Emergency Specialist (Africa Desk) - P-3, Fixed Term, Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS) NYHQ # 116939

CO and ROs are properly equipped and prepared to deliver UNICEF’s mandate in emergencies, undertaking activities to realize the Core Commitments for Children in humanitarian action (CCCs) in sudden-onset emergencies as well as in chronic and protracted crises and fragile situations. In addition, support CO and RO efforts in reducing risks, building resilience and contributing to peace building through regular development programme in an integrated manner and as part of the overall approach to humanitarian action.

UNICEF HQ Locations are currently undergoing organizational changes; therefore, the exact location of the post has yet to be determined. Selected candidates may be required to commence duties remotely until the location is confirmed. If reassigned or relocated to another location, candidates may be expected to relocate to a new location again during the initial contract or assignment period.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

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, save lives

The Humanitarian Field Support Section (HFSS) aims to provide a ‘one-stop-shop” approach to coherent field support in humanitarian crises, in addition to strengthening the UNICEF’s field capacity on emergency preparedness and risk monitoring, as well as on early recovery programming, humanitarian advocacy and engagement with integrated missions and presences. The team will not only be instrumental in providing support to the field on principled humanitarian action and a strengthened integration of the protection of children dimension in our engagement, but will also strive to focus on the quality of the response in close collaboration with key other EMOPS sections. The team is also instrumental in providing briefings, data and analysis to UNICEF senior leaders across the organisation to inform their decision making on behalf of strengthened UNICEF’s action for children in humanitarian contexts. The section coordinates closely with all other EMOPS Sections, PG and other HQ Divisions. HFSS provides effective and timely communication lines and support between EMOPS, ROs and COs and day to day coordination and oversight of headquarters’ support to country offices (technical guidance and engagement, humanitarian financing management of the EPF and CERF, inter-agency collaboration, direct guidance on global approaches on country specific crises, etc). The Section supports the EMOPS Director’s Office and OED with timely updates and analyses on humanitarian crises to inform decision-making. It coordinates the deployment of the Emergency Response Team.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance of the Emergency Specialist Desk, provide support and guidance to UNICEF country offices (CO) and regional offices (RO) dealing with humanitarian crises (both rapid onset, chronic and fragile situations) for effective coordination of HQ support. The Emergency Specialist will work as part of the Humanitarian Field Support Section (HFSS), as well as with HQ inter-divisional focal points, inter-agency partners, regional emergency staff and other field colleagues.

• Support and contribute to the effective and strategic coordination of HQ support to COs/RO in humanitarian crises (including L3 / L2 but also chronic and protracted crises, cross-regional, health emergencies, population displacement) on all programmatic and operational matters relating to the humanitarian contexts.
• Provide effective and timely support to COs and RO in developing and reviewing Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC), as well as inter-agency Humanitarian Response Plans/appeal documents.
• Assist ROs and country offices in critical phases of preparedness and humanitarian response through mission travel.
• Support complex emergency countries during strategic moments of interagency assessment and planning, including planning for integrated UN presences.
• Through UNICEF's Emergency Operations Centre (OPSCEN) and other EMOPS sections, in close contact with CO, RO and sister UN agencies, monitor emerging humanitarian political, and recovery trends, and potential socio-political instability. Identify potential humanitarian risks and strategies for preparedness and risk reduction before a new crisis occurs and best approaches for UNICEF to engage in early recovery and transition processes.
• Support CO/ROs in updating their risk analysis (on the EPP platform).
• Promote contingency planning and enhanced preparedness at all levels in cases of high risks.
• Ensure UNICEF representation in key inter-agency fora related to emergency response, crisis management, and integrated assessment and planning.
• Support management engagement with high-level mechanisms such as Emergency Directors’ Group, Integrated Task Forces, Inter-Agency Task Forces, Regional Monitoring Mechanisms and other crisis-management mechanisms.
• Provide guidance and support to country offices and regional offices on humanitarian resource mobilization documents (including EPF, CERF and others) in collaboration with relevant divisions.
• Support COs and ROs in monitoring effective and timely programmatic use of allocated humanitarian funds.
• Serve as back-up to Supervisor and other Emergency Specialists in his/her absence.
• Assist with any other task as assigned by the Section Chief.

• Advanced University degree in International Relations, Public Administration/Public Policy, Humanitarian Affairs, Development, Social Sciences, or other related technical disciplines

• Five years professional work experience at national and international levels in humanitarian response. Developing country work experience or field work experience. Preferred experience in complex emergencies, including experience in early recovery.

• Fluency in both written and spoken English, and another UN language as a strong asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA)

The core competencies required for this post are:

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

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

UNICEF only considers Higher education qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net

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