National Technical Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The joint initiative of United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and European Commission aims to build disaster and climate resilience in Central Asia. This project is relevant for the Agenda 2030. It directly supports the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and contributes to the progressive achievement of SDG Goal 11 "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable" and SDG 9"Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation". It also promotes progress towards Goals 1 "End poverty in all its forms everywhere", and 13 "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts".

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Regional Programme Coordinator, Almaty or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV National Technical Officer will:

• Participate in the implementation and evaluation of the “Strengthening financial resilience and accelerating risk in Central Asia” project, within which monitor and analyze project development and implementation; review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and track follow-up actions. • Support stakeholders (including national and relevant local authorities) engaged in the development and implementation of National and local Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategies or plan of action in Uzbekistan. • Support stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of Disaster Loss Data Collection Systems in Uzbekistan. • Organize meetings and workshops with national authorities in charge of DRR, coordinate planning and logistic arrangements, the elaboration of agendas, and the drafting of reports. • Coordinate regular exchanges between relevant stakeholders, the UN Resident Coordinator, and national authorities, with an aim to include relevant DRR aspects in the SDGs mechanism. • Provide support to the National Platform and experts in the preparation, development or review of the national and local strategy and related programmes. • Engage with the authorities of the capital city, and supports stakeholders, in developing and implementing Local DRR Strategy, in line with support tools produced by the UN Office for DRR. • Prepare and translate various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and communication materials. • Provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., including by proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.; • Undertake outreach activities; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Participate in missions. • Performs other duties as required by the programme manager and the UN Resident Coordinator. Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

•Professionalism: understanding of operations relevant to UNDRR; knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDRR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, responsive and client-oriented; •Integrity: the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDRR in daily activities while acting without consideration of personal gains; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; •Teamwork and respect for diversity:to operate across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in different environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; •Commitment to continuous learning:willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. •Communication: good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; •Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; •Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDRR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required, • Experience of international organizations such United Nations will be an added advantage; • Experience in disaster risk reduction or sustainable development would be an asset; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in disaster risk reduction, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The Republic of Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia. It gained independence in 1991 after being part of former Soviet Union since 1924. The capital and largest city of Uzbekistan is Tashkent. It’s a wealthy and multifaceted city that has seen considerable development in recent years. This wonderful city has its own unique flavor. It tastefully combines medieval buildings, similar to the pages of ancient oriental fairy tales, with elegant European architecture.Uzbekistan's climate is classified as continental, with hot summers and cool winters. Mostly dry and hot weather prevails during a year. January is the coldest month of the year while July is the hottest. The temperatures range from -10 degrees (Celsius) in the winter to 50 degrees in the summer.

Train links connect many cities in Uzbekistan, as well as neighbouring former republics of the Soviet Union. Tashkent has a three-line subway system built in 1977. There are government-operated trams and buses running across the city. There are also many taxis with an average price per ride is around 2-3 US dollars.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.