UNOP
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Apply by: July 10, 2010
Email: SWOCjobs@unops.org

UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering
from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex
projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence,
UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:

Vacancy Details

Vacancy Code

VA/2010/SWOC/UNISDR/GARRO/002
Post Title

Programme Officer, Africa

Post Level P-4 (Fixed Term Appointment)
Position status Non-rotational
Project Title
Technical Assistance to Regional Inter-governmental Organisations on Disaster
Risk Reduction through the regional offices of UNISDR
Org Unit
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Secretariat
(UNISDR), Geneva, Switzerland

Duty Station Nairobi, Kenya

Duration

12 Months

Closing Date

10 July 2010

Background

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder
platform to enable countries, communities and individuals increase their resilience to natural, technological
and environmental disasters and to reduce associated environmental, human, economic and social losses.
A range of United Nations organizations and international partners participate in cooperation with
Governments and civil society organizations.

The implementation of the ISDR is supported by a secretariat lead by the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. The secretariat main functions are policy coordination,
advocacy and information management, at the international and regional levels, to ensure synergy between
disaster reduction strategies and those in the socio-economic and humanitarian fields.

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:
This position is located in the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction secretariat
(UNISDR) Regional Office for Africa based in Nairobi, Kenya reporting to the Regional Coordinator – Head
of Office for Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities:
Within delegated authority, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects; monitor and analyze
programme/project development and implementation progress (i.e. sub-regional deliverables of the
Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR); review relevant documents and
reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed, initiate corrective actions, bring relevant
updates to the World Bank electronic database; liaise with relevant parties; ensure follow-up
actions;
Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources. Facilitate capacity
building of key sub-regional organizations such as ECCAS, ECOWAS and SADC as well as
national resource centers and academic institutions for the collection and analysis of regional data
on hazards, vulnerabilities and disaster risk reduction measures including progress in implementing
HFA. Facilitate greater awareness of the availability of these technical resources among climate
change adaption practitioners;
Provide technical assistance on DRR as well as DRR for climate change adaptation to ECCAS,
ECOWAS and SADC regions, including policy proposals development on disaster risk reduction
for African Ministerial Conferences’ consideration; Support development of activity proposals for the
implementation of the Common Policy of francophone Africa for Disaster risk reduction. Support
Central Africa to develop a common strategy for disaster risk reduction and AU’s Programme of
Action’s implementation;
Promote mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction into relevant development programmes of West
Africa and Central Africa;.
Support West Africa in resource mobilization for implementation of its common policy on Disaster
Risk Reduction; Coordinate activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and
submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports
(pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc);
Provide substantive backstopping to the organization of, Ministerial conferences, Regional Platform
meetings, consultative and other meetings and Parliamentarian related foras to ensure
consideration and references to disaster risk reduction as part of the agenda, support the
identification of participants, the preparation of relevant working documents and presentations. This
is to include (a) meetings of the Ministers responsible for disaster risk reduction in both West and
Central Africa, (b) establishment and development of national platforms for disaster risk reduction;
Lead the establishment and strengthening of a national and regional monitoring and reporting
mechanism, based on National Platforms as well as long term multi-stakeholder and multi-sector
planning for disaster risk reduction;
Facilitate information sharing, exchange of experience and practices on DRR through the
establishment of regional knowledge networks for exchange of good practices and experiences
throughout Africa regional forums and the Global Information Platform information to promote
knowledge exchange on DRR member countries of ECCAS and ECOWAS and in cooperation with
climate change adaptation community;
Lead and/or participate in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants,
government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc;
Perform other duties as required; and.
The selected candidate will be responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions,
plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Staff at all levels, within UNISDR, partners in the field, UNOG, UNDP and OCHA counterparts and the
disaster risk reduction community as well as national counterparts. Representatives of other UN agencies
and other UN specialized agencies; member state personnel with responsibility for disaster risk reduction;
non-governmental organization representatives; and representatives and officials in national governments,
international and regional organizations, International Financial institutions and research institutes.

Results Expected:
Play a lead role in identifying significant issues and problems to be addressed. Develop well-reasoned,
innovative suggestions and approaches to deal with complex policy/technical issues. Effective leadership
and management of major projects and work teams and timely delivery of outputs, in accordance with
overall objectives and policies. Serve as an effective spokesperson internally and externally and form
strong partnerships with relevant parties to help meet the organization’s objectives with respect to overall
policy initiatives and coordination of disaster risk reduction.

Required Selection Criteria

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to disaster
risk reduction (in the field of political affairs, sustainable development policy and humanitarian action);
practical experience in programme management; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills,
including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; familiarity with and
experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources; ability to apply good judgment in the
context of assignments give; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.

Planning and Organizing: Demonstrated planning and organizational skills and ability to coordinate the
work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

Client Orientation: Ability to identify clients’ needs and develop appropriate solutions; ability to establish
and maintain productive partnerships with clients.

