Project Officer Jobs Vacancy at UNDP in Uganda

Job Title: PROJECT OFFICER (OPEN TO UGANDA NATIONALS ONLY)
Location :     Kampala, Uganda
Application Deadline :    10-Oct-12
Type of Contract :    Service Contract
Post Level :    SB-4
Languages Required :
    English 
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)    01-Nov-2012
Duration of Initial Contract :    1 Year (full time)

Background
United Nations office for Disaster Risk Reduction Regional Office for Africa will be implementing an ECHO funded project entitled “Integrated Drought/Disaster Risk Reduction in the Horn of Africa (GHA)”. The project is designed to target government institutions in charge of drought risk reduction as well as practitioners and community members in drought prone areas in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia as well as the IGAD and EAC Secretariats. Building on existing initiatives, UNISDR supports state and non-state actors to integrate disaster risk reduction in development and relief efforts. UNISDR is looking for a National Project Officer based in Uganda to support the overall management of the project and follows up on the implementation of the project in Uganda through field missions, interventions where necessary and reporting in close liaison with the national and regional DRR Advisors working under this project as well as UNISDR Staff in Nairobi.

Duties and Responsibilities

    Work with the Uganda National Platform for DRR to develop technical task teams on priority thematic areas such as drought risk reduction, develop a 12 month work plan with funding strategy and other capacity building measures to be determined
    Support multi-stakeholder reporting process on the Hyogo Framework for Action
    Develop inputs for high-level policy advocacy forum
    Technically support partners in developing drought contingency plans
    Train government officials in applications of disaster loss database
    Establish committee for development of easy-understandable early warning messages out of meteorological forecasts and other data
    Establish dialogue between traditional and modern early warning providers and support activities to integrate the two
    Conduct advocacy activities on drought risk reduction in three drought prone communities in Uganda
    Mobilize teachers and medical personnel for mainstreaming of DRR into education and health
    Provide local and national inputs to UNISDR publications and reports
    Ensure coordination among state and non-state partners for all national project activities as appropriate, as well as close cooperation with the other ECHO coordinating partners
    Ensure proofs and verification of activities undertaken and support project reporting tasks

Competencies
Functional Competencies:
Policy Advice and Knowledge Management 

    Proven experience and leadership in the development of a DRM Strategic Programming and Investment Framework
    Knowledge of the international DRM system and agenda
    Knowledge of the country’s hazards, vulnerabilities and risks
    Ability to provide inputs for disaster risk assessment and its application to risk management decision-making
    Knowledge of DRM coordination mechanisms
    Proven experience in project development processes, especially in the context of UNDP
    Ability to develop evidence-based policy advise
    Ability to develop planning and advocacy documents involving multiple stakeholders 
    Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture
    Knowledge on joint programming and operational issues
    Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in relevant practice areas

Development and Operational Effectiveness

    Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback 
    Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting 
    Ability to lead and manage corporate strategic initiatives 
    Excellent computer and information system skills

Management and Leadership

    Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment 
    Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude 
    Demonstrates advanced oral and written communication skills 
    Demonstrates strong team management 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 
    Strategic thinking, strategic decision-making and proven leadership qualities and experience in management of teams and large groups
    Demonstrates capacity to communicate effectively and plan programmes effectively
    Resourcefulness, initiative and mature judgment 

Corporate Competencies:

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

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

    Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in development studies, social sciences, environmental sciences or other related field.

Experience: 

    Minimum 3 years of work experience in disaster risk reduction, project management and early warning systems.
    Experience in community-based disaster risk management and multi-stakeholder coordination
    Good knowledge of International Development Issues and/or Disaster Management.
    Good research and analytical skills.
    Good drafting skills.
    Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

Language Requirements:

    Fluency in English (oral/written), local languages an asset

IT skills:

    Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, in particular Word and Excel. Basic knowledge of online databases and MIS would be desirable.



How to Apply:
Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.
Please email the following documents to isdr-africa@unep.org

    Cover letter, explaining why you consider yourself qualified and motivated for this particular assignment.
    Completed P-11 Form


Deadline: 10th Oct 2012