Emergency and Disaster Risk Reduction Officer

Mission and objectives

UNICEF is an agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights and well-being of children worldwide. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, providing critical support in areas such as health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, child protection and social protection. In Europe and Central Asia region, UNICEF works in 22 countries and territories and is present in Italy targeting refugee and migrant population. UNICEF’s efforts include disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation, emergency preparedness and response, advocacy and supports child sensitive policy development and implementation to ensure the rights of children in emergencies.

Context

The countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) are prone to multiple risks including conflict, and earthquakes and the climate projections show increased risks of floods, drought, heatwaves in the years to come. In addition, these countries are also migrant routes to Europe, with thousands of children (accompanied, unaccompanied and separated) making their ways to Europe. UNICEF is committed to build resilient systems of the countries in ECA region, promoting disaster risk reduction and enhancing preparedness and response capacities through technical support, capacity building, setting standards based on International Humanitarian Law in line with Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action (CCCs) and supporting the implementation of Sendai Framework for DRR. In order to fulfill its commitments on DRR and Humanitarian Action agenda, UNICEF ECARO emergency preparedness and DRR strategy focuses three main pillars: 1) Reinforcing UNICEF’s internal capacities related to global accountabilities for preparedness and humanitarian action, to ensure adequate preparedness measures are in place; 2) Strengthening systems for emergency response, preparedness and disaster risk reduction through enhanced engagement with Disaster Management Authorities and relevant line Ministries and provision of technical support, capacity building, risk assessment and support to the development of risk informed plans; 3) Leveraging regional and/or strengthening National, Regional and Sub-Regional systems, structures and entities to enhance child centered emergency preparedness at scale. The overall purpose of the assignment is to support the emergency section in implementing the regional preparedness and DRR strategy.

Task description

Under the close supervision and instructions of the supervisor and ECARO regional emergency section, provides professional support and effective teamwork for the implementation of emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction strategy contributing to the resilient systems. The task includes:

• Support to enhance emergency preparedness and response capacities of regional and country offices:

– Identifying formal and information sources of information, collect, interpret and analyze all available data on the evolving emergency situation and its implications to the operation. Maintain effective flow of information and communication crucial for the planning and implementation of emergency preparedness actions.

– Assist in reviewing the quality of existing emergency preparedness plans of countries and regional office, support in developing/updating preparedness plans, keeping track of timelines for actions and liaise with relevant sections to support the implementation of country and regional preparedness plans.

– Assist with stock taking of preparedness interventions at country level to facilitate sub-regional preparedness and response mechanism in coordination with relevant regional sections including supply and logistics, partnerships, human resources; and support research, documentation and emergency coordination, including posting emergency documents and maintaining emergency share point site.

• Support to enhance capacity building initiatives on emergency preparedness and response with regional and country level partners through trainings, workshops and learning sessions:

– Support to collaborate with UNICEF’s regional sections, relevant headquarter divisions and country offices to organize and facilitate emergency preparedness and response trainings and workshops. This includes coordinating logistics, facilitate to engage with subject matter expert, support to develop session outlines, contextualized/relevant training packages, and support to organize simulations.

– Support to collaborate with external partners at the regional level to organize child sensitive emergency preparedness and response session during regional events. This includes developing resources, documenting good practices to advocate and ensure children’s needs are prioritized during emergencies, facilitate coordination with subject matter experts to design and deliver sessions as required.

– Support to organize learning sessions at regional/sub-regional context on emergency preparedness and response and disaster risk reduction. This includes coordinating with sectoral colleagues, identifying thematic sessions on emergency preparedness/response and DRR interventions.

• Support to organize and document key regional/sub-regional child centered disaster risk reduction events and advocacy:

– Support to collaborate with regional and national partners to organize the Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF), International Day on Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) and European Forum on DRR (EFDRR) events ensuring advocacy on child centered DRR and preparedness agenda in the event. This includes coordinate logistics, participant invitations, facilitate to engage subject matter experts to deliver relevant training sessions before and during the events.

– Assist with the organization of the child and youth DRR/CCA surveys, focus group discussions, background study on CSSF and documentation of the studies. This includes liaising with country offices (COs) for outreach and quality assurance, data compiling and visual presentation.

– Support tailored programmatic and advocacy interventions for children and adolescents to raise awareness and demand for DRR and climate action. This includes assisting the communication and adolescent development and participation (ADAP) teams in advocacy events and messaging during the CSSF, IDDRR and EFDRR events.

– Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to collect/analyze/share information on implementation of events and results, provide solutions on related programme implementation and alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level interventions and/or decisions.

• Support to develop, adapt and disseminate key regional documents and workshop/training reports:

– Assist in the development, adaptation of the key regional and subregional advocacy documents and event/workshop reports supporting child responsive and resilient development in the Europe and Central Asia region.

– Support the development of advocacy briefs on child centered disaster risk reduction, preparedness and response efforts to sensitize wider group of stakeholders in the regional and national events.

– Assist in dissemination of the resources mobilizing various networks internally and externally.

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualification Requirements

• 3 years of experience in the field of disaster risk management and proven experience in organizing and facilitating trainings, events is desirable.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in disaster management, social sciences, international relations.

• Working knowledge of English is required.

• At least three years of professional experience at the national and/or international level in emergency management (prevention, preparedness and response), or other relevant programmes (experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset).

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.

• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including children and youth.

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

• Sound security awareness.

• Have affinity with or interest in working under the mandate of UNICEF, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Remarks

The Summary of UNV Entitlement (National Specialist):

• Current Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) is USD 1,358 (disbursed in Turkish Lira)

• Private insurance: Health, dental, life and dismemberment (100%) coverage by CIGNA

• Entry allowance: USD 400

• Exit allowance: USD 102 per month and upon the satisfactory completion of assignment

• Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month

• Free access to different learning platforms and UN & UNV network

The allowances are in no way to be understood as a compensation, reward or salary in exchange for the volunteer work. 2) It’s important to note that UNV assignments are volunteer assignments, not employment.