Terms of Reference for a Temporary Assignment (P3 level)

Emergency specialist

UNICEF, Office of Emergency Programmes (Humanitarian Field Support Section)

1 July 2014 – 31 May 2015 (11 months)

1. Purpose of the Assignment

With the continuing activation of the level 3 emergency for Syria crisis in addition to the other more recent level 3 emergencies for South Sudan and Central African Republic (CAR), EMOPS/HFSS requires additional staff support to assist with the coordination of the response in line with UNICEF internal Standard Simplified Operating Procedures (SSOPs).

The purpose of the assignment is to provide additional assistance to the Humanitarian Field Support Team as they provide coordination and HQ support to country offices and regional offices for the current level 3 in the Syria crisis region, but also for any tasks required for the response to the other level 3 (South Sudan and Central African Republic). Under direct supervision of the MENARO Desk Officer, the incumbent will work independently to support the field assistance processes and cross-divisional coordination, as well as represent UNICEF in key inter-agency fora. The current staffing levels in HFSS are lower than as per the OMP chart. Indeed, 3 JPO positions are vacant (with one being filled only during the summer) and limited additional support to the emergency specialist in charge of the MENARO desk, while it focuses on the support to the Syria crisis response.

2. Duty station: New York

3. Supervisor: Francois Ducharme, Emergency Specialist, HFSS, EMOPS

4. Major tasks to be accomplished:

In close coordination with the Regional Desk Officer, the main tasks are as follows:

  1. Support the coordination of HQ’s assistance to emergency affected regions and countries, in particular the Syria crisis region, maintaining close contact with Regional Office and HQ Divisions, on all matters related to security, operations, communications, resource mobilization, programmes, knowledge management, and human resources.
  2. Support the provision of regular updates on the evolving situation on the ground for the Executive Director, Senior Staff and other Divisions in a timely and accurate manner, particularly in preparation of senior management attendance to high level for a and bilateral meetings.
  3. Provide technical support to field offices in critical phases of preparedness and humanitarian response planning and implementation.
  4. In collaboration with field offices and HQ Divisions, support the provision of guidance and coordinate the preparation and review of: a. Emergency appeals and related resource mobilization documents, b. Inputs for other UNICEF documentation such as updates to the Executive Board, and c. Inputs to reports by the Secretary General and his Special Representatives, as required.
  5. Monitor emerging humanitarian and recovery trends, and potential socio-political instability, helping identify strategies for preparedness and risk reduction before a new crisis occurs.
  6. Assist with any other task as assigned by the Section Chief.

5. Competencies
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)

  • 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]

iv) Technical Knowledge[1] [ I ]

  • The UNICEF mission statement; UNICEF Board policy papers and decisions.
  • UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Emergencies (CCCs).
  • The Convention on the Rights of the Child; Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women.
  • UNICEF Program Manuals, policy guidelines, ExDirs, PROs; Country Programme documentation.
  • UNICEF personnel, financial, supply and administrative rules, regulations and manuals.
  • National development plans and policies; Guidelines and manuals from NGO/donor partners
  • UNDAF; The UN Humanitarian Reform; IASC documents, guidelines and materials on UN Humanitarian Reform and the cluster approach.
  • Information & Communications Technology literacy, including skills and knowledge of office system applications, LAN, internet navigation, telecommunications, and data analysis.

b) Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the job)[ I ]

  • UNICEF policies and strategy to address on national and international emergency issues, particularly relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.
  • Knowledge of global humanitarian issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNICEF position and approaches.
  • Knowledge of humanitarian reform principles, international humanitarian laws, reform updates.
  • Knowledge of the latest developments and trends in emergency preparedness and response management related fields, early recovery and integrated planning.
  • UN security operations and guidelines.
  • Knowledge of the principle of gender parity and equality.

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job)[ I ]

  • Knowledge of local conditions and country legislation relevant to UNICEF programmes.
  • UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and response.
  • UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions in international developing cooperation.
  • Current knowledge of development issues and social programming in international development cooperation context.

6. Qualifications

Technical knowledge:

  1. Proven understanding of programmatic, operational and ethical challenges in complex emergency settings. Experience with UNICEF is a plus
  2. Familiarity with IASC and UN humanitarian coordination and financing architecture, roles and responsibilities.
  3. Familiarity with emergency appeals and other planning processes in emergency contexts.
  4. Excellent English writing skills

Education:

Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in political science, anthropology, sociology, social sciences, international relations, or related field. First level university degree with relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

  1. Five years progressively responsible professional experience mainly in humanitarian action. Complementary experience ininternational development is also an advantage.
  2. Experience working at regional and/or HQ level in addition to national in an emergency context, is an advantage
  3. Specialized training/experience in emergency response management highly desirable.

7. Languages:

Fluency in English is required, and another UN language as a strong asset.

1

[1] Reference to UNICEF and/or UN in terms of technical knowledge requirements (a and b above) are applicable only to those who are or have been the staff members of UNICEF or the UN common system.