Humanitarian Policy Specialist, P-4, Fixed Term, #15134, New York, USA, #529631

The incumbent will assist in the development and dissemination of humanitarian policies, internal and inter-agency strategies and operational guidelines to guide UNICEF humanitarian response to children affected by emergencies, including both armed conflict and natural disasters situations, specifically those which address Complex and High Threats Environments. The post is based in UNICEF Headquarters in New York in the Humanitarian Policy Section of the Office of Emergency Programmes. It reports to the Chief of Humanitarian Policy Section. Post requires travel to conflict-affected countries and frequent extended working hours.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, opportunity

The post is based in UNICEF Headquarters in New York in the Humanitarian Policy Section of the Office of Emergency Programmes. It reports to the Chief of Humanitarian Policy Section. Post requires travel to conflict-affected countries and frequent extended working hours.

How can you make a difference?

Assist in the development and dissemination of humanitarian policies, internal and inter-agency strategies and operational guidelines to guide UNICEF humanitarian response to children affected by emergencies, including both armed conflict and natural disasters situations, specifically those which address Complex and High Threats Environments.

1. Support and influence the development of humanitarian policies, with a variety of inter-agency fora, on relevant humanitarian and peace and security issues in complex a high-threat environments, and ensure that UNICEF policies and practice are informed by these processes.

2. Provide technical and policy advice in particular on engagement with non-state armed groups, humanitarian access issues, Civil-Military Coordination, humanitarian impact of sanctions and counter-terrorism measures.

3. Make legal, programmatic and operational analysis of the situation of children and UNICEF’s work in complex and high threat environments, to inform policy decisions and UNICEF’s relations to governments, non-state entities, and UN agencies and NGOs operating in similar situations.

4. Design and implement necessary dissemination of the existing policy and guidance: By preparing training and other collaborative means, where and when, how and by whom they are carried out.

5. Act as UNICEF focal point for Programme Criticality both within the organization and in coordination fora with other UN entities.

6. Contribute to the successful implementation of the overall work plan of the Humanitarian Policy Section, including by providing specialized advice on priority thematic areas.

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

Education

Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences, International Law or International Relations, preferably with an emphasis on human rights and/or humanitarian law.

*A first University degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in the above fields of studies, combined with 2 additional years of relevant work experience, may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience

At least eight years progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in developing countries. Knowledge and field experience of UNICEF programmes at different levels especially in a complex and high threat emergency environment. Prior experience in humanitarian policy development and advice especially for complex and high threat emergency (required). Experience of inter-governmental processes (desirable).

Languages

Fluency in English and another UN language required. Knowledge of French is highly desirable.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The functional competencies required for this post are...

• Applying technical expertise
• Relating and networking
• Analyzing
• Formulating strategies and concepts
• Leading and supervising
• Coping with Pressure and Setbacks

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

“Eligible staff are encouraged to apply for this post. Internal applicants on abolished posts, rotation and other special consideration status including staff in the respective talent group and those eligible for lateral reassignments will be given due consideration."

 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.