Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: Panama
Closing date: 06 Nov 2017
UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children’s rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.
How can you make a difference?
The incumbent will enhance the capacity of the LACRO Emergency Unit to support COs and governments in disaster risk analysis, reduction and resilience. He/she will also contribute to emergency preparedness and response capacity in support of CO in the region. Under the supervision of LACRO Regional Emergency Advisor (REA), the Emergency Specialist (ES) will be a key member of the Emergency Unit providing direction and support in Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and related issues, both at regional level in coordination with RO colleagues and REDLAC partners, and at national level in support to UNICEF COs. He/she will provide support to the REA and work closely with the Emergency Specialist (Emergency Preparedness and Response) in these and other tasks as assigned and will act as Unit OIC as necessary.
RISK ANALYSIS, DISASTER RISK REDUCTION, RESILIENCE AND RELATED TASKS
Within the responsibility delegated by the REA the ES will:
Provide high quality technical support to CO risk analysis and the design of risk informed resilience and DRR programming, and the incorporation of risk analysis in all relevant documents and processes.
Contribute to the design of capacity building programmes in DRR and resilience, identifying training needs, designing materials and implementing programmes and training. Provide technical expertise to adjust and promote risk informed programming so they are consistent and fully aligned with UNICEF Strategic Plans (SP) and Regional Office Management Plans (ROMP) processes and terminology.
Contribute high quality inputs and support to REA in planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting on the Emergency Unit´s Annual Work Plan (AWP), and assume responsibility within the Unit for assigned activities within the AWP.
Under direction of REA, liaise with key regional partners in the design of interagency or multi country DRR and resilience programming; identify funding sources and develop relevant proposals.
Support LACRO Emergency Unit in Knowledge Management activities and south-south / horizontal cooperation, both at regional and country level.
Contribute to UNICEF regional and global initiatives to advance DRR, climate change adaptation and resilience, including participate in regional interagency Resilience Group, ensuring the contribution to its work plan and actions, both at regional and country level.
Work with the regional team to ensure inclusion of DRR and Climate change issues across UNICEF´s work, including but not limited to WASH, Health, Education, Social inclusion, Nutrition and humanitarian situations.
Keep abreast of national/regional/ international development priorities on DRR and CC policy to leverage UNICEF´s position and competencies with donors, national governments and communities to advocate/ promote policies and interventions related to DRR and CC issues affecting children.
Support the REA and Emergency Unit in other related tasks as assigned.
PREPAREDNESS and RESPONSE
Within the responsibility delegated by the REA the ES will:
Ensure support to LACRO Emergency Unit in review CO’s preparedness and response capacities and gaps, in order to establish due actions for supporting COs in strengthening their capacities to support governments in emergency response, according to CCCs in Humanitarian Action.
Provide support where needed in strengthening UNICEF led / co-led sectorial coordination (Education, Child Protection, WASH and Nutrition) and capacity.
Provide support where needed to COs in their emergency response. This may include: support from RO in needs assessment, response planning and inter-agency coordination, also through ad hoc missions; supplies mobilization (in coordination with Supply Division); identification of human resources in cooperation with HR / DHR; review and quality control to resource mobilization proposals (CERF, EPF, etc.), etc.
Contribute to development of training and implementing trainings / refreshments and simulations for LACRO and CO colleagues, including Rapid Response Roster members.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in one of the following fields: social sciences, public administration, international law, public health, nutrition, international relations, business administration or other related disciplines. Preferably a combination of management, administration, and relevant technical fields.*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international level in programme/project development, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and administration.
Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian assistance in international context is an asset.
Familiarity with UNICEF internal procedures and planning and reporting requirements in emergency contexts and for disaster risk reduction preparedness and response is an asset. Knowledge and technical expertise in one or more of UNICEF areas of global sectorial responsibility is an asset.
Good understanding of the disaster risk reduction, humanitarian action and development context in Latin America and the Caribbean region.
Knowledge of humanitarian action agenda within the framework of the humanitarian reform and Transformative Agenda.
Expertise in organizing, facilitating and co-leading training and simulation exercises with multi-stakeholders.
Familiarity with regional disaster management and humanitarian action interagency and subregional mechanisms.
Knowledge and capacity to represent UNICEF in interagency and regional meetings on related themes.
Capacity to work with multidisciplinary groups and good capacity for coordination, analysis and synthesis.
Able to work independently and in constant communication with the emergency team and emergency focal points in the region.
Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
This position is classified as “rotational” which means the incumbent is expected to rotate to another duty station upon completion of their tour of duty,
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
How to apply:
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=508436
