UNDP Jobs - 51853- Programme Specialist, Crisis Interface

Programme Specialist, Crisis Interface

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

09-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

The recently approved Strategic Plan for UNDP (2014-2017) recognizes the importance of preparedness, response, early recovery and the management of the risk cycle as fundamental for development. The objective of the Crisis Response Unit (CRU) is to ensure that UNDP is well positioned to respond in the most timely and effective manner to crisis.

The responsibility of CRU will focus primarily upon and be confined to the two specific typologies of crisis, namely:

Sudden onset crisis: This would include countries that have been affected by natural disasters or sudden outbreak of armed conflicts.
Complex protracted crisis: Examples include countries that are impacted by protracted conflicts, often with regional implications.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director of CRU and in close collaboration with the Team Leader for the Crisis Interface Team in Geneva, other CRU teams and the Regional/Central Bureaus of UNDP in particular BPPS, the Programme Specialist would be responsible to ensure (through substantive advice and technical expertise, advocacy and relations building), UNDP’s engagement and commitments with humanitarian partners in order to ensure UNDP’s crisis response is well situated within the humanitarian architecture. S/he is responsible for performing and contributing to the following:

Ensure liaison and partnership with humanitarian and crisis actors (UN and non-UN);
Support CRU and UNDP Senior managers on crisis response issues in their representation role in humanitarian and crisis related mechanisms;
Contribute to and represent UNDP in humanitarian and crisis response interagency processes, in particular those related to humanitarian financing;
UNDP focal point on humanitarian financing.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure liaison and partnership with humanitarian and crisis actors (UN and non-UN):

Liaise with different UN agencies and departments (in particular OCHA) on crisis response, humanitarian and transition issues, in particular on humanitarian and transition financing;
Coordinate closely with CRU Geneva to ensure consistent messages and positions in crisis response inter-agency meetings in NY and Geneva;
Engage in a continuous dialogue with strategic external partners (think tanks, NGOs, bilateral, etc.) on crisis response related issues, in particular on humanitarian and transition financing.

Support CRU and UNDP Senior managers on crisis response issues in their representation role in humanitarian and crisis related mechanisms:

Stay abreast of discussions taking place in relevant crisis response inter-agency mechanisms, in particular those related to humanitarian and transition financing;
Coordinate and prepare as requested position papers and background briefs for meetings;
Disseminate information (e.g. summary of meetings) within UNDP;
Guide follow-up on decisions within UNDP.

Contribute to and represent UNDP in humanitarian and crisis response interagency processes, in particular those related to humanitarian financing:

Contribute to and represent UNDP in crisis response inter-agency processes, in particular those related to humanitarian financing (e.g. IASC Humanitarian Financing Task Team) and aid effectiveness, working closely and in full coordination with CRU Crisis Interface Team in Geneva, BERA and BPPS;
Advise Regional Bureaus, BPPS, BERA and COs on interagency processes, discussions and decisions and their implications for UNDP;
Coordinate closely with BPPS and BERA to ensure coherence in terms of UNDP positioning and participation in humanitarian and crisis-related mechanisms in relation to humanitarian financing.

UNDP focal point on humanitarian financing:

Act as UNDP HQ point of contact for OCHA HQ on CERF, CHF related issues (for UNDP Managing Agent/Operational Support Agent role) and the FTS (financial tracking system);
Provide guidance and operational support to Regional Bureaus, Regional Hubs and COs on issues related to humanitarian programming (Consolidated Appeal process; Strategic Response Plan) as well as funding mechanisms such as CERF and pooled funds;
In relation to the CHF (for UNDP MA/OSA role), and in close coordination with BOM and regional bureaus, advise COs on lessons learned, best practices and technical support available for designing and effectively implementing the MA role or providing services through OSA; and support collaboration and exchanges between COs involved in CHF management. Facilitate an intra-UNDP process to review progress, lessons learned and coordinate follow-up action;
In collaboration with BERA and MPTF/O, advance and guide UNDP positions relating to funding early recovery during humanitarian emergencies (incl. MPTF/O, EU, Secretariat, WB, bilaterals).

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow.

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.

Delivery

Ability to get things done.

Technical/Functional Competencies:

Primary:

Partnerships

Ability to engage with other agencies, donors and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships.

Humanitarian Finance

Knowledge of theories of change, global funding environment and pooled financing instruments for humanitarian situations.

Transition Finance

Knowledge of theories of change, global funding environment and pooled financing instruments for transition situations.

UN System Coordination

Ability to engage in inter-agency processes and ensure UNDP positioning.

Advocacy

Ability to advocate a point of view and influence others.

Secondary:

Innovation outreach and partnerships

Ability to communicate within and at large, participate in peer communities and engage substantively.

Knowledge Management

Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international development, economics, business administration, social sciences or related disciplines.

Experience:

7 years of relevant professional work experience in the area of inter-agency coordination, partnership, resource mobilization;
Familiar with UNDP’s mandate in crisis response and recovery and with issues related to humanitarian and transition financing;
Experience working in developing country settings is required and experience in crisis contexts is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English, both written and oral;
Working knowledge of another UN language is desirable.