For every child, make a difference :

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in its programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why UNICEF’s focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children’s rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

Democratic Republic of Congo :

In spite of its vast physical size and limitless natural resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 176th out of 188 countries in the 2015 human development report. Child poverty is widespread, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to reach areas. According to a recent UNICEF study, 80 percent of children aged zero to 15 years old experience at least two major child rights deprivations. Despite sustained growth in recent years, the size of DRC’s economy remains far too small to provide enough government revenue to meet the basic needs of the population, children in particular. Since 2016, political instability, the persistence of conflicts in Eastern DRC and a sharp fall in global commodity prices have been aggravating factors.

DRC is one of the over 190 countries and territories around the World where UNICEF works to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path.

Ebola in DRC :

The Democratic Republic of the Congo declared on 1 August 2018, an outbreak of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, the tenth in the country since 1976.

The Ebola outbreak in DRC continues to take place in the provinces North Kivu and Ituri, both affected by conflict and armed violence.

As of 9 June 2019, a total of 2062 cases have been detected with 1,968 confirmed and 94 probable cases identified, of which 1,390 have died (a fatality rate of 67 %).

To face this situation the DRC government and partners including UNICEF are supporting the implementation of the National Joint Response Plan to the Ebola outbreak under the leadership of the Ministry of Health. As part of the response, a Joint Nutrition and food assistance strategy was developed by the Government and UN agencies (WHO, UNICEF, WFP). The strategy is being accompanied by three guidelines i.e. (1) the National Nutritional and Food Strategy Guidelines for the EVD Response, (sector), and (2) the Nutritional Care Protocol for Ebola Treatment Centre, with the simplified algorithm for nutritional care for Ebola affected population (reviewed by HQ and adopted by MoH in Beni) and (3) the Infants and Young children feeding (IYCF) in community guidelines (still to be validated) developed in partnership with other partners that include WFP, WHO, MSF, ALIMA, and the National Nutrition Program- PRONANUT.

How can you make a difference to UNICEF in DRC :

The DRC Country Office is seeking to recruit a Senior Emergency Specialist (P-5) on a Temporary Contract. The Senior Emergency Specialist will be responsible for the implementation and management of emergency initiatives, strategies and activities for UNICEF’s DRC’s Ebola Response within the context of Emergency programmes, with particular emphasis on the cluster approach and the cluster leadership for the assigned sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for the provision of authoritative advice, expert analysis and technical leadership to the Country Offices in DRC with regard to Emergency programme management policies, operational strategies, implementation and evaluation related to UNICEF’s Ebola Response.

Key End-Results :

• Cluster approach to the sector in an emergency situation in the Region are effectively formulated and implemented to meet its cluster leadership responsibility in accordance with the global policy and regional operational strategy ;
• Innovative leadership and expertise are provided for supporting emergency preparedness and response in the sector in the country offices throughout the Region ;
• Emergency preparedness and response plans addresses gender issues that may be expected to intensify during emergencies ;
• Capacities of UNICEF and key implementing counterparts staff in the sector in Emergency are strengthened through sharing latest knowledge/ information/practices, providing leadership to regional network for coordination/collaboration of sectoral intervention, and supporting capacity building efforts for UNICEF staff and implementing partners ;
• Availability of financial resources for the implementation of appropriate sectoral Emergency Preparedness and Response interventions is increased in the Region through effective coordination and support for resource mobilization in Emergency.
• Effective contribution is made to the monitoring and the identification of changes in the sector of vulnerable areas to trigger prompt action within Early Warning/Early Action system ;
• Technical leadership and guidance are effectively provided to the country offices in the development and implementation of Emergency Preparedness and Response measures in the sector ;
• Emergency Response measures are deployed promptly, local conditions are assessed and sectoral emergency assistance are prioritized and swiftly implemented ;
• Sectoral emergency strategies are mainstreamed in the regional and country offices’ workplan and operations through provision of strong leadership, innovative vision and expert advice, including sectoral input in the Situation Analysis and the Country Programme ;
• Effective governmental and inter-agency sectoral coordination is realized at the regional level within the framework of the cluster approach and based on the Core Commitment for Children ;
• Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively performed and fulfilled.

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks :

Policy development :

• Cluster approach to the sector in an emergency situation in the Region are effectively formulated and implemented to meet its cluster leadership responsibility in accordance with the global policy and regional operational strategy ;
• Brings together perspectives and experiences from global level and the countries in the Region on emergency preparedness and response, and formulates them in the context of UNICEF’s sectoral policy, institutional priorities and the cluster leadership responsibilities and implications of the UN Humanitarian Reform ;
• Participates in the discussions on the implementation of the cluster leadership approach with the pertinent Section/Division in NYHQ, EMOPS NY and Geneva and with relevant partners at regional level ;
• Advises the Regional Directors and the Country Offices on the cost-effective and timely ways to build all-round cluster leadership capacities with a view to adopting an effective implementation and management of the sector, based on the cluster leadership approach within the global policy ;
• Produces proposals for effective implementation of the sector’s Cluster approach in the Region based on the global and regional operational strategy.

