Driving Change: The Associate Programme Management Officer Role at The United Nations
Driving Change: The Associate Programme Management Officer Role at The United Nations
Exploring the Role of an Associate Programme Management Officer at ESCAP’s APDIM
Introduction
In the realm of international development, organizations like the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) play a crucial role in fostering sustainable and inclusive growth across diverse regions. One of ESCAP’s initiatives, the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM), focuses specifically on reducing the adverse impact of natural hazards and enhancing regional cooperation in disaster risk reduction. Within this framework, the position of an Associate Programme Management Officer arises, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to disaster information management initiatives in Tehran, Iran.
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Driving Change: The Associate Programme Management Officer Role at The United Nations
Background
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) serves as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, working to promote sustainable and inclusive development across the Asia-Pacific region. With a mandate to support its member states with policy-oriented research, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, ESCAP aims to address the evolving development priorities and challenges faced by countries in the region.
One of ESCAP’s specialized entities, the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM), was established to address the pressing need for effective disaster risk reduction strategies. APDIM’s overarching goal is to mitigate the negative impact of natural hazards by strengthening capacities for disaster information management and fostering regional cooperation in this domain.
Role of an Associate Programme Management Officer
As an Associate Programme Management Officer within APDIM, individuals are tasked with a range of responsibilities aimed at supporting the Centre’s mission and objectives. Reporting directly to the Senior Programme Management Officer and operating under the overall supervision of the Director of APDIM, the Associate Programme Management Officer plays a pivotal role in the successful implementation of disaster risk reduction programmes and projects. Let’s delve deeper into the key responsibilities associated with this role:
- Programme/Project Management: A significant aspect of the Associate Programme Management Officer’s role involves collaborating with the APDIM Partnership Group and regional partners to develop, implement, and evaluate disaster information management programmes and projects. This encompasses various activities such as monitoring programme/project development, identifying challenges, and recommending corrective actions.
- Research and Analysis: Another vital responsibility is conducting research on selected aspects of disaster risk reduction, including multi-hazard information. This involves collecting, analyzing, and presenting statistical data and other relevant information from diverse sources to inform decision-making processes.
- Policy Coordination and Evaluation: The Associate Programme Management Officer provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions within APDIM. This includes reviewing emerging issues and trends in disaster risk reduction, participating in evaluations, and contributing to research activities and studies in this field.
- Capacity Building and Consultancy: The role also entails assisting in capacity-building efforts related to disaster risk reduction. This may involve planning and facilitating workshops, interactive sessions, and consulting assignments in collaboration with the APDIM Partnership Group.
- Data Management: Participating in initiatives such as the Sendai Framework monitoring and disaster loss database projects is another key aspect of the role. This includes designing data collection tools, analyzing responses, and preparing preliminary conclusions to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Documentation and Reporting: The Associate Programme Management Officer contributes to the preparation of various written outputs such as background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports, and studies on disaster information management. These outputs serve to disseminate knowledge and best practices in the field.
- Administrative Support: Providing administrative support for meetings, conferences, field missions, and outreach activities related to disaster risk reduction is essential. This includes proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparing background documents, and handling logistics.
- Budget Coordination: Coordinating activities related to budget funding, including programme/project preparation, progress reporting, and financial statement preparation, is also part of the role. This ensures efficient financial management and accountability within APDIM.
- Other Duties: As required, the Associate Programme Management Officer may undertake additional duties to support the overall objectives of APDIM and ESCAP. This flexibility allows for responsiveness to emerging needs and priorities in disaster risk reduction.
Competencies and Qualifications
To excel in the role of an Associate Programme Management Officer, certain competencies and qualifications are necessary:
- Professionalism: The ideal candidate should possess a strong understanding of disaster risk reduction concepts and approaches. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze issues, solve problems, and conduct independent research. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage priorities are crucial for success in this role.
- Communication: Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential. The Associate Programme Management Officer should be able to convey information clearly and tailor communication to different audiences. Active listening and openness to two-way communication are also important traits.
- Teamwork: Collaboration is a key component of the role, requiring the ability to work effectively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. The Associate Programme Management Officer should value input from others, contribute to team decision-making processes, and share credit for collective achievements.
In terms of qualifications, candidates should hold an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as business administration, management, economics, or disaster risk reduction. Alternatively, a relevant first-level university degree combined with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.
Work Experience and Language Skills
Candidates should ideally have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, with a focus on disaster risk reduction or related areas. Experience in disaster information and data management is desirable, as is experience in capacity building within the Asia-Pacific region. Familiarity with the United Nations Common System or international organizations is also advantageous.
Proficiency in English and Farsi is required for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage.
Special Notice and Application Procedure
It’s important to note that this position is open exclusively to Iranian nationals, and appointment is on a local basis. Candidates must meet specific requirements, including academic qualifications and relevant experience. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.
Qualified applicants may undergo competency-based interviews and/or other assessment methods as part of the selection process. Successful candidates may have their application information shared with other UN organizations for similar job openings.
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the online recruitment platform, inspira, following the instructions provided in the Applicant Guide. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2024.
Conclusion
The role of an Associate Programme Management Officer within ESCAP’s APDIM presents a valuable opportunity to contribute to disaster risk reduction efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. By leveraging expertise in programme management, research, and policy coordination, individuals in this role can make a meaningful impact on the lives of communities vulnerable to natural hazards.
Through collaboration with regional partners and stakeholders, the Associate Programme Management Officer plays a crucial role in advancing APDIM’s mission of enhancing regional cooperation and strengthening capacities for disaster information management. Interested candidates who meet the specified criteria are encouraged to apply and join the collective effort towards building resilience and fostering sustainable development in the region.
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