Disaster Risk Reduction/Nexus Specialist

Contract

This is a NO-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-3 contracts.

Org. Setting and Reporting The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs.

This position is located in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh. The DRR/Nexus Specialist (DNS) reports to the Humanitarian Affairs Advisor (HAA) and supports the functioning of the Humanitarian-Development nexus approach notably by facilitating the liaison between the Humanitarian Coordination Task Team (HCTT) and the Local Consultative Groups, and when an emergency hits, supporting the work of the Humanitarian Affairs Advisor (HAA) and national Humanitarian Affairs Specialist. Strong liaison with the results/outcome/strategic priority groups of the UN Country Team. Support includes strategic comprehensive planning discussions within a nationally led process for uniting stakeholders around the “Collective Outcome” as relates to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA); concentrated support to the Government to build national and local capacity to reduce risk, prepare for, response and recover better to repeated climate-related disasters and earthquakes. This involves working on strengthening country-level risk information and management platforms and bringing all key stakeholders under a common decision-making umbrella.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the DRR/Nexus Specialist (DNS) will be responsible for the following duties:

1. SUPPORT STRENGTHENING THE HUMANITARIAN AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS IN BANGLADESH IN JOINT EFFORTS FOR COHERENCE, COORDINATION AND ANALYSIS AND FOSTERING SYNERGIES TO STRENGTHEN DRR AND CCA.

• Support efforts to better coordinate and strengthen the role of the existing UNCT efforts through the National DRR Platform, HCTT and relevant Platform.
• Support impact-based forecasting and early warning system through engagement with all stakeholders to improve anticipatory action protocols in Bangladesh that complement government-led DRR, climate change adaptation, preparedness, and response.
• Support disaster damage and loss accounting and the Disaster Statistics Framework rollout in close collaboration with Information Management Working Group and UNESCAP regional technical working group on disaster statistics.
• Support strengthened risk information and analysis to strengthen anticipatory action and risk-informed humanitarian and development action.
• Promote common accountability initiatives in Bangladesh, including Accountability to Affected populations, gender mainstreaming and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
• Support the “Every Policy is Connected” (EPiC) initiative to facilitate policy-data dialogue aiming to identify policy priorities as well as data needs in the humanitarian and development sector.

2. SUPPORT EFFORTS TO UNDERTAKE JOINED-UP RISK ANALYSIS AND PLANNING PROCESSES ACROSS HUMANITARIAN, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE EFFORTS TO DEFINE COUNTRY-SPECIFIC COLLECTIVE OUTCOMES TO REDUCE NEEDS, RISKS AND VULNERABILITIES AND INCREASE RESILIENCE.

• Support the development of a Nexus plan for humanitarian-development stakeholders and support coordinated actions for implementation of the HCTT Nexus Strategy Plan of Actions (PoA) with the aim to improve DRR and the effectiveness of preparedness actions.
• Support the promotion of the area-based Disaster Management Committee (DMC) approach for better implementation of National Disaster Risk Management policies and strategies through developing guidance and tools for risk-informed and targeted DRR, preparedness and anticipatory action.
• Support strengthening of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) procedures and coordination mechanisms at all levels, with a specific focus on provincial and municipal authorities, as well as engagement of communities at risk.
• Identify and support opportunities for joined up risk analysis among UN, government and non-government, including, for example, earthquake risk analysis and joint earthquake contingency planning derived from localized coordinated earthquake risk assessment with engagement of government, national and international stakeholders.
• Support stakeholders including the government to develop National and Local DRR and Preparedness Plans for strengthening the Common Framework for Preparedness (CFP) and Emergency Response Preparedness (ERP) in partnership with relevant national and international organizations through HCTT and LCG mechanism.
• Support rollout of initiatives such as the Making Cities Resilient 2030 by mobilizing expertise, services from MCR2030 partners, identifying opportunities for peer advice and knowledge exchanges with other cities in the country and around the region and world.
• Coordinated actions to build government and humanitarian stakeholder capacity for mainstreaming the cross-cutting issues’ inclusion; partnership and localization; quality and standards; natural protection; community engagement; social cohesion; and COVID-19 pandemic across DRR and preparedness efforts.
• Develop guidance and tools for targeted preparedness actions for risk-informed humanitarian efforts in line with the area-based DMC model.
• Provide support for the development of Humanitarian Response Plans, and for ensuring integration of nexus, early recovery and other activities into humanitarian response.
• Support other elements of humanitarian and disaster response as required.

