDP’s DRRF is a vital contribution towards achieving SFDRR, SDGs and a developed country status by 2041. DRRF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and other relevant stakeholders serves to shift focus from response to disasters towards building long term resilience. In this connection, DRRF i) implements timely, appropriate and adequate response and recovery assistance and to the households, community, business etc.; ii) work with development partners, the UN/Cluster systems to support GoB to build its capacity in disaster management at all levels; iii) support making appropriate policies, financial instruments and technological innovation on preparedness for recovery and foster partnership in different sectors; and iv) work as, when appropriate, a fund management facility for humanitarian and development agencies to foster cost effective and time efficient mechanism. DRRF is a vital contribution towards this ambition.

Recently, DRRF is supporting the Government with increased capacity and development of Emergency Management (EM) systems planning through developing and institutionalizing the Emergency Operations Plans (EOP) at the Ministry and City Corporation level including Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD)- through the implementation of the Training, Exercise and Drill (TED) Programme for six key agencies in Dhaka and Sylhet involving around 800 professionals from six agencies over a period of 15 months. Apart from that, DRRF is also implementing several interventions including raising awareness on Tsunami, COVID19 response under South-south triangular cooperation etc. Therefore, a Programme Associate is required who will be responsible for providing support for coordinating and managing the implementation of the entire TED programme and other projects/interventions of DRRF.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Analyst, Climate Change and Disaster, UNDP and secondary supervision of Project Manager, DRRF, UNDP for overall guidance.

Support for Planning and Successful Execution of Training, Exercise and Drill (TED) Programme and Other Projects of DRRF

• Assist the Programme Analyst of RIG Cluster and the Project Analyst (Project Manager) of DRRF project in project planning and formulation of plans for implementation of TED Programme and any other projects of DRRF based on project document and consultation with relevant stakeholders e.g. Project Management Unit, World Bank, MoDMR etc.;
• Assist the Programme Analyst of RIG Cluster and the Project Analyst (Project Manager) of DRRF project in the preparation and implementation of the annual results-based detailed work/action plans or AWP and result frameworks for implementation of TED Programme and any other projects of DRRF
• Facilitating the Project Analyst (Project Manager) of DRRF project in monitoring the progress and managerial oversight for smooth implementation of TED Programme and other activities of DRRF including managing partnerships, policy, resource mobilization and advocacy efforts; and overseeing and managing the project on day-to-day basis;
• Conducting secondary research, meeting reporting requirements, preparing project documents, policy briefs, concept notes, discussion papers, and presentations and support in ensuring that UNDP management, Project Management Unit and donor are kept informed about project progress through preparation and submission of necessary reports as required;
• Assume the technical responsibility for all professional consultants and contractors engaged through projects funds directly; this includes drafting of terms of reference, technical specifications and other documents as necessary; and the identification and advice on the recruitment of project consultants, as well as coordination and quality control of consultants and suppliers;
• Assist in managing the vendor, consultants and other parties responsible for delivering of or contributing to sub-project results
• Support for project administration and evaluation tasks of the staff, consultants and contracted companies and NGOs engaged for implementation of TED programme and other projects of DRRF;
• Represent UNDP in workshops, conferences and other events and meetings in the absence of the Programme Analyst of RIG Cluster and the Project Analyst (Project Manager) of DRRF project and assist in organizing events and meetings with stakeholders.

Coordination with MoDMR and Management of Participants of TED Programme:

• Maintain coordination and liaison with MoDMR and other key agencies regarding the relevant training in finalizing participant lists based on reviewed selection criteria, training needs, and potential of professional staff’s development planning of the agencies etc.;
• Support in managing the agency-specific training calendar for the six agencies (i.e. MoDMR, DDM, FSCD, DNCC, DSCC and SCC) under TED Programme;
• Overseeing the process of monitoring the participation of the nominated participants and support in evaluation of the participants for internal and external reporting purposes;
• Oversee the information collected and published about the participant in/for online based tracking system;

Communication, Coordination and Policy Advocacy with other stakeholders for TED Programmes and and other projects of DRRF

• Support the Programme Analyst of RIG Cluster and the Project Analyst (Project Manager) of DRRF project in coordination and communication with Donor, Government, relevant agencies, vendors, local and international partners about implementation of the training programmes and institutionalization of the EOP and EOC development Process under TED Programme;
• Facilitate in capacity development of UNDP staff, DRRF staff, NGO partners in connection with EOP and EOC development and other knowledge developed through TED Programme and other projects of DRRF;
• Identifying  new opportunities, approaches and activities for policy advocacy and facilitate dissemination of evidence-based key findings to inform the process of policy reform;
• Support in progress monitoring of the planned intervention for implementation of TED Programme and make necessary communication with PMU, donors and relevant agencies/stakeholders about the progress and required measures/support in this regard;
• Perform data/information depository functions under TED programme and other projects of DRRF and prepare ‘information sheets’ for Client/Donor and/or relevant agencies;
• Support in strengthening relations with different relevant agencies to identify information and support needs;
• Provide timely, adequate and relevant information to team members and other stakeholders;
• Support in developing and managing the relationship with relevant communications focal points inside and outside UNDP;

Documentation and Outreach Support for TED Programme and other projects of DRRF

• Review of documents (e.g. training curriculum, training evaluation report, reports prepared by consultants etc.) submitted by consultants and other partners, and provide support/feedback in finalization of the documents and proper documentation for effective use for TED Programme and other projects of DRRF;
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, blogs, and presentations related to TED Programme and other initiatives of DRRF;
• Facilitate in the development and management of social media posts for the TED Programme and other projects of DRRF;
• Assist in identifying and drafting good stories on TED Programme and other projects of DRRF to be shared with various stakeholders upon demand;
• Contribute in the development and maintenance of the new website/online Tracking system for TED programme;
• Preparation of reports for internal and external use of DRRF;
• Preparation of different reports for the management of UNDP Bangladesh.

Other activities focusing on achievement of the following results

• Support to DRRF team in other activities of DRFF on a regular basis in connection to the implementation of TED Programme;
• Any other task as assigned by the respective Project Manager or Programme Head, and Sr. Management of UNDP Bangladesh
• Support for Project’s Monitoring Reports such Quarterly progress Report, Annual Progress Report, updating off-line Risk, Issue and Monitoring log
• Uploading Project Reports and data in ITA portal
• Support for Conducting PQA

Competencies

Core competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Management

• Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Partnership Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
• Monitoring: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results
• Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience

Business Development

• Knowledge generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need

Digital & Innovation

• Data Storytelling and communication: Skilled in building narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling fashion

External Relations & Advocacy

• Relationship management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Minimum Higher Secondary Certificate in science discipline from a recognized institutions is required.
• Bachelor degree or equivalent degree in civil or Water Resources Engineering/Environmental Science/ disaster management/ development relevant disciplines or associated field

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of practical experience with Higher Secondary Certificate or 4 years of practical experience with Bachelor’s Degree in Disaster Management/Climate Change/Environmental issues.
• Designing and implementing disaster risk management/ emergency management training/capacity-building programs
• Executing major projects or expertise in dealing with Disasters/Social Services /Mass Fatality Management etc.
• Expertise in policy advocacy and liaison, extensive knowledge of the roles and activity of MODMR
• Previous working experience with MODMR
• Experience in working with UN agencies or International NGOs is desirable.
• Knowledge and skills in operating MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel) is essential.
• Adequate knowledge in preparing reports, maintaining documents and records;
• Proper knowledge to support in organizing workshop, training, seminars etc.;
• Previous experience in working with government agencies/ donor-funded projects/ other development partners would be an added advantage.

Language:

• English and Bengali

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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