CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: Mauritania
Closing date: 09 Feb 2015

PURPOSE OF THE JOB :

Under the guidance and supervision of the Representative, in close collaboration with the Deputy Representative, establishes and implements country office emergency preparedness and response plan. Responsible for the development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the emergency interventions to ensure the survival and well-being of children and mothers, and the affected communities in an emergency situation.

KEY END RESULTS :

1. Emergency preparedness, mitigation and prevention efforts are effectively defined together with establishment of country contingency plans and early warning mechanisms.
2. Emergency preparedness and response plans addresses gender issues that may be expected to intensify during emergencies.
3. Emergency action plans are developed, and compliance and coordination of all sectors with the plans are implemented.
4. Technical advice on emergencies and programme management related to implementation of emergency preparedness, mitigation and prevention measures are effectively provided.
5. Emergency preparedness and response, and a consistent flow of information of the humanitarian situation are effectively coordinated within the office.
6. Substantive improvements are made in the emergency preparedness and response capability of UNICEF staff and implementing partners through conduct of effective training activities.
7. In the event of an emergency, UNICEF's presence is promptly established and the initial emergency operational tasks are effectively executed, including provision of support for information communication technology, telecommunications facility and all staff security related assistance in the country office.
8. Needs assessment is effectively conducted to determine priorities and an appropriate intervention by UNICEF based on the local emergency situation affecting children, their families and community.
9. Timely delivery of assistance and supplies is provided, urgent staffing requirements are identified, and the appropriate use of UNICEF resources is monitored for effective project delivery.
10. Emergency appeals and project proposals are prepared, and concerted efforts are put forward to mobilize donor response and recovery/rehabilitation-related funding.
11. Longer-term requirements of the emergency operation/interventions are determined to build a regular operational and staffing structure, including mitigation and prevention.
12. Continuous, effective and strategic coordination, communication, consultation and liaison are maintained with Government, UN agencies, NGOs, donors and allies in support of the special needs of children and women affected by emergency situations within the framework of the cluster approach and based on the Core Commitment for Children.
13. Management is kept informed of humanitarian developments in relevant policies, situation developments, potential threats and opportunities/issues in the country.
14. Emergency preparedness, mitigation, prevention and response strategies are mainstreamed in the country office's workplans. Sectoral input is provided for all related documents for the office’s Emergency Preparedness and Response, as well as for the Situation Analysis and the Country Programme Document.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS

Emergency Preparedness

1. Adopts adequate emergency preparedness, mitigation and prevention 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.

2. Participates in the formulation and development of plans of action in preparation and response to emergencies, monitors compliance of all sectors with emergency action plans, including financial resources. Ensures coordination of the management of emergency preparedness, mitigation and prevention and response.

3. Provides technical advice related to emergency preparedness, mitigation, prevention and response, including on programme management related issues. Provides advice to the country office in the implementation of emergency preparedness, mitigation and prevention measures in the field to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms in the country faced with impending emergencies.

4.Develops and maintains databases on country/regional information, and ensure 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 establish logistics plans to be implemented during an emergency operation, to ensure a timely and effective emergency response.

5. Plans, organizes and conducts training for the office’s staff capacity building in emergencies preparedness and response. Assists in developing and conducting emergency training courses. Provides training and/or briefing, as required. Participates in other emergency training workshops in the region, and builds up the emergency preparedness, mitigation, prevention and response capability of UNICEF staff as well as implementing partners.

Emergency Response

6.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 extend of the emergency with staff, government officials, other UN agencies or local organizations and media

7. Participates and assists with assessment of local emergency and security situation affecting children and mothers in the locality, in conjunction with the Regional Office, the HQ Divisions, and field staff. Visits the location to conduct an initial rough assessment of the magnitude of the crisis and its implications for children and its impact on the community. Assesses the validity of the office preparedness plan and ability of the office vis-à-vis the current crisis as well as immediate and additional needs. Determines corporate priorities and an appropriate intervention (supply procurement, fund-raising and staff development) by UNICEF. Coordinates with other partners to make a rapid assessment covering priority areas as defined by the Core Commitment for Children in Emergencies. Establishes contact with community groups, government, UN agencies, media and other partners to keep abreast of emergency situations.

