Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions. The position is located in the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) in the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in New York and the incumbent reports to the Head of ERU. The Programme Management Officer will support the establishment and management of UNDSS standing surge capacity – a cadre of experienced and appropriately skilled existing security staff who can rapidly deploy at short notice to provide surge support in special situations. The incumbent might be required to travel to the field to support UNDSS response to sudden onset emergencies. This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Programme Management Officer will be working with the Head of the Emergency Response Unit and will be responsible for the following duties:
- Develops, establishes, implements and evaluates UNDSS standing surge capacity mechanisms to ensure that the Department has a predictable source of additional capacity to respond to new, escalating, or evolving challenges, monitors and analyzes programme development and implementation; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
- Develops an effective surge deployment strategy and manages UNDSS standing surge capacity to facilitate deployment of staff during special situations, based on the Department’s needs assessment.
- Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with relevant partners, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the partners will use to manage the change related to surge deployments.
- Conducts research, analysis and workforce planning on surge capacity and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
- Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies as it relates to the standing surge capacity and emergency response.
- Generates survey initiatives studies as it relates to the standing surge capacity and emergency response; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
- Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
- Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
- Initiates and coordinates outreach activities with the Department of Operational Support; makes presentations on emergency response to ensure advocacy and understanding of security considerations and needs in crises.
- Leads and/or participates in field missions to support the Department’s rapid response to emergencies.
- 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.).
- Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to project management, surge/emergency response and relevant field. 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. Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; places confidence in and builds trust with colleagues, staff members and stakeholders.
- 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 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.
- Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, international relations or a related field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management or related area is required.
- At least two years of experience in the past seven years working within the UN Common System or similar international organization or nongovernmental organization at the international level is required, out of which one year in a conflict, post-conflict or natural disaster setting.
- A minimum of two years of experience establishing and maintaining relationships with counterparts within the UN Common System, including the Secretariat and Agencies, Funds and Programmes, or similar international organizations is required.
- Experience in providing programmatic support to or in a field operation of an international organization is required.
- Experience in managing partnerships (including advocacy and communications with the donors, the private sector and civil society) within the UN Common System or similar international organization is desirable.
- Experience in contributing to the United Nations’ or a similar international organization, response to crisis or emergency situations is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required and knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of additional official United Nations language is desirable. NOTE: ”Fluency” equals a rating of ”fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ”Knowledge of” equals a rating of ”confident” in two of the four areas.
Application instructions
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