Teamwork: Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain
effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for
diversity, including gender balance.

Communication: Effective communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills, including ability to
defend and explain difficult issues and positions to staff including senior officials. Commitment to
continuous learning: Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field.

Education/Experience/Language

Education:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, development,
environment, political affairs, international or public relations, or a related field. A first-level university
degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university
degree.

Experience:
Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management,
administration or related area. Previous field experience desired.

Language:
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; knowledge of other official UN languages is an added
advantage.

Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and
an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) (available on our website), to Artan Aliko, via e-mail
to SWOCjobs@unops.org Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when
applying by email.

Additional Considerations
– Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
– Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
– Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
– UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.

For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.

The post UNOP Programme Officer position in Kenya first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Pact
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Apply by: July 20, 2010

Title: Associate Vice President, Africa
Department: Program
Supervisor: Vice President, Program Delivery
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Effective Date:

HR Use Only: Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
EEO Job Class: Professional Salary Level: Level II

Pact values and supports a diverse work environment.

Position Summary: The Associate Vice President, Africa (AVP Africa) will serve on Pact’s executive team, report to the Vice President, Program Delivery and oversee critical aspects of Pact’s Africa portfolio. Working with Country Directors and senior staff in Africa, the AVP Africa will lead and manage the Africa regional development agenda for Pact (through the six platform areas) and oversee that Pact’s operations in Africa are relevant and effective within the framework of Pact’s emerging global strategic framework and the articulation of Pact’s Africa-specific strategic frameworks. The AVP Africa will lead a team of technical and support persons to ensure excellence in design, management, quality and development of country and cross regional programs. S/he will prioritize and respond to formal country program requests and proactively ensure the Africa programs are achieving agreed values, standards and approaches to the extent of resources and capacity available. The AVP Africa will regularly brief headquarters and promote positive linkages between headquarters and country programs.

Core Values: Pact employees embrace the following core values as representatives of the institution:

• all people have a right to participate in decisions affecting their lives
• gender equity is mandatory for social transformation
• resources are allocated in a transparent manner, guided by accountability to our clients and Pact’s role as steward of resources intended for the poor
• diversity in background, gender and age strengthen our capacity to be wise managers of public and private funds
• teamwork and collaboration shape our day-to-day working relationships
• innovation and risk taking to achieve impact and broad scaleable results drive strategic priorities
• gathering and sharing information are primary roles for all employees
• staff growth and advancement are a priority, including training and professional skills building to increase knowledge and competence and to stay abreast of new developments, especially in technology
• a healthy balance between work and life outside of work must be maintained for work satisfaction and fulfillment

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and Direction of Pact Africa Programs
The AVP Africa is responsible and accountable for maintaining a more effective and efficient management of Pact’s programs. This includes direct supervision of Country Directors and senior and local staff based in Nairobi; technical quality oversight of Pact’s programs; responsiveness to country program requests and proactively ensuring Pact’s Africa programs are achieving agreed values, standards and approaches to the extent of resources and capacity made available.

Regional Leadership and Management
• Provide leadership to establish Africa regional priorities and manage the regional development agenda for Pact (through the six platform areas).
• Oversee that Pact’s operations in Africa are relevant and effective within the framework of Pact’s emerging global strategic framework and the articulation of Pact’s Africa-specific strategic frameworks.
• Provide supervision, problem solving support and technical assistance to all Africa based Country Directors, Chiefs of Party of regional programs, and regional based senior and local staff. This includes conducting annual performance reviews for all staff under his/her direct supervision.
• Encourage the cultivation and promotion of African staff. With the Country Directors and Chiefs of Party, develop strategies that enable African staff to gain skills and capabilities to enhance their performance and ability to take on additional responsibilities and move into more senior positions.
• Maximize strategic coordination, synergy and learning among Pact’s country programs in Africa by hosting regional meetings with specific learning agendas led by technical experts.
• Ensure adequate communication with and between country management staff through Africa regional meetings (virtually and by traveling to country offices).
• Identify and deploy pro-active and strategic support to country programs. This will include working with country program staff to map out strategies, develop program cohesion, resolve crises, and develop cross regional programs.
• Identify with country teams, key management and technical priorities for Africa country programs, recommend courses of action to either fill gaps or address problems accordingly and track implementation of such action.
• Collaborate on HQ programs leadership on country performance reviews and provide critical feedback to country management teams on how program approaches, management and standards can be strengthened and improved.
• Ensure country programs implement Pact’s global policies and procedures.
• Act as key member, and at times as the lead member, of the incident management team on security situations that develop regionally.