8. Applies the emergency preparedness and response plan as necessary. Supervise thetimely delivery of assistance and procurement of supplies, monitors the appropriate and effective use of UNICEF resources/inputs. Identifies problems and constraints in order to ensure effective project delivery. Monitors expenditures and submits financial status reports. Sets up a reporting system and sends timely situation reports to concerned parties.

9. Promoting emergency response while at the same time considering the need for early recovery planning as well as prevention and risk reduction

Emergency Project :

10.Participates in the implementation of action plans and workplans for emergency projects. Undertakes field visits to emergency project areas, to assess local conditions and monitor project progress. Makes technical decisions on project administration (e.g., activates, requests or reprogrammes allocation of emergency funds). Prepares inputs for appeals and updates related to emergencies. Works with program sections and senior management to mobilize donor response and recovery/rehabilitation-related funding, including annual or multi-annual humanitarian appeals and documents (e.g., pitch documents). Communicates and advocates on the situation and needs of children through local and international media, as appropriate.

11. Identifies longer-term requirements of the emergency operation/interventions, including mitigation and prevention. Proposes a more regular operational and staffing structure to take over from the Emergency Response Team.

12. Maintains continuous, effective and strategic coordination, communication, consultation and liaison with Government, UN agencies, NGOs, donors and allies to appeal for aid for children and women with special needs resulting from the emergency situation requiring an effective emergency response in all sectors. Identifies implementing/operational partners and establishes implementing arrangements. Ensures that the UNICEF support is effectively provided to the government with respect to sectoral coordination within the framework of the cluster approach and based on the Core Commitment for Children.

13. Participates in all humanitarian and recovery related forum and keeps management informed of all humanitarian developments in the country in terms of policies, strategy, situation developments, potential threats and opportunities/issues in partnership.

14. Promotes that disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response strategies are mainstreamed in the country office's workplans. Prepares sectoral input for the country programme documents, plan of action, annual work plans, and all related documents of the office’s Emergency Preparedness and Response.Contributes towards the preparation of the Situation Analysis and the Country Programme Document.

Coordination

15. Assist the management composed by the Representative, the Deputy Representative and the Chief of Operations to ensure the coordination of the Emergency response, providing guidance and direction for overall and intersectional Emergency program development, design, planning, implementation, and management.

16.Shared responsibility for strategic recommendations and decisions on situation analysis, programme/project planning, implementation and evaluation as well as administrative decision making on the use of funds and human resources that have significant impact on Emergency projects.

17. Prepare and organize meetings for the office’s Emergency management Team.

18. In close collaboration with the Representative, the Deputy Representative, the office emergency focal points, coordinate all emergency response activities and disaster risk reduction with those of the Government and other partners, as well as the inter-sectorial team.

QUALIFICATION and COMPETENCIES

1. Education

Advanced University degree 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 experience.

1. Work Experience

Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in programme/project development, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and administration with at least 3 years in emergency programme management and operations.

Specialized training/experience in emergency response management highly desirable.

A previous field experience with UNICEF is an asset.

1. Language Proficiency

Fluency in French and English (Verbal and writing)

1. Competency Profile

i) Core Values (Required)

• Commitment

• Diversity and Inclusion

• Integrity

ii) Core Competencies (Required)

• Communication [II]

• Working with People [II]

• Drive for Results [II]

iii) Functional Competencies (Required)

• Leading and Supervising [II]

• Analyzing [II]

• Deciding and Initiating Action [III]

• Persuading and Influencing [III]

• Applying Technical Expertise [III]

• Planning and Organizing [II]

• Adapting and Responding Change [III]

• Coping with Pressure and Setbacks [III]

How to apply:

mtarecruitement@unicef.org