Under the general guidance of the assigned Lead Desk, provide support and guidance to UNICEF country offices (CO) and the 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.
Key functions and accountabilities:
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 ROs in developing and reviewing Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC), as well as inter-agency Humanitarian Response Plans/appeal documents.
Assist regional offices 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.
Support the EMOPS Director's Office and UNICEF Senior Management with timely updates and analyses of humanitarian crises including targeted advocacy to be used in inter-agency, donor and external partner meetings. Provide inputs for UNICEF documentation such as updates to the Executive Board, inputs to reports by the Secretary-General as well as his Special Representatives, as well as other internal and external papers and policies.
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.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in International Relations, Public Administration/Public Policy, Humanitarian Affairs, Development, Social Sciences, or other related technical disciplines.
A minimum of five years of professional work experience at national and international levels in humanitarian response.
Field experience in emergency responses is strongly desirable. Preferred experience in complex emergencies, including experience in early recovery.
Fluency in both written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another UN langauge is desirable.
