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UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, Protection

As Emergencies become more frequent, expectations for UNICEF to deliver on the Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Actions (CCCs) in a timely and effective manner increase. Emergency preparedness significantly enhances UNICEF’s ability to meet these expectations and save time and resources in the response.

In this context, the Risk Analysis and Preparedness Section (RAPS) in EMOPS provides strategic and technical leadership on emergency preparedness, risk analysis and anticipatory action; leading a change process to embed these themes more firmly throughout UNICEF and the programme planning cycle. On risk analysis, RAPS provides technical support on contextual and geospatial risk analysis and leads a regular “horizon scan” process for natural disasters, conflicts, public health emergencies, political crises, etc. The process facilitates identification of imminent risks to be prioritized by COs, ROs and HQ to strengthen preparedness. On emergency preparedness, RAPS has introduced a more systemic approach through an online emergency platform that makes preparedness mandatory, supports linking humanitarian and development and risk-informed programming, and ensures that all COs, ROs, and HQ are ready to meet the Core Commitment for Children (CCCs) in an emergency.

How can you make a difference? 

The Emergency Specialist (Preparedness) will support incumbent`s supervisor in ensuring the effective implementation of technical assistance related to preparedness in ROs and COs, support to governments, updating of guidelines, tools and learning materials, community engagement, capacity building/learning and knowledge management. Spearheading capacity-building initiatives for governments in priority countries, focusing on government preparedness/DRR together with Program Group and ROs will also be a priority working direction for the incumbent of the position. Incumbent will also have to support the preparedness programming and related preparedness funding allocations at Regional and Country Offices level. Incumbent will actively contribute to the Development and coordination of the implementation of plans for the piloting and roll out of the new EPP (3.0) in close coordination and collaboration with the EPP Project Manager and ROs. Incumbent will design, develop, and oversee the implementation of emergency simulation exercises in selected priority country offices to test offices preparedness, response capabilities and staff skills in areas like disaster management and public health emergencies, among others.

1. Technical Assistance to Countries for preparedness planning and programme design

Provide technical assistance on preparedness issues to EMOPS colleagues, other HQ divisions, ROs and COs, (remote and onsite) on preparedness actions and contingency planning for high-risk countries.

Work with HFSS Desks to review of and provision of feedback on risk analyses carried out by priority COs in their SitAn (within HQ engagement in Country Programme Development processes).

Participate in emergency management team meetings and in meetings on risks as needed.

2. Design and quality assurance of HACs

Ensure once a year and in coordination with the EMOPS HAC team, a timely quality control review of the Regional and Country Offices HACs, with a specific focus on Risk Analysis, Preparedness and Anticipatory Actions

3. Revision, rollout and monitoring of the new Preparedness Procedures

Coordinate the implementation of the new Preparedness Procedure and Guidance Note Roll Out Plan in close collaboration with ROs and other HQ Divisions' focal points.

Support planning and facilitation of training webinars on the new Preparedness Procedure and Guidance Note.

Work with business owners to develop or strengthen existing preparedness-related guidelines and tools for COs to comply with the Minimum Preparedness Standards, ensuring consistency.

4. Monitoring compliance with Preparedness Procedure's requirements & reporting

Monitor use of the EPP and offices' progress in meeting the Minimum Preparedness Standards. Produce statistics and reports on preparedness (on compliance in EWEA and EPP).

Analyse bottlenecks and provide follow up with Desks, ROs and COs as needed.

5. EPP 3,0 piloting, roll out and planning. User & experts engagement for the development and improvement of EPP 3.0

Develop and coordinate the implementation of plans for the piloting and roll out of the new EPP (3.0) in close coordination and collaboration with the EPP Project Manager and ROs.

Gather learning and take corrective actions.

Support the onboarding of offices and monitor progress.

Develop/update EPP content (help instructions, templates, questions) or coordinate development with business owners, ensuring consistency in their inputs.

Coordinate Community Engagement. Ensure frequent communication with users. Provide responses to technical questions.

Gather and analyses feedback.

6. Humanitarian Learning/capacity building on preparedness

In close coordination with EMOPS Humanitarian Learning Specialist, support the development of learning materials on Preparedness and EPP (face-to-face, webinars, eLearning, tutorials, videos).

Plan and support the design and facilitation of learning events.

7. Knowledge Management

In close collaboration with HELS KM Specialist and ROs develop a preparedness KM strategy and annual plans.

Liaise and coordinate KM actions with preparedness focal points in ROs and other offices.

Gather and disseminate relevant information, feedback and good practices.

Analyze bottlenecks and produce recommendations to improve the system.

8. Simulation Exercises

Design, develop, and oversee the implementation of emergency simulation exercises in selected priority country offices to test office preparedness and response capabilities and staff skills in areas like disaster management and public health emergencies, among others.

9. Preparedness Planning
Provide technical expertise and policy guidance on emergency preparedness and contingency planning to UNICEF headquarters, regional offices (ROs), and country offices (COs).
This will include identifying preparedness actions and offering technical assistance and quality assurance on developing and updating contingency plans, ensuring alignment with UNICEF policies and best practices for emergency response.

10. Government capacity building on Preparedness/DRR

Spearhead capacity-building initiatives for governments in priority countries, focusing on government preparedness/DRR together with PG and ROs. This includes conducting needs assessments to identify knowledge gaps and designing and delivering training programs on key government prep/DRR themes, such as risk and hazard assessment and mapping, early warning systems, whole of society approach, and disaster preparedness and response plans and strategies including mitigation approaches.

11. Support and monitoring of preparedness programming applications

Work with COs and ROs to design catalytic preparedness programmes in highest risk countries.

Support and monitor the implementation of preparedness funds allocated by EMOPS.

Collaborate with the Private Partnerships Division (PPD), the Division of Private Fundraising and Partnerships (PFP) and other relevant actors on reporting and enhanced fundraising.

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in political science, anthropology, sociology, social sciences, international relations, engineering or related field.
• Work Experience:  Minimum of five years progressively responsible professional experience including in field locations.
• Experience working with UNICEF an advantage.
• Experience at regional and/or HQ level in addition to field locations is an advantage.
• Specialized training/experience in emergency preparedness/response management highly desirable. 
• Experience working with UNICEF and in inter-sectoral positions is a plus.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be a strong 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

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, all candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues across multiple locations. For effective collaboration, we encourage flexible working hours that accommodate different time zones while prioritizing staff wellbeing.

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

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.