Background

UNDP Kosovo’s initiative Support to Security Sector Development (3SD) established a two-year mechanism for deployment of support to institutional capacity and policy development in the Kosovo security sector in September 2007. While some security sector institutions have matured and require specific forms of capacity development, others are relatively new and in need of comprehensive capacity-building assistance. 3SD is well-positioned to provide targeted, needs-based support that will enable security sector institutions to develop into effective, efficient public entities.

3SD will work in close cooperation with the Kosovo Institutions and civil society and in partnership with the international community. It will focus its support on four specific areas 1: Support enhanced democratic oversight and governance of Kosovo security institutions;  2: Support development and implementation of the Government’s communications strategy and develop capacity of relevant institutions to conduct and manage media operations; 3: Support development of the Government’s Disaster Management and Risk Reduction institutions; 4: Support the continued development of capacity within the Government’s security sector institutions, including production of related legislation

In delivering the scope of work described in its project document, 3SD will operate in close collaboration with relevant international stakeholders such as EULEX, NATO / KFOR, OSCE, and the UN Kosovo Team.

UNDP Kosovo is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of 3SD Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Project Manager, and Chief Technical Advisor, the Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist will execute all duties and responsibilities outlined below in direct support of the appropriate institutions and international organizations in Kosovo:

By focusing especially in supporting development of the Government’s Disaster Risk Reduction institutions, the incumbent will:

Advise the Kosovo Government, 3SD project team, and other local and international stakeholders on disaster risk management,  capacity development, including supporting capacity assessments on request from relevant institutions;
Support delivery of the scope of work detailed in the project document with a specific focus on the Government’s Disaster Management and Risk Reduction institutions such  as: the Ministry of Internal Affairs the Kosovo, Security Council and Secretariat, and the Kosovo Situation Centre;
Lead the process of developing a sustainable training, policy and research platform for Kosovo’s Disaster Management and Risk Reduction, including  promoting training as one option of many available to support organizational development;
Draft terms of reference for outsourced elements related to the above;
Ensure that the work of contractors, within his or her area of competence, is effectively monitored and complies with agreed standards, and that expertise is provided within the framework of organizational capacity development and not solely capacity substitution;
Contribute to the linkage of 3SD with other Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Institutions for developing programmes and initiatives in Kosovo;
Perform research and draft reports as required;
Represent 3SD externally, and build effective relationships with key personnel of international and Kosovo Government institutions to support project principles and activities;
Review DRR and background data in order to fully understand the institutional and cultural context of 3SD;
Perform other duties as required by the Deputy project Manager / Project Manager to ensure a successful and well-coordinated response to the challenges of security sector reform in Kosovo;

Competencies

Proven track record of providing advice within security sector and disaster risk reduction institutions;
Superior ability to deliver strategic insight and analysis;
Established task management, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills;
Proven track record of institutional capacity development and organizational development processes and related tasks;
Proven track record in results-based project management and as a dynamic coach and facilitator of new and innovative capacity development processes
Willingness to develop knowledge and skills in the area of capacity development, organizational development, and related tasks;
Willingness to work overtime if necessary and sometimes under tight deadlines;
Flexibility, autonomy and reliability essential;

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Master Degree  (or equivalent) in a field such as disaster risk reduction, security studies, public administration, law, political science or similar field related to emergency management;

Experience

Minimum of 2 years post master professional experience in a field such as disaster risk reduction, security sector, law, public administration;
Detailed knowledge of the political environment and conflict dynamics in Kosovo ;
Intimate familiarity with government structures in Kosovo, especially disaster risk reduction institutions;

Language requirements

Fluency in spoken and written English and Albanian, knowledge of Serbian a distinct advantage;

Timeframe:

6 months (15 February 2010 – 14 August 2010)