Emergency Specialist (Rapid Response Mechanism) at the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Emergency Specialist (Rapid Response Mechanism)

Job No.: 543853
Location: Nigeria
Level: P-3
Categories: Emergency Programme
Contract type: Temporary Appointment

How Can You Make a Difference?

• Under the direct supervision of the Emergency Manager, the Emergency Specialist-Rapid Response Mechanism  will support the Borno Field office to coordinate the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) partners through the development and implementation of an effective Rapid Response Mechanism. 
• The specific objective of the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) project is based on three pillars:
  • Assessments: Maintaining a humanitarian watch as the basis for the execution of rapid and multi-sector assessments for populations at high risks,
  • Advocacy: Ensuring the effective use of the MSA information and follow-up humanitarian action via close and constant coordination and advocacy with sectors and other stakeholders by disseminating alerts / results / recommendations,
  • Response: In the absence of ready humanitarian action within the humanitarian community, undertaking emergency responses.

Key Responsibilities
Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Strategy Developed:

• Develop 2021, Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Coordinator strategy complete with alert verification system, thresholds, timeframe, minimum packages and exit strategy.
• Identify and map areas of responsibility of implementing partners.
• Develop rapid assessment, post-mission, AAP, and evaluation tools.
• Ensure Sector pipelines are stocked with necessary response items.
• Collaborate with HCT Specialists to introduce cash assistance RRM system.

Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) program with the Implementing I/NGOs is Coordinated, Managed and Implemented:

• Co-lead the governance structures of the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) and ensure regular communications both internally and externally.
• Conduct regular operational analysis, identify areas of poor performance, bottlenecks, and identify solutions such as design improvements, additional trainings and technical support.
• Ensure relevant analysis of complaints and feedback received through different sources and ensure implementing partners relevant follow up.
• Prepares relevant programme reports required for management, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.

Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Program Fully Funded and Donors are Satisfied with its Implementation and Results:

• Elaborate and monitor an annual RRM budget;
• Monitor grants to ensure funds are allocated and utilized as per the proposal and quality reports are done according to plan including the visibility components;
• Fundraise to cover the gap in RRM funding through regular communications/advocacy with Donors and prepare quality concept notes and proposals; and
• Develop a Donor strategy specific for RRM.

Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) program is well Incorporated into the Humanitarian Landscape and well Respected by the Humanitarian Actors and Beneficiaries:

• Ensure that quality assessments are completed and are shared with the Humanitarian Community as per agreed thresholds/approaches.
• Liaise with ISWG/OCHA and humanitarian community to advocate for assessment results and identified needs to be addressed as per agreed thresholds/approaches.
• Ensure the RRM approach works within the existing sector approach and framework.
• Ensure there is a good understanding of the RRM at the Field Level and staff are kept abreast of RRM partner agreements including any potential end-user monitoring and technical support;

UNICEF Programs are Supported to Enable Rapid Response Through Direct Implementation or Partnerships:

• Support and provide recommendations to UNICEF programs on system strengthening and program approaches for rapid response mechanisms.
• In coordination with the Sector Coordinators, support UNICEF programme sections in identifying key “hot spot” locations / emergency Local Government Areas (LGAs) for preparedness and rapid response.
• Support UNICEF programme sections in mapping available services and actors who can support rapid response and whom UNICEF should establish stand-by partnership with.
• Support programs in identifying operational gaps and needs (i.e. Long-Term Agreements, prepositioning, etc..) and provide recommendations and actions to address them.
• Support UNICEF sections and key partners (including line ministries) for capacity building on Rapid Response Mechanisms.
• Liaise with UNICEF sections including Emergencies as Provider of Last Resort.
• The Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Coordinator may be requested to support other initiatives outside the North East based.

Qualifications
To qualify as an Advocate for Every Child, you will have:

• Advanced University Degree in International Development / Relations, Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Law, Public Health, Nutrition, or other related disciplines required.
• First University Degree with additional two-years of relevant field-based work experience is acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in  in programme/project development, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and administration with UN and/or INGOs. The ideal candidate would have had field-based experience particularly in an emergency context for at least two years.
• Experience in multi-sector emergency programme implementation and emergency system strengthening in conflict settings.
• Previous experience implementing and/or coordinating a Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM)  is highly desirable.
• Experience in use of cash in emergencies is highly desirable.
• Experience in multi-stakeholder co-ordination/Sector/Cluster Coordination and facilitation is highly desirable.
• Effective communication, networking and organizational skills and ability to work well in a team.
• Ability to work well under pressure and in response to rapidly changing needs; and ability to work in difficult circumstances.
• Fluency in English is required. 

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 UNICEF Competencies Required for this Post Are:

• Builds and maintains partnerships (III) 
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (III)
• Innovates and embraces change (III)
• Drive to achieve results for impact (III)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (III)
• Thinks and acts strategically (III)
• Works collaboratively with others (III).

Application Closing Date
14th September, 2021 W. Central Africa Standard Time.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Important Information and Notice

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