Emergency Specialist - UNICEF

Key Accountabilities:

Emergency Preparedness

• Adopts adequate emergency preparedness measures through the development and updating of country contingency plans and establishment of early warning mechanisms, to ensure effective preparedness and response to specific emergencies.
• Participates in the formulation and development of plans of action in preparation and response to emergencies, and monitors compliance of all sectors with emergency plans of action, including financial resources. Ensures coordination of the management of emergency preparedness and response.
• Provides technical advice related to emergency preparedness and response, including on programme management-related issues. Provides advice to the country office in the implementation of emergency preparedness measures in the field to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms in the country faced with impending emergencies.
• Develops and maintains databases on country/regional information and ensures the flow of information and communication crucial for the planning and implementation of emergency preparedness and response management. Identifies availability of resources in emergency-prone areas and establishes logistics plans to be implemented during an emergency operation, to ensure a timely and effective emergency response.
• Plans, organizes and conducts training for the office’s staff capacity building in emergency preparedness and response. Assists in developing and conducting emergency training courses for relevant partners. Participates in other emergency training workshops in the region and builds up the emergency preparedness and response capability of UNICEF staff as well as implementing partners.

Emergency Response

• In the event of an emergency, takes prompt action as a member of the Emergency Response Team which is deployed immediately to establish UNICEF’s presence and implement the initial operational tasks relating to emergency assistance. Immediately verifies the nature and extent of the emergency with staff, government officials, other UN agencies or local organizations and media.
• Participates and assists with assessment of local emergency and security situation affecting children and women in the locality, in conjunction with the Regional Office, the HQ Divisions, and field staff. Coordinates with other partners to make a rapid assessment covering priority areas as defined by the Core Commitment for Children in Emergencies.
• Applies the emergency preparedness and response plan as necessary. Executes the timely delivery of assistance and procurement of supplies, and monitors the appropriate and effective use of UNICEF resources/inputs.

Qualification Required & Experience

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 minimum of five [5] years of relevant professional experience at the national and international levels in programme/project development, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and administration in relation to Emergency
• Fieldwork experience, and specialized training/experience in emergency response management highly desirable.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Location: Tamale