ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL AND SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:
DATE OF ISSUANCE:
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT:
DUTY STATION:
7 August 2015
1 July 2015
Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster
Reduction (UN/ISDR)
Geneva
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect and Diversity
Responsibilities
The Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral for Disaster Risk Reduction reports to the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian
Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC).
The ASG/SRSG is accountable to the Secretary-General and reports to the UnderSecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC).
The ASG/SRSG is the principal advisor to the Secretary-General and the USG/ERC on issues
related to disaster risk reduction, the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) and
the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 as a successor to the Hyogo
Framework for Action (2005-2015) and will provide regular reports to them.
The ASG/SRSG monitors and supports the implementation of the policy and strategic
directions set by the Secretary-General in this field. In that regard, s/he attends relevant
Secretary-General Advisor’s and high level meetings to guide the UN work on disaster risk
reduction matters.
The ASG leads the transition from the Hyogo Framework for Action implementation to
the Sendai Framework, including the system for periodic review and monitoring progress in
implementation. The ASG ensures support to the implementation, follow up to and review of the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, including actions referred to in
paragraph 48 (c) of the Framework. The ASG will also support the open-ended
intergovernmental working group to be established by the General Assembly for the
development of a set of possible indicators to measure global progress in the implementation of
the Framework in conjunction with the work of the inter-agency expert group on sustainable
development indicators bringing a more integrated approach to actions relating to climate change
adaptation and disaster risk reduction by promoting coherence amongst key stakeholders. S/he
assists countries to implement the Sendai Framework in close coordination with the
implementation of the post-2015 development agenda and climate change agenda. The ASG also
leads the review and the coordinated implementation of the UN Plan on Disaster Risk Reduction
for Resilience in line with the Sendai Framework.
The ASG oversees the management, and is responsible for strengthening the capacity of,
fundraising for and raising the profile of the UN Trust Fund for Disaster Reduction. S/he is
responsible for the development of strategies to support high level resource mobilization and
advocacy, including on environmental related vulnerability, disaster risk reduction and the
implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
The ASG leads and manages the ISDR secretariat in the executions of its functions as
entrusted to it by relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly, ECOSOC, the Hyogo
Framework for Action, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, as well as
policy and strategic directions set by the Secretary-General and the USG/ERC and, in this
capacity, provides guidance in the fulfilment of the emergency preparedness and response, risk
management and other related areas of OCHA mandate. S/he is also responsible for the prudent
financial and human resource management of the ISDR and oversight of the Director of the
ISDR secretariat ensuring effective cooperation between the Geneva, New York and regional.
The ASG represents the Secretary-General as well as the USG/ERC with the high-level
authorities of key parties, such as countries, including Permanent Missions, UN system entities,
and all other public and private stakeholders reflected in the Sendai Framework.
The ASG is responsible for ensuring strategic and operational coherence across the UN
system and with other organizations on a range of issues including disaster risk reduction,
humanitarian response, preparedness, resilience and sustainable development. S/he is also
responsible for
offices.
COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Proven expertise in the area of disaster risk management, humanitarian
preparedness and response, environment and sustainable development as well as strong
analytical skills combined with a proven track record in exercising sound judgment in the
resolution of complex challenges. Leadership: demonstrated track record of effective leadership
and human resource and financial management. Demonstrated ability to delegate and to put in
place appropriate accountability and decision-making mechanisms. Proven ability to provide
effective leadership and transfer advice and knowledge to staff at all levels and from different
national and cultural backgrounds. Proven ability of leadership in promoting gender diversity
and incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work. Vision: Ability to shape lSDR's
strategic direction and transform it into a results based organization with key objectives and a
work programme focused on its implementation. Managing Performance: Demonstrated ability
to effectively manage and supervise staff and tackle underperformance. Mentor staff and
provide guidance and support. Judgment/decision making: Discretion and sound reasoning in
dealing with sensitive matters; ability to independently solve complex and challenging issues.
Communication: evidence of proven and sustained ability to communicate effectively (verbal
and written) skills, including ability to clearly formulate positions on issues, articulating options
concisely conveying maximum necessary information, making and defending recommendations,
public advocacy. Teamwork: Proven interpersonal skills, and an ability to work in a multi-
cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity as well as having the
ability to listen and sustain effective working relations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: An Advanced University Degree (Master's or equivalent) in Development,
Environmental or Humanitarian Studies, Political Science, International relations, Social
Science, Economics, Law, Public Administration or related fields. A first university degree with
a relevant combination of professional training, certification, and experience would also be
considered in lieu of the advanced degree.
Work Experience: A minimum of 15 years of experience in humanitarian crisis management,
disaster risk management, economic development, environment or related areas. Proven track
record of experience in senior leadership management, including resource mobilization and
strategic planning is required. Experience in interacting with a diverse number of partners, both
in the private and public sectors, is required. Extensive understanding of the work of the UN and
other organizations in the field of disaster risk reduction in a global context is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post
advertised, excellent command of English is required and a working knowledge of one other
official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is highly desirable.
Other Skills
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate experience in dealing with some key stakeholders for
example, the diplomatic community, governments, national institutions, NGO's and the range of
actors in the disaster risk reduction field. Knowledge of the activities of the main UN bodies and
Committees; and an understanding of UN policies, procedures and operations is desirable.