EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER (Temporary)

Org. Setting and ReportingCreated in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 160 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. This temporary position is located in the External Relations Unit, within the Intergovernmental Processes, Interagency Cooperation and Partnerships Branch of UNDRR in Geneva. The incumbent reports to the Head of the External Relations Unit, under the overall authority of the Chief of Branch. ResponsibilitiesThe incumbent will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities: • Manages donor relationships under his/her portfolio together with concerned officers/staff and ensures coordinated regular contact with donors; facilitates the promotion of cooperation agreement strategies and operational alliances with donors under his/her portfolio. • Prepares funding proposals to donors as appropriate; ensures effective follow-up; and ensures timely and quality reporting to the donors, as required. • Develops partnerships with new donors (governments, intergovernmental organizations, UN pooled funds, private donors, foundations, individuals) in order to achieve a broad donor base for UNDRR; • Contributes to the implementation and monitoring of the UNDRR Resource Mobilization Strategy and related plans of action; ensures ongoing analysis of resource mobilization needs and opportunities; stays abreast of latest donor and funding trends. • Contributes to the development and implementation of effective communications, outreach, branding and other resource mobilization mechanisms and tools to enhance the visibility of UNDRR with regard to UNDRR donors under his/her portfolio. Maintains particularly close collaboration with counterparts in the Communication and Advocacy Section. • Reports to the Head of Unit on progress in implementing the Resource Mobilization Strategy at his/her level and on meeting the funding targets under his/her portfolio; promptly flags external and internal factors influencing results and proposes corrective actions. • Upon request, represents UNDRR at inter-agency meetings, seminars, etc. on resource mobilization and related partnership initiatives/issues. • Contributes at his/her level to forward-looking strategic proposals on conceptual strategy development and implementation of the UNDRR Strategic Framework 2022-25, biennial work programme, relevant policies and procedures from a donor perspective as well as substantive briefings for the Senior Leadership of UNDRR as appropriate. • Performs additional duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Ability to apply a human rights- and gender-based approach in UNDRR’s work to promote inclusion and uphold the principle of leaving no one behind. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. EducationAdvanced university degree in business or public administration, finance, law, development, international relations or a related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with at least two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five(5) years of progressively responsible experience in resource mobilization, partnership building, management, administration, budget, finance or related field is required. Experience mobilizing resources / fundraising for international organizations is required. Specific fundraising experience with non-traditional donors (eg. foundations, private sector, individuals) is desirable. Experience working in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate mitigation is desirable. Experience working in the United Nations or similar international organization is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Arabic or Chinese (Mandarin) or Spanish or Russian is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).