Humanitarian Coordinator

Level: P4

Duration: 3 months

Background Description of Emergency

Sri Lanka is experiencing an acute economic crisis with an unsustainable level of public debt and low international reserves brought on by recent policy changes including large tax cuts and pandemic induced setbacks. The effects of the economic crisis have created a humanitarian crisis with increasing economic, health, social and protection risks impacting the wellbeing of the people. The crisis has now evolved in a situation that severely affects women and girls in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence.

Role Description: Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA CO Representative, the incumbent will lead the planning, coordination and implementation of humanitarian interventions, including rapid assessments, programme development and implementation. The incumbent will provide direct support to COs affected by crises in the acute response phase and, in consultation with the Representative, will closely work with authorities, humanitarian agencies, civil society and local counterparts to provide humanitarian assistance to crisis-affected communities in a manner consistent with the methodology outlined in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Cluster system and

Humanitarian Programme Cycle https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/programme-cycle

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The scope of the activities listed below may vary depending on the length of assignment and phase of the crisis.

Programme Development and Implementation

• Ensure inclusion of SRH, GBV, and gender concerns in joint UNCT/UNDAC missions and other rapid assessments in close collaboration with SRH and GBV officers.
• Advise the UNFPA CO and sub-Office Coordinator (when applicable); assist in the preparation for and participate in coordination meetings relating to emergency response, and ensure follow up.
• Support the development of CERF, Flash Appeal proposals and other resource mobilization efforts and ensure quality review.
• Coordinate the implementation of the UNFPA Standards Operating Procedures for humanitarian settings.
• Liaise with UNFPA ROs, SROs and HQ units to share information, provide necessary updates and seek guidance as necessary.
• Identify areas of collaboration with humanitarian agencies and national counterparts to address SRH, HIV/AIDS, youth, gender and GBV issues in their plans, and programmes.
• Liaise with community organizations, faith-based organizations, community leaders and youth groups to increase their participation in the process of planning, monitoring and evaluating activities.
• Participate in CO and other cluster/ inter-agency meetings as needed.

Rapid Assessments/field visits

• As appropriate, participate in /ensure inclusion of UNFPA’s core Areas of Responsibility and mandates in rapid field/needs assessments of the crisis-affected populations.
• If applicable, visit Refugee/IDP and host communities and conduct in-depth interviews with camp managers, UNHCR and other agencies present on the ground to gather information on the immediate needs of the people and the services to be provided.
• Undertake missions and assessments as appropriate to recommend strategic approaches and to address issues, such as SRH, HIV/AIDS, gender, GBV, mental health and psychosocial issues (MHPSS), data and young people.
• Ensure UNFPA’s active participation in the PSEA/AAP core group including rollout of PSEA learning session for government, UN, NGO and other stakeholders responding to the humanitarian emergency

Orientation / Training

• Orient Country Office on Humanitarian Reform and UNFPA’s role within the reform, especially as it relates to the Cluster Approach and the contents CERF Life-Saving Criteria and provide overall orientation on UNFPA’s humanitarian mandate and Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Familiarize/orient the CO with existing rapid needs assessment tools.
• Familiarize/orient the CO with fast track procedures (FTP) to ensure their understanding of responding quickly in emergencies, if appropriate

Coordination

• As requested, coordinate CO’s various interventions and represent UNFPA at sector / Working Group coordination meetings to share knowledge and ensure comprehensive understanding.
• Ensure inclusion of UNFPA mandate through participation in existing sectors, and/or, if appropriate, assist in the establishment of working groups to address SRH, GBV and gender.
• Liaise with other sectors/Clusters (such as health, protection, WASH, camp management, education, logistics, early recovery) to ensure inclusion of UNFPA’s mandate.

Communication/ Reporting

• Assist the CO in preparing relevant advocacy material and updates for relevant stakeholders and partners including donors. Ensure timely and quality internal and external SitReps are produced and liaise with CO, RO and HQ COMMS for support
• Assist in providing regular updates to OCHA and/or Cluster leads on UNFPA’s humanitarian interventions to be included in situation reports (i.e.: OCHA SitRep).
• Track and regularly update supported humanitarian interventions (i.e. status of funding proposals, distribution of supplies, training).

Resource Mobilization/Humanitarian funding

• Advocate for inclusion of ICPD PoA in emergency response and ensure UNFPA is well positioned in resource mobilization efforts, including humanitarian funding mechanisms such as Flash Appeal/ CERF).
• As necessary, identify and organize meetings with in-country donors to discuss resource mobilization.

Capacity Development

• Provide coaching to newly recruited staff and consultants, where appropriate.
• Coach and build capacity of staff members and staff of implementing partners responding to emergency/humanitarian crises, as needed.

Any Other Duties

• Perform any other duties as required by the Representative

Qualifications and Skills required:

• Advanced technical degree preferably in medicine, public health, social sciences, humanitarian response, international relations or related field.
• 7 to 10 years of experience in coordinating, developing and implementing humanitarian interventions in crisis settings.
• Knowledge of the humanitarian reform process and roles/responsibilities of humanitarian actors.
• Strong analytical, coordination and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in English is required.