The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is hiring a Programme Management Officer (P4) in Geneva for 2026. Apply by 26 February 2026.
Overview
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has opened applications for a Programme Management Officer (P4) position based in Geneva, Switzerland.
This is a senior-level UN professional role within the Economic, Social and Development Job Network, offering a unique opportunity to lead interagency coordination, intergovernmental processes, and partnerships supporting global disaster risk reduction and resilience efforts under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.
Application deadline: 26 February 2026
About UNDRR
Established in December 1999, UNDRR is the UN system’s focal point for coordinating disaster risk reduction efforts worldwide. It guides, monitors, and reports on progress in implementing the Sendai Framework, while supporting national and regional disaster risk reduction strategies.
UNDRR works closely with:
- UN Member States
- Regional organizations
- Civil society and the private sector
- Parliamentarians and the science and technology community
This role is located at UNDRR Headquarters in Geneva and sits within the Intergovernmental Processes, Interagency Cooperation and Partnerships Branch.
Position Details
Job title: Programme Management Officer
Job opening ID: 270639
UN level: P-4 (Professional and Higher Categories)
Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland
Department: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
Contract type: Fixed-term appointment
Initial duration: One year (renewable subject to mandate and funding)
Application deadline: 26 February 2026
Key Responsibilities
Programme Leadership and Management
- Plan and implement work programmes for the Interagency Coordination Unit
- Set priorities, allocate resources, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs
- Oversee programme budgeting, reporting, and performance monitoring
- Lead recruitment, supervision, training, and performance evaluation of staff
Interagency and Intergovernmental Coordination
- Coordinate UN system-wide implementation of the UN Plan of Action for Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience
- Strengthen integration of disaster risk reduction into UN strategic plans and country programmes
- Work closely with UN Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams
- Enhance collaboration between disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation stakeholders
Policy, Reporting, and Representation
- Contribute to reports submitted to intergovernmental bodies
- Provide analytical inputs to the UN Secretary-General’s reports on disaster risk reduction
- Represent UNDRR in intergovernmental and inter-agency meetings when required
- Provide policy advice and substantive backstopping to Member States
Advocacy and Strategic Engagement
- Coordinate meetings, seminars, and high-level events on disaster risk reduction
- Support the UN Senior Leaders Group chaired by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General
- Organize advocacy events, side events, and briefings in collaboration with partners
- Identify opportunities to advance the global disaster risk reduction agenda
Required Competencies
- Professionalism: Strong expertise in disaster risk reduction, resilience, and climate adaptation
- Communication: Clear and effective written and verbal communication
- Planning and organizing: Ability to manage complex priorities and resources
- Client orientation: Proven capacity to build trusted partnerships and deliver results
A strong human rights- and gender-based approach is essential, ensuring inclusion and alignment with the principle of leaving no one behind.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in:
- International relations
- Management
- Economics
- Social sciences
- Law or a related field
- A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree
Work Experience
- Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in programme or project management
- Required experience in:
- Disaster risk reduction or resilience-related programming
- Strategic partnerships and alliances
- Intergovernmental and inter-agency coordination
- Desirable experience includes:
- Team supervision in disaster risk reduction contexts
- Data analytics or related fields
- Work in fragile and conflict-affected settings
Language Requirements
- English: Required
- French: Desirable
- Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), or Russian: Desirable
Assessment Process
Qualified candidates may be evaluated through:
- A written or technical assessment exercise
- A competency-based interview
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Diversity, Inclusion, and UN Conditions
The United Nations:
- Is committed to gender parity and geographical diversity
- Strongly encourages women candidates to apply
- Offers reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities
- Operates under a strict zero-fee recruitment policy
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official United Nations Careers Portal (Inspira) before 26 February 2026.
Ensure your application profile is complete and accurate, as submissions cannot be edited after finalization.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction |
| Position | Programme Management Officer |
| Grade | P-4 |
| Duty Station | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Experience Required | 7+ years |
| Languages | English required |
| Deadline | 26 February 2026 |
Conclusion
The UNDRR Programme Management Officer (P4) role in Geneva is a high-impact leadership opportunity for experienced professionals in disaster risk reduction, resilience, and interagency coordination. This position offers the chance to shape UN system-wide action, influence global policy, and contribute directly to building resilience worldwide under the Sendai Framework.
Keywords
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