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: 566457
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
Categories: Emergency
Level: P-3

How Can You Make a Difference?
Rapid Response:

• Ensure the smooth implementation and coordination of RRM activities through effective leadership of RRM governance structures, regular communications both internally and externally and efficient data collection for program analysis and revisions.
• Conduct regular operational and contextual analysis to identify response constraints and undertake program reviews for adjustments, design improvements, RRM technical support exit strategies.
• Following field assessments, identify and support appropriate advocacy to ensure the implementation of identified recommendations, including for RRM interventions and/or responses in sectors not covered by the RRM.
• In the event of sudden crisis or for Rapid Response Mechanism partnerships, support and advice the Field Office for  the development and activation of contingency / humanitarian Program Documents and support program partnership agreements for the timely delivery of assistance.
• Participates in the implementation of plans of action and workplans for emergency projects and implements and manages UNICEF specific emergency project activities when needed.
• Prepares inputs for appeals and updates related to emergencies. Works with the supervisor to mobilize funding, including humanitarian appeals and documents.

Emergency Response:

• Support RRM program in identifying operational gaps and needs (i.e. prepositioning, etc..) and lead on recommendations and actions to address them. Identifies opportunities and establish logistics plans to be implemented also in coordination with other agencies and Sectors (Logistic Sector, UNHAS, OCHA, etc.). 
• Plans, organizes and conducts conduct emergency training courses to builds up the emergency preparedness and response capability of UNICEF implementing partners (including line ministries), especially those operating within the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM).
• In coordination with the Sector Coordinators, support RRM partners and 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 and provide recommendations to UNICEF programs on system strengthening and program approaches for rapid responses.
• Support the Maiduguri Field Office for emergency preparedness measures through collaborating in the development and updating of Maiduguri Field Office’s Preparedness Plan (EPP) and contingency plans in the Emergency Preparedness Platform and establishment of early warning mechanisms.
• Support and/or lead when required in the formulation and development of contingency Program Documents and Humanitarian Program Documents with actors whom the Emergency and Program units can partner with for rapid response interventions in crisis affected locations including hard to reach areas.
• Support programs in identifying operational gaps and needs (i.e. Long-Term Agreements, prepositioning, etc..) and provide recommendations and actions to address them.

Humanitarian coordination and context analysis:

• Represent the RRM internally and externally and maintains continuous, effective and strategic coordination, communication, consultation and liaison with Humanitarian forum (ISCG, Sectors, Access Working Group, CM Coordination, etc..), Government, UN agencies, NGOs, donors and partners.
• Use information from various sources to contribute to the delivery of conflict mapping, early warning and trend analysis that may have an impact on rapid responses and other UNICEF programme implementation and provide advice to field program management on possible responses and context based / risks informed program.
• Develops and maintains databases on information and ensure the flow of information and communication crucial for the planning and implementation of emergency preparedness and response management. Compile and submit regular reports and contextual updates based on incidents tracking and trends in humanitarian access and security.
• Maintain internal and external information networks to enhance the collection/collation of information relating to access for humanitarian activities and operations as well as affected population and partners.

Qualifications
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:
Education:

• Advanced University Degree in one of the following fields: Disaster Management, Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Law, International Relations, Business Administration or other related disciplines. First University Degree with additional two-years of relevant field-based work experience is acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of five years progressively responsible professional work experience at international levels in emergency coordination, programme management, project and strategy development with UN and/or INGO agencies. The ideal candidate has field-based experience in minimally 2-3 countries outside of country of origin, and particularly in emergency contexts for at least four years.
• Hands-on experience in the coordination of multiple partners, with previous experience implementing and/or coordinating RRM is highly desirable.
• Direct experience in multi-sector emergency programme implementation and partnership management and emergency system strengthening in complex conflict settings.
• Specialized training/experience in emergency preparedness and response required. Experience as trainer and/or in conducting capacity building initiatives for a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in cash and voucher assistance in emergencies desirable.
• Analytical skills and ability to interpretate and conceptualize diverse information.
• Effective communication, networking and organizational skills and ability to work well in a team as well as other stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, UN agencies, government, etc. with sensitivity and diplomacy.
• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively represent UNICEF at forums and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and difficult circumstances and in response to rapidly changing needs.

Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate:

• UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are:

• Builds and maintains partnership
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others.
• During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

Application Closing Date
22nd October, 2023 (W. Central Africa Standard Time).

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Non-nigerian nationals only.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
• UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable women are encouraged to apply.
• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
• UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid).
• Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.