3. IN CLOSE COORDINATION WITH THE PARTNERSHIP OFFICER, SUPPORT ENHANCING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HUMANITARIAN, DEVELOPMENT, AND PEACE ACTORS TO PROMOTE COHERENT AND MULTI-YEAR FINANCING, AS WELL AS FUNDING STRATEGIES IN SUPPORT OF JOINTLY DEFINED COUNTRY-SPECIFIC COLLECTIVE OUTCOMES.

• Building on and reinforcing existing structures, coordinate actions to promote the establishment of local and national actors’ (L/NAs) hubs at the divisional level, based on priority and the availability of resources.
• Support to the clusters and inter-cluster working groups to provide Disaster Management Committees (DMCs) with access to customizable referral and deployment services that build on local and L/NAs hub experiences.
• Provide technical support to wider stakeholders, DMC member secretary (Operational Focal), and other relevant actors to build their technical capacity in collaboration with L/NAs hub around the five key areas of work as per Standing Order on Disaster (SOD).
• Coordination with the stakeholders to develop necessary tools e.g. handbooks, training modules, methodologies, and templates on disaster risk management based on an assessment of the needs vis-a-vis multi-sector actions.
• Support system-wide resource mobilization efforts for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, anticipatory action, and humanitarian response through being familiar with the various funding mechanisms and resource mobilization efforts of humanitarian-development actors in the country.
• Work with the Resident Coordinator and partnership officer to promote effective mobilization of funds for climate change adaptation and DRR, preparedness, anticipatory response, improved risk knowledge, and humanitarian response that accurately reflect the population’s needs.

4. ADVOCACY AND FACILITATE THE LINKAGES WITH GLOBAL DRR AND NEXUS POLICY DISCUSSIONS AND FORUMS, INCLUDING THE UNDRR GLOBAL AND REGIONAL PLATFORM, HPNW, INSARAG, IASC NEXUS TASK FORCE AND THE UN JOINT STEERING COMMITTEE ON HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATION.

• Provide leadership support in generating and documenting evidence of proven models, best practices, and emerging and innovative practices relevant to humanitarian-development collaboration.
• Actively support engagement in high-level policy dialogue at the national, regional, and global levels to ensure that coordinated engagement of both humanitarian-development actors effectively supports the national efforts and strategy in DRR, CCA and Humanitarian work.
• Support advocacy for International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) certification of Bangladesh compiling all policy, strategies and guidance for effective Urban Search and Rescue of Bangladesh. Advocacy for adopting the nexus approach in humanitarian-development work through capacity enhancement of the nexus approach to the stakeholders.
• Liaise with regional working groups and mechanisms, including the regional issue-based coalition on building resilience, anticipatory action working group, as well as the regional hub of CADRI – Capacity development for risk initiative, to mobilize expertise and services as per country and UNCT needs.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Ensures that requirements, background information used for data analysis are documented.

• Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

  Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the wide range of disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and humanitarian assistance issues. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity includes the ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian-development dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated UN response. Familiarity with working with Government, international and national humanitarian-development coordination mechanisms. In-depth understanding of the Sendai framework on disaster risk reduction, the Paris agreement on climate change and sustainable development goals. Take a proactive leadership role in connecting the different global agendas at the national level for high-quality technical support to the government and other stakeholders. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.

PLANNING & 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.

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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in urban and regional Planning, international studies, economics, disaster management, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in nexus, humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, development, or other related areas is required.

Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area 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 another 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.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position will include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice This is a project post. Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate or the availability of the funds. Staff Members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her.

National Professional Officers are nationals of the country in which they are serving, and their functions must have a national context, i.e. functions that require national experience or knowledge of the national language, culture, institutions, and systems.

THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF BANGLADESH. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, Bangladesh nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to Bangladesh in the event of an employment offer. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Should a current General Service staff member (not on Continuing or Permanent Appointment) be selected for this post, he/she would need to resign from his/her General Service appointment before receiving a new appointment at the National Officer level.

Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. "Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. "

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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.

Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat.

Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

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.