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 160 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. The position is responsible for the UNDRR New York Liaison Office and reports to the Chief of Intergovernmental Processes, Interagency Cooperation and Partnerships Branch, who is based in Geneva.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Plans, manages, supervises and carries out the annual work plan of the Liaison Office under his/her responsibility, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery; ensures that the outputs produced by the Liaison Office meet high-quality standards and support relevant UNDRR mandates. Contributes to UNDRR strategic direction, provides analysis and reports on relevant inter-governmental and inter-agency discussions bearing relevance to advancing the disaster risk reduction agenda and UNDRR mandate. Carries out the managerial, programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the efficient functioning of the liaison office including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance, interview and evaluation of candidates for job openings and interaction with service providers and UN partners. Provides substantive backstopping and policy advice on disaster risk reduction issues to Member States in the context of the negotiations of relevant resolutions of UN governance bodies, such as the General Assembly and ECOSOC. Leads the drafting and coordinates the preparation of the Secretary General’s report on the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, and provides inputs for other relevant reports, documents and GA resolutions. Provides strategic advisory support on post-2030 sustainable development and disaster risk reduction considerations, including the implementation of the Pact for the Future, through policy analysis, technical inputs and guidance to senior leadership to ensure risk-informed and coherent positioning across intergovernmental processes. Represents UNDRR in New York-based intergovernmental and inter-agency processes and meetings, providing strategic, substantive and programmatic advice to ensure that disaster risk reduction is systematically reflected in policy deliberations and negotiated outcomes, working in close collaboration with the Interagency Coordination Unit in Geneva to ensure institutional coherence and alignment; leads and coordinates high-level political engagement in New York, including strategic positioning, political outreach and follow-up in support of senior leadership participation in key UN processes and events; provides Secretariat leadership to the Group of Friends on Disaster Risk Reduction and engages with other relevant intergovernmental groupings to advance coherent and collective action on resilience; and develops and formalises strategic partnerships with Member States, UN entities and other stakeholders in New York to strengthen alignment, visibility and impact of UNDRR priorities across the UN system. Provides policy and coordination support to the Executive Office (EOSG) for the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General through preparation and review of relevant documents, including speeches, talking points, background documents related to disaster risk reduction, and the organization of meetings and events. Facilitates, as relevant, consultations between stakeholders on the implementation and monitoring of the 2015-2030 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Organizes advocacy events, side events and briefings on disaster risk reduction at the UN Headquarters in collaboration with, Member States, civil society organisations and UN agencies by proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparing documents and presentations. Identifies opportunities for advancing the disaster risk reduction agenda and promoting UNDRR work; proposes to headquarters new initiatives that aim to foster collective and coherent actions among key players. Carries out any other duties requested by the Chief of Branch, Director or the SRSG.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Ability to apply a human rights- and gender-based approach in UNDRRs work to promote inclusion and uphold the principle of leaving no one behind. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. 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. 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. Planning and 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. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organizations strategy and the work units goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a…