Program Excellence – Oversight and Quality Assurance
• Promote regional activities to strengthen Pact’s program, grant making, monitoring, evaluation and learning, and operations performance.
• Support Pact’s platform growth across technical cross cutting components in all programmatic and global strategic priorities.
• Support initiatives in documenting methodologies and results that can inform the wider Pact community (such as evaluation documents, consultant reports, workshop reports, etc.).
• Oversee the regular review of relevant reports, evaluations and other internal and external resources (including the tacit knowledge of individuals) as necessary to utilize Pact expertise and experiences for improving program implementation.
• Coordinate with headquarters in establishing and strengthening the Pact brand through application of brand identity and contributing to efforts to communicate Pact’s values, approaches and global impact.
• With the Country Directors and/or Chiefs of Party, identify lessons learned, success stories, and successful tools and circulate them throughout the organization.
• Coordinate with headquarters leadership on ensuring each Country Director and/or Chief of Party develops and implements a comprehensive security plan.
• Support regional efforts to improve the consistency of management practices and ability to mitigate risks.
• Collaborate with headquarters to conduct periodic finance/personnel/administration country reviews by headquarters staff.
• Support headquarters delivery of regional finance/personnel/administration training.

Member of Pact Executive Team

The AVP Africa participates in the senior management team. Activities include:

• Contribute to setting institutional priorities and policies for Pact via the Executive Team meetings.
• Contribute to setting the overall vision, goals, and direction for Pact’s Africa programs and initiatives.
• Participate in senior level fora including electronic attendance on the first week of every month for the ET meeting and other senior meetings as designated.
• Keep Executive Team members informed of issues and concerns in Africa for consultation and action.
• Responsibility for the management and careful stewardship of Pact Africa’s financial and human resources including development and management of Pact Africa’s annual overhead budget.
• Promote interregional and global learning based on available resources.
• Represent Pact in the global community in policy, advocacy, and general community forums relevant to Pact’s vision and mission.

Regional Representation and New Business Development

• Establish strategic alliances and partnerships with current and potential donors working in the region.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with the regional development community for building/maintaining/expanding a regional Africa program.
• Represent or identify relevant Pact Africa staff to represent Pact at regional conferences.
• Assist country management teams in developing strategic direction for growth working with the new business development team in headquarters.
• Assist country programs to identify and develop new business opportunities within Africa and ensure access to technical assistance in proposal development as needed.
• Assist Africa country management teams to coordinate marketing and promotion of Pact within the Africa region working with the new business development team in headquarters.
• Co-ordinate and pay special attention to the opportunities and challenges associated with the development and strengthening of indigenous organizations affiliated with Pact, as part of a Pact Africa development strategy.

Other
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform all work safely and maintain a safe working environment.

Qualifications:

Leadership skills:
• Demonstrated capability in strategic visioning, planning and agency representation.
• Leadership, values and vision to manage multi-sectoral, complex regional operations in a gender-sensitive as well as culturally, politically and socially diverse setting overseas.
• Excellent team building and interpersonal communications skills including listening, mediating, negotiating, and collaborative problem solving and ability to do this from a distance.
• Ability to conceptualize and articulate development philosophies and methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and realize results.
• Comfort and confidence in public speaking.
• Entrepreneurial zeal.
Management skills:
• Proven track record of success as a country representative, chief of party or program director in managing a complex project in an overseas setting.
• Strategic thinking, planning and evaluating skills.
• Experience in personnel management, supervision and staff evaluation. Ability to approach problems in an unflappable and open-minded way, and provide mediation and conflict resolution support.
• Demonstrated human resources management skills and successful experience in managing and motivating multi-cultural, multi-sectoral teams.
• Demonstrated financial management experience and skills.
• Experience in developing and improving management information systems
• Experience in change management and organizational transformation.
Technical skills:
• Sectoral expertise in two or three of the following areas: democracy and governance, economic livelihoods, peace building, HIV/AIDS, equity and empowerment of vulnerable groups, natural resources management.
• Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to capacity building and civil society strengthening activities in countries in transition.
• Experience in working directly with grassroots organizations, grant making to local NGOs and instituting training programs and service delivery activities.
• Experiences in developing public private partnerships particularly with corporations.
• Excellent writing and computer skills.
• Ability to represent Pact in a wide range of internal and external group settings including public speaking, facilitating meetings, and advocacy activities.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) required, with a proficiency in French and or Swahili preferred.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years senior level management experience in complex development contracts and areas complementary to development work
• Masters or PhD preferred.
• Experience in Africa – preferably in multiple countries.
• Experience working with a variety of international donor organizations (USAID, DfID, CIDA, SIDA, World Bank, AusAid, etc.) in program management, grants management, liaison relationships or other relevant activities
• Experience in a management position for an organization that has experienced rapid growth.
• Experience managing regional programs or multiple country programs.
• Experience working in at least two of Pact’s six platform areas.
• Significant experience in leading program development and marketing teams.

Supervisor: Yes
Supervises (Name and Title):

Country Directors based in Africa

Apply online at:
http://recruitment.pactworld.org/apply

Disclaimer: This job description summarizes the responsibilities assigned to the position; however it does not contain an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. Periodically, employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Employment at Pact is a voluntary ”at will” relationship.

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