UNDP Jobs - 53831- International Consultant Humanitarian Advisor

International Consultant Humanitarian Advisor

Location :

COMOROS

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

27-Feb-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

10 months

Languages Required :

English French

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

Given their geographic and physical characteristics, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Member States (The Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, La Réunion / France and the Seychelles) as small island nations are inherently vulnerable to natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, tsunamis, cyclones, forest fire, landslides, earthquakes and volcanos’ activity. Sea level rise is increasingly a concern for many countries in coastal regions, particularly those with low-lying urban centres. Many reefs surrounding islands serve to protect the coast from storm surges, but degradation of these reefs due to pollution and climate change leaves coasts vulnerable. Even if each country has its own disaster management authorities which take the leadership in coordinating all activities in emergency preparedness and response with local partners (International Community, Red Cross and Crescent and NGOs), experience drawn from the success of the Pacific (Islands)’ humanitarian partnership mechanism suggests that a regional inter-island perspective may enhance coordination and strengthen regional and in-country capacity in emergency preparedness and response. The initiative, promoted by the Government of the Union of the Comoros, will strengthen and complement already existing coordination and mutual assistance in emergency preparedness and response and avoid duplication of efforts, in closely collaboration with the IOC, the Regional Indian Ocean Intervention Platform (PIROI), humanitarian actors in the region, including NGOs and the UN System, donors and private sector.

The Humanitarian Advisor to the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in the Union of the Comoros will be in charge to engage the first consultations with South-Western Indian Ocean (SWIO) States and key technical and financial stakeholders and initially put in place a Regional Humanitarian Partnership Team (RHPT), in close cooperation with the IOC and other key actors in region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Act as the overall coordinator of the project to set up the Regional Humanitarian Partnership Team (RHPT) for the South-Western Indian Ocean; including the executing of the project, reporting to donors and monitoring;
Provide strategic guidance and technical support on the process of the establishment of the RHPT;
Work closely with UNDP team in the implementation of the project;
Establish, enhance and maintain synchronizing strategic approaches for country and regional support by consulting the key involved actors, namely the IOC Member States and the IOC Secretariat;
Enhance and maintain strategic partnership with the IOC Member States and Secretariat, and other key humanitarian stakeholders;
Coordinate the development, the implementation and the advocacy activities related to the establishment of the RHPT in the region;
Organize and facilitate a regional workshop for the establishment of the RHPT, including the discussion on the definition of the RHPT Framework, membership, and modality of operation to ensure sustainability;
Propose a common work plan to be implemented by the RHPT members;
Design and propose a sustainable resource mobilization strategy of the Permanent Secretariat of the RHPT, in collaboration with IOC Secretariat and key partners such as UN System and donors (i.e. ECHO);
Liaise with OCHA Regional Office for Southern Africa and other key humanitarian partners to ensure specific regional inputs are reflected in new policies and position papers on emergency preparedness and response;
Participate in regional partnership meetings and discussions as well as providing technical support on strategic partnership issues on humanitarian preparedness and response to the IOC Member States, the IOC Secretariat and other key stakeholders;
Perform other related tasks as required by the UNRC in the Union of Comoros.

Selection will be made on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical qualifications and experience

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political or social science, international studies, international humanitarian and human rights law, or other relevant field. A combination of relevant academic background (at least a first level university degree or equivalent) and extensive relevant professional experience in a related area may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree

Points: 20

Technical qualifications and experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, policy development, programme planning and implementation, is required, both at the headquarters and field levels.

Points: 35

Technical qualifications and experience

At least seven (7) years of field experience and direct involvement in coordinating humanitarian programmes in the South-Western Indian Ocean Region is required.

Points: 30

Technical qualifications and experience

Experience in training and capacity-building in an inter-agency context is a strong advantage. Knowledge of UN policies, rules and procedures, particularly in relation to humanitarian response and coordination is desirable.

Points: 15

Total of Points: 100

Application:

The application should contain:

Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (if applicable). Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application;
Copy of the last diploma;
Curriculum Vitae;
P11 form dully completed with at least 3 reference checks - http://sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_personal_history_form.doc;
Financial Proposal - specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days – in home office and on mission, travel – international and local, per diems and any other possible costs), preferably according to the following template.

Only candidates who will get at least 70% will be technically eligible. Evaluation methodology will be combined score.

All incomplete proposal (without financial offer) will be rejected.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism:

Demonstrated overall knowledge of a wide range of humanitarian preparedness, emergency relief, and related human rights issues;
Very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and other related issues, such as disaster risk reduction; taking into consideration specific roles and mandates of UN and non-UN partners;
Work experience with regional bodies on emergency preparedness and response;
Deep knowledge of the risk profile of the South-Western Indian Ocean Region;
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with a broad range of humanitarian partners, including disaster managers in the South-Western Indian Ocean;
Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, in particular, the ability to analyse and articulate the humanitarian dimension of issues that require a coordinated UN and non-UN response;
Knowledge of UN policies, rules and procedures, particularly in relation to humanitarian response and coordination;
Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; and shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations;
Ability to identify and pursue opportunities for cooperation;
Ability to initiate and manage joint projects and inter-agency processes;
Proven competence, integrity and reliability in performance and in maintaining positive working relations in a demanding and client-oriented environment;
Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; and asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience;
Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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 & 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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political or social science, international studies, international humanitarian and human rights law, or other relevant field;
A combination of relevant academic background (at least a first level university degree or equivalent) and extensive relevant professional experience in a related area may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, policy development, programme planning and implementation, is required, both at the headquarters and field levels;
At least seven (7) years of field experience and direct involvement in coordinating humanitarian programmes in the South-Western Indian Ocean Region is required;
Experience in training and capacity-building in an inter-agency context is a strong advantage. Knowledge of UN policies, rules and procedures, particularly in relation to humanitarian response and coordination is desirable.

Language:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat;
For this post, fluency in oral and written French and English is required.