Emergency Specialist, (EMOPS), (P-4), New York, United States #53103

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

Job organizational context

The five outcomes of the Office of Emergency Programme's (EMOPS) work, to which the Humanitarian Field Support team and the position contribute include: humanitarian access, principled humanitarian assistance and protection for children; risk analysis and monitoring, preparedness and response; strategic alliances and partnerships; safety and security of programmes and staff; and humanitarian coordination.  These outcomes and their associated outputs address challenges which EMOPS has identified as key priorities in an increasingly demanding and varied global humanitarian landscape. These five EMOPS outcomes contribute to achieving the UNICEF Strategic Plan results, as specified within each outcome below.  More specifically, the emergency specialist will contribute to supporting UNICEF to be properly equipped to continue to deliver a high quality, timely and effective response. Responding to a greater number and variety of crises requires stronger preparedness throughout the organization, more targeted approaches to varying types of crises, and enhanced staff capacities.

Purpose for the job

Under the guidance of the Chief, Humanitarian Field Support Section, serve as focal point for the overall coordination of emergency interventions in a defined allocation of countries.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

Summary of key functions/accountabilities

1. Serve as focal point for the analysis and review of emergency responses in an allocation of regions, supporting UNICEF’s headquarters (HQ) support to preparedness and humanitarian response to complex emergencies, including natural disasters, conflicts, health emergencies, etc. Keep supervisor informed of all critical situations and decisions for action.
2. When complex emergency countries enter into periods of peak crisis, assist supervisor to coordinate HQ colleagues, maintaining close contact with country office on all matters of security, operations, and programmes.
3. With Operations Center (OPSCEN), Programme Division (PD), Public Partnerships Division (PPD), other HQ Divisions and sister UN agencies, monitor potential non-emergency countries in assigned regions and maintain contact with countries at critical stages identifying strategies for preparedness before a crisis occurs. Conduct mission to potential emergencies when requested.
4. Prepare regular updates on the situation in all complex emergencies in assigned countries for the Executive Director, Senior Staff and other Divisions in a timely and accurate manner.
5. In cooperation with all key HQ Divisions (PPD, Private Fundraising and Partnerships - PFP, PD, etc.), provide guidance and coordinate the preparation and review of emergency appeals as part of the inter-agency consolidated appeal process and related resource mobilization documents (including Emergency Programme Fund - EPF, Central Emergency Response Fund - CERF, and others).
6. Assist Regional Offices in supporting Country Offices (CO) in critical phases of the emergency through mission travel, as well as when need arise.
7. Participate in the preparation of all emergency programme reports in the area of responsibility for the Executive Board, donors and annual reports.
8. Serve as back-up to Supervisor and other Emergency Specialists in his/her absence.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education

Advanced university degree in social sciences, international health/development or related technical field relevant to UNICEF programmes. Training in emergency response desirable.

Work Experience

At least eight years of progressively responsible work experience at the International level in developing countries. Knowledge and field experience in UNICEF programmes especially in complex emergency environment.

Language

Fluency in English required, and other UN language desirable.

Competencies

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication [ II ]
• Working with People [ II ]
• Drive for Results [ II ]

Functional Competencies

• Leading and Supervising [ II ]
• Analyzing [ II ]
• Deciding and Initiating Action [ III ]
• Persuading and Influencing [ III ]
• Applying Technical Expertise [ III ]
• Planning and Organizing [ II ]
• Adapting and Responding to Change [ III ]
• Coping with Pressure and Setbacks.

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.