UNDP Jobs - 16360- Project Manager (Disaster Risk Management)

Project Manager (Disaster Risk Management)

Location :

Port Moresby, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Aug-2010

Application Deadline :

10-May-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 Year

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

The position falls under the “Nation Building through Crisis Prevention Programme”. The programme is implemented through the mechanisms of the UN Country Programme Action Plan, with Annual Work Plans being signed off with different implementing partners. The incumbent will be the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Project Manager, leading the implementation of a DRM programme in close collaboration with the two main partners; Department for Local and Provincial Government Affairs (DPLGA) and the National Disaster Centre (NDC). The incumbent will also provide significant technical advice on DRM to provincial administrations, in particular pertaining to Eastern Highlands, Northern Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

The incumbent will provide technical leadership in both the Disaster Management (DM) and the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) area. The incumbent will support provincial administration in setting up their frameworks for disaster contingency planning and preparedness, but will also start early engagement on risk reduction (a relatively new field in Papua New Guinea). As DRR cannot be seen in isolation from DM at the provincial level in Papua New Guinea, the incumbent will cover both technical areas under the DRM-umbrella.

The incumbent will be working closely with NDC and DPLGA in providing technical advice and services primarily to provinces. However, in liaison with OCHA, the incumbent will also provide technical advice to DPLGA and NDC when required. The incumbent will report to the Chief Technical Advisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Technical advice provided to DPLGA and NDC on DRM, particularly pertaining to initiatives for DRM framework enhancement at the provincial level
Scoping and formulation of Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives at the provincial level, pertaining in particular to Eastern Highlands, Northern Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville
Facilitation of DM frameworks at the provincial level, including contingency planning, SOPs, preparedness mechanisms, early warning and CSO coordination
Developing strategic partnerships and resource mobilization for DRM

1. Technical advice provided to DPLGA and NDC on DRM, particularly pertaining to initiatives for DRM framework enhancement at the provincial level

Provision of technical advice to DPLGA and NDC, including acting as a liaison between DPLGA/NDC and other members of the Crisis Prevention team as well as the Country Office
Explore the possibility of disaster risk reduction mainstreaming across Government departments in collaboration with SOPAC
Provide DPLGA and NDC with access to international knowledge networks and best practices pertaining to DRM

2. Scoping and formulation of Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives at the provincial level, pertaining in particular to Eastern Highlands, Northern Province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Analyses, assesses the socio/economic environment, maintains continuous dialogue with partners to provide development advisory services in the field of disaster risk reduction, identifying catalytic areas where disaster risk reduction can be integrated and add value to other, ongoing or planned UNDP support interventions
Engages with stakeholders at the national level in terms of facilitating a stronger agenda for disaster risk reduction initiatives in Papua New Guinea
Scoping of new initiatives for disaster risk reduction at the provincial level, engaging with Provincial Administrations and Provincial Disaster Committees to identify possible entry points for disaster risk reduction initiatives at the community level
Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to policy goals in Papua New Guinea
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice

3. Facilitation of DM frameworks at the provincial level, including contingency planning, SOPs, preparedness mechanisms, early warning and CSO coordination

Take stock of DRM configurations at the provincial level (legal and policy framework, organisational set-up, contingency planning, SOPs, early warning) in terms of preparedness and response capacity
In collaboration with Provincial Administrations and Provincial Disaster Committees identify ways forward for addressing prospective existing gaps in terms of DM-frameworks
Facilitate inclusion of CSOs and gender sensitive interventions in the area of DRM
Encourage lessons learnt between different provinces in terms of Disaster Management and preparedness, and facilitate the development of a Papua New Guinean provincial community of practice in Disaster Management

4. Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and mobilization of resources focusing on achievement of the following results:

Development of partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, private sector, civil society with a specific focus on DRM based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and donor priorities
Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization

Successful implementation of duties will assist disaster preparedness and risk management in three provinces, both in terms of formulation of initiatives and in terms of implementation and lessons learnt from the initiatives. The ultimate aim is that the lessons learnt will feed into National Government policy on disaster preparedness and risk management.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favouritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
In-depth knowledge on development issues
Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
Strong IT skills
Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change

Management and Leadership

Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in social sciences or discipline relevant to disaster risk management

Experience:

Proven record of achievement over 7 years or more of increasing responsibility in planning and management of technical co-operation strategies and relevant advocacy programmes in disaster risk reduction, emergency response and post-disaster recovery. Extensive field experience in disaster environments.
Application of theoretical knowledge in the design, management and evaluation of complex, multi-disciplinary capacity building programmes involving national governments, civil society and international organisations. Well proven analytical and writing skills. Experience in establishing inter-organisational networks and partnerships at the operational level.

Language Requirements:

Full working knowledge of English, including excellent drafting and presentation skills