Job Vacancy at UN Children's Fund

How can you make a difference?

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Coordinator for Humanitarian Action and Resilience, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting and building high-level interagency and inter-governmental engagement and dialogue on issues that affect women and children in the ESAR with a focus on (a) coordination and collaboration at the interagency level in the Horn of Africa (HoA), in linking humanitarian and development programming and building resilience; (b) expanded collaboration with UNHCR and other partners in the roll out of the CRRF in the region.

This position will play a key role in supporting the development of a strategy on humanitarian and resilience building in theHorn of Africaas part of the UN-wide coordinated effort. They will also support UNICEF’s collaboration with UNHCR and other partners in the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) in ESAR. The Specialist will provide policy, analytical, coordination and advocacy support to the Regional Director and Principal Coordinator as they engage with a variety of inter-governmental, inter-agency and other UN fora on humanitarian, development, resilience building and cross border issues.

The incumbent will also provide ad-hoc support and advice to the Humanitarian Action Resilience and Peacebuilding section in ESARO that is supporting countries to ensure that emergency preparedness is maintained in all contexts, needs for emergency response and support at country level are identified, and emergency response actions move forward in a timely and coordinated manner in the region.

Summary of key accountabilities

• Support and influence the development of polices relevant to UNICEF’s priority areas such as children’s right, education, health, nutrition, as well as peace and security and emergency response in the region with a focus on theHoA and countries affected by the regional refugee crisis.
• Support the Regional Director and the Principal Coordinator’s participation in inter-agency meetings, and in representation of UNICEF at the regional and global level, and ensure follow-up actions are completed.
• Keep the Principal Coordinator informed of any crucial matters and/or decisions that flow from high-level consultations in the region.
• Provide the Principal Coordinator with timely analysis and updates on developing trends and policy to support engagement with high-level regional and global mechanisms with a focus on the Horn of Africa.
• Draft briefing notes and contributions for relevant high level meetings in which UNICEF is represented with a focus onHoA and CRRF.
• In close collaboration with RO and CO colleagues, as well as other agencies, follow discussions and decisions pertaining to the UN wide HoA strategy and the implementation of the CRRF in ESAR.
• With the Principal Coordinator engage closely with other relevant UN agencies and partners in ESAR to push the UNICEF agenda on initiatives related to women, children and young people in region with a focus on the nexus between humanitarian, development and resilience building.
• Contribute to the successful implementation of the overall work plan of the Principal Coordinator for ESAR.
• Support the preparation of regional reports, advocacy materials, briefing notes, regional analyses, and regional office work planning exercises with a focus on the development of the UN wide Horn of Africa Strategy and the implementation of the CRRF in ESAR.
• As needed, provide dedicated support to the preparation, documentation and follow-up of emergency management mechanism within the RO including Emergency Management Team, Humanitarian Action Team and other mechanism.
• As needed, provide back-stop support and contribute to effective and strategic coordination of support to Country Offices undertaking humanitarian action.

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

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field such as humanitarian affairs, political science, etc.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience at the national and international levels in political affairs, advocacy on human rights/child rights issues, social and economic development, or humanitarian emergencies, preferably with emphasis in policy development, analysis, advocacy and coordination.
• Strong understanding of the UN system, and UNICEF’s work in emergencies.
• Developing country work experience and experience in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region isan asset.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required, knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
• Strong writing and editing skills including knowledge and experience in writingwith demonstrated experience in drafting correspondence, briefing materials and reports.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, negotiating and communication skills (written and verbal) is required.
• Ability to work as a part of team and independently, as needed.