Advisor and Envoy of the Chair of the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD)

Contract

This is a IICA-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-4 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Platform on Disaster Displacement

The Platform on Disaster Displacement (hereinafter Platform) was established on 1 July 2016 to follow up on the work started by the Nansen Initiative and to implement the recommendations of the Protection Agenda. The overall objective of the Platform is:

To support States and other stakeholders to strengthen the protection of persons displaced across borders in the context of disasters and the adverse effects of climate change, and to prevent or reduce disaster displacement risks in countries of origin.

To enable the work of the Platform, the following structure is in place: 1) Steering Group, 2) Advisory Committee, 3) Group of Friends and 4) Secretariat.

The current Chair of the Steering Group for the Platform is the Government of Fiji. The scope of this ToR is to provide advisory services and support to the Chair of the Steering Group, in the form of an Advisor and Envoy to the Chair.

Functional Responsibilities

• Reports to the Chair of the Steering Group of the PDD
• Advises the Chair and the Steering Group on legal and strategic issues of relevance to the objectives and strategic priorities of the PDD
• Participates in the meetings of the Steering Group of the PDD provides input in their preparation in coordination with the Chair and the Head of the PDD Secretariat
• Chair and lead preparations and organization of meetings of the Advisory Committee of the PDD
• Lead legal research and promotes partnership with relevant legal academic and research communities in view of supporting normative and policy development in gap areas regarding cross-border disaster-displacement
• Represents the Chair of the PDD, upon request, in international fora and high-level public events
• Advises the Chair and ensures representation in relevant global policy areas, such as those on climate change (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), disaster risk reduction (Sendai Framework for DRR) and human mobility (Global Compacts on Refugees and for Migration).
• Provides support to resource mobilization and fundraising efforts of the PDD and its partners (upon request by the Chair)
• Advises on the implementation of the communication strategy of the PDD, including providing support for drafting of op-eds and articles, and in other media outlets, upon requests by the Chair
• Acts as spokesperson of the Chair of the PDD on PDD related matters, upon requests by the PDD Chair.
• Discharges any additional duties in providing advisory and representational services to the Chair, Steering Group and and the PDD Secretariat.

Expected Results/Outputs:

• Legal and policy advice provided to the Chair of the PDD
• Legal and policy research and analysis provided to the PDD on disaster displacement
• The PDD Chair represented in high-level public and policy events
• Substantive input and support provided in the organization and Chairing of annual PDD Advisory Committee meetings
• Strategic advice on fundraising efforts provided to PDD Steering Group
• Timely response to media and spokesperson requests

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education - Masters degree (or higher) preferably in Law, International Law, International Humanitarian Law, International Relations or related field is required. - A Bachelors degree in Law, International Law, International Humanitarian Law, International Relations or related field combined with an additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Masters degree

b. Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience preferably in multilateral affairs at the international level in the field of international human rights, refugee and environmental law is required

  c. Language

• Full working knowledge of English is required.
• Knowledge of German, French and Spanish is an asset

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement Level 4, ICS13 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA - 'Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland which is classified as a family duty station.

The contract fee is not exempt from Swiss laws, including but not limited to laws regarding taxation, social security, accident and health insurance.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• This position is expected to travel frequently around the region and occasionally outside the region.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.