Emergency Specialist, P3 at UNICEF

How can you make a difference? 

As a member of the HARP team, and under the overall guidance and supervision of the P4 Emergency Specialist (51878) in close collaboration with the Regional Emergency Advisor, the Emergency Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting COs and strengthening linkages with the RO for effective, efficient and timely emergency preparedness and response. This position involves close collaboration with COs, sectoral emergency focal points within the RO, and external partners to ensure qualitative and timely emergency preparedness and response.

Emergency Preparedness

• Support CO in risk analysis to identify emergency-prone conditions/situations and contribute to early warning and timely emergency preparedness. Support CO to adopt adequate emergency preparedness and response measures through the development and updating of EPP, country contingency plans, and follow up on compliance of CO with the implementation of agreed Minimum Preparedness Actions
• Assist in the formulation of plans of action in preparation and response to emergencies. Gather information on best practices in emergency situations for the preparation of contingency plans.
• Collect, interpret and analyse all available data on evolving emergency situations and its implications to the emergency operation. Keeps the effective flow of information and communication crucial for the planning and implementation of emergency measures between CO and RO. Identifies availability of resources in emergency prone areas
• Assist in organizing and conducting staff training for the CO’s capacity building in emergencies preparedness and response. Provides briefing, as required and contribute to enhancement of the emergency preparedness and response capability of the CO staff
• Provide dedicated support for coordination at the Regional Office (RO) level, including the preparation, documentation, and follow-up of emergency management mechanisms such as the Emergency Management Team, Humanitarian Action Group, and other relevant frameworks as needed.

Emergency Response

• In the event of an emergency, and as needed, promptly assists CO in implementing the initial operational tasks relating to emergency response including through in-country deployment.
• Assists CO with assessment of local humanitarian and security situation. Immediately collects reliable information to verify the nature and extent of the emergency with staff, government officials, other UN agencies or local organizations and media.
• Provides input in and contributes toward determining priorities and an appropriate intervention by UNICEF.As needed, support coordination with other partners to make a rapid assessment covering priority areas as defined by the Core Commitment for Children in Emergencies.
• Support CO as needed in implementing the emergency preparedness and response plan as necessary. Assist in identifying urgent staffing requirements and redeploying country office staff. Follow up with the timely delivery of assistance and procurement of supplies and monitor the appropriate and effective use of UNICEF resources.
• Support CO to mobilize donor response and recovery/rehabilitation-related funding, including annual or multi-annual humanitarian appeals and documents (e.g., pitch documents, HAC). Works with CO and other section at RO level to prepare appeals, advocacy messages and mobilize donor response emergency
• -related funding. Support the development of project proposals. Assists CO in identifying longer-term requirements of the emergency intervention/operations

Coordination/ Reporting/Knowledge Management

• Keeps management informed of all humanitarian developments in the region in terms of policies, strategy, situation developments, potential threats and opportunities.
• Lead the preparation of in-country reports and briefing notes, as well as donor reporting for country supported
• As requested, maintains continuous, effective, and strategic coordination, communication, consultation, and liaison with regional bodies, UN agencies, NGOs, and allies as needed.
• Collects and analyses lessons learnt from UNICEF's emergency operations experience and contributes towards adoption of the best practices and standards for longer-term emergency interventions.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education: 

• Advanced University degree in one of the following fields: Social Sciences, Public Administration/Public Policy, International Relations, Business Administration, Humanitarian Affairs, Development Studies, or a related field

Work Experience: 

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in progressively professional work experience at national and international levels in complex humanitarian environment /program development, planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Confirmed experience in emergency preparedness in complex settings including experience in complex emergencies in the East and Southern Africa region is highly desirable.
• Specialized training/experience in emergency response management is required.