In-Country Process Officer, Global Shield Secretariat (CTC)

About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.

UNU-VIE is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-VIE is Co-hosting the Secretariat of theG7-V20 Global Shield against Climate Risks (GS). The initiative aims to increase protection for vulnerable people by providing and facilitating substantially more and better pre-arranged finance against disasters.

The Global Shield Secretariat serves as the coordinating entity for the Global Shield, it provides the technical support for the implementation of the Global Shield solutions aligned to the objectives. The Secretariat coordinates amongst stakeholders, guides the fundraising and replenishment of Global Shield funds, drives the strategic development of the initiative, and engages with relevant global climate policy processes, especially on climate and disaster risk financing and insurance (CDRFI). The GS Secretariat is co-hosted in two organizations, led by a UNU-hosted Co-Director on Strategy and Engagement and a GIZ-hosted Co-Director on Institutional Development and Implementation.

Responsibilities

An In-Country Process officer will be recruited for the “Implementation and Analytics” Team of the Secretariat. The officer will support
countries conducting In-Country Processes, working closely with country focal points, national agencies, development organisations, humanitarian actors, civil society and the private sector. The officer will also help further develop the GS initiative through policy advisory, conceptual work, and in an analytical capacity.

1.Support for In-Country Process (ICP)

• Facilitate needs-based support and ongoing advisory to focal points in GS countries leading the In-Country Process
• Support the stocktaking and gap-analysis as part of the ICP
• Support in drafting of country requests to the GS Financing Structure

2. Stakeholder Coordination

• Support organizing workshops and convenings as part of the ICP
• Facilitate technical coordination of implementing partners working in the area of CDRFI with a view towards the delivery of systematic and coherent financial protection in GS countries
• Support the work of the GS Coordination Hub as a global platform coordinating the practical work across leading implementing partners in the space of CDRFI

3. Research Support

• Support commission of research and consulting assignments needed to facilitate implementation in GS countries
• Preparation of statements, factsheets, talking points, policy notes, as needed

4. Policy Advice

• Policy advice on CDRFI in the larger context of disaster risk management
• Support the further development of the GS strategy and the professional positioning of the initiative in the context of international policy agendas, conferences and events

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key performance indicators

• Timely and quality development and implementation of the In-Country Process
• Timely and quality delivery on inputs, research and policy advice
• Quality and level of engagement with country stakeholders and implementation partners

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

1) Education and certification

Completed Master’s degree or equivalent in political science, economics, finance, international relations or other relevant social sciences

2) Required skills and experience

• At least 4 years of progressively responsible experience in multilateral institutions, or, development organizations or the private sector, specifically in the areas of international climate policy, CDRFI, climate adaptation, natural disaster management, or in humanitarian (anticipatory) action,
• Working experience in developing, climate-vulnerable countries, and in dealing with diverse stakeholder groups, high-level experts and political representatives
• Knowledge of relevant international climate policy and adaptation frameworks
• Experience in consulting and/or project management
• Experience in drafting, reviewing and consolidating policy notes, technical frameworks, and other knowledge products to inform and guide impactful implementation
• Other Desirable Skills: Initiative, strong conceptual thinker, structured approach to work, fast comprehension, resilience, good communicator and mediator

3) Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required
• Fluency in French or Spanish is considered a strong asset.
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Duration

The successful candidate will be retained under a Consultant Contract (CTC). Consultants engaged by UNU may not provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) month period.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of CTC holders.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and based on a daily rate to be submitted as part of the application procedure. 

This contract carries no entitlement to paid annual leave nor sick leave.

Travel considerations

Should “mission travel” be required, UNU will pay for travel. However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, completion of the BSAFE online course, travel Visa, and liability waiver. Trip prerequisites will be met at the expense of the consultant.

Travel cost will be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals must not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at http://icsc.un.org).

Expected start date: As soon as possible

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);
  
• provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position; and
• apply via the apply link

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline: 20 March 2024

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Special notice

UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

Consultants do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

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