Emergency support to country offices :

• Innovative leadership and expertise are provided for supporting emergency preparedness and response in the sector in the country offices throughout the Region ;
• Disseminates state of the art documentation/knowledge related to the sector in emergencies to the country offices, including an innovative approach in emergency interventions to assist children and mothers in humanitarian contexts ;
• Provides technical assistance to the country offices to assess present risks and trends, and to identify and implement the best sector-specific emergency preparedness activities ;
• Provides technical assistance to the country offices for applying standard assessment methods, and conducting proper monitoring and evaluation of performance pertaining to the sector ;
• In the event of an emergency, provides immediate direct technical support for an adequate emergency sectoral response, and, where the cluster approach is adopted, supports the country office to fully fulfil its responsibilities ;
• Oversees, or maintains and shares a computerized database of regional consultants and institutions competent in the sector in emergencies .

Capacity building :

• Capacities of UNICEF and key implementing counterparts staff in the sector in Emergency are strengthened through sharing latest knowledge/ information/practices, providing leadership to regional network for coordination/collaboration of sectoral intervention, and supporting capacity building efforts for UNICEF staff and implementing partners ;
• Provides expert support for strengthening the capacities of UNICEF and key counterpart staff in the sector in emergencies.
• Keeps abreast the Emergency staff and the staff of the assigned sector in the Region on the latest scientific information/findings pertaining to the sector in emergencies ;
• Provides leadership to the Regional networks to ensure collaboration and coordination of sectoral interventions at the country level ;
• Identifies and maintains contact with appropriate training institutions in the region in capacity building activities ;
• Assists Country Offices in implementing training on the sector in emergencies for government, non-government and other humanitarian partner counterparts, leading to build-up in the emergency preparedness and response capability of UNICEF staff and implementing partners .

Ressource mobilisation :

• Availability of financial resources for the implementation of appropriate sectoral Emergency Preparedness and Response interventions is increased in the Region through effective coordination and support for resource mobilization in Emergency.
• Contributes to increasing the availability of financial resources for the implementation of appropriate sectoral emergency preparedness and response interventions in the Region ;
• Coordinates (Multi-) Country Offices funding proposals with the potential interests of donors and agencies active in the sector in emergencies ;
• Advises and assists Country Offices in the preparation of project proposals on the sectoral activities for UN Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeals, UN Flash Appeals and other mechanisms for resource mobilization in emergencies, including reviewing these proposals, maintaining a roster of unmet financial needs ;
• Contributes to the formulation of global proposals and to the preparation of the related documents as well as other interim and final donor reports.

Regional early warning : 

• Effective contribution is made to the monitoring and the identification of changes in the sector of vulnerable areas to trigger and coordinate prompt action within Early Warning/Early Action system ;
•  In collaboration with the Regional Offices of other Organizations, contributes to the monitoring and the prompt identification of changes in the sector in vulnerable countries/zones of the Region ;
• Maintains database on the vulnerable countries, analysing risks/trends and coordinating prompt actions in the framework of UNICEF’s Global Early Warning/Early Action system and also the IASC Early Warning system ;
• Participates in evaluations of the sector’s UNICEF assisted projects in the vulnerable zones of the Region as well as in specific inter-agency evaluation missions ;
• Undertakes regional level monitoring of key country based indicators.

Emergency preparedness :Technical leadership and guidance are effectively provided to the country offices in the development and implementation of Emergency Preparedness and Response measures in the sector.

• Advises country offices to ensure that adequate emergency preparedness measures for the sector are adopted and incorporated in the development and updating of country contingency plans and establishment of early warning mechanisms  ;
• Provides sectoral advice in the development of plans of action in preparation and response to emergencies, monitors compliance with emergency plans of action, including financial resources ;
• Collaborates with other Regional Advisers in developing and conducting emergency training courses specifically designed for regional Emergency Response Teams.

Emergency responses :

• Emergency response measures are deployed promptly, local conditions are assessed and sectoral emergency assistance are prioritized and swiftly implemented ;
• In the event of an emergency, takes prompt action, as Team Leader or member of the Emergency Response Team which is deployed immediately to establish UNICEF’s presence and implement sectoral emergency assistance as necessary ;
• Assesses local conditions resulting from the emergency situation affecting children and their families in the sector. Leads and/or participates in needs assessment mission in conjunction with the Regional Office, the HQ Divisions, and field staff, in order to determine sectoral priorities and interventions by UNICEF ;
• Participates in UN Country team emergency response.  Contributes to assessing the crisis and humanitarian situation in the country with special regard to the survival, protection and well- being of children, adolescents and women.

Emergency project management :

• Sectoral emergency strategies are mainstreamed in the regional and country offices’ workplan and operations through provision of strong leadership, innovative vision and expert advice, including sectoral input in the Situation Analysis and the Country Programme  ;
• Advises to ensure that disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response strategies pertaining to the sector are mainstreamed in the regional and country offices’ workplans.  Provides expert advice and input in the sectoral components of the Situation Analysis, the Country Programme document. and sectoral emergency project planning process ;
• Provides advice and guidance in making appeals and updates related to the emergencies and sectoral project proposals for emergency. Coordinates with program sections and senior management to mobilize donor response and recovery/rehabilitation-related funding for the sector, including annual or multi-annual humanitarian appeals and documents ;
• Establishes longer-term requirements of the emergency operation/interventions in the sector. Plans and proposes longer-term regular operational and staffing structures for the sector in the Region ;
• Contributes to internal Emergency Cluster office and funds management (e.g., ProMS, annual work plan, donor reports, annual report, etc.).

Inter – agencys and implementing partners coordination :

• Effective governmental and inter-agency sectoral coordination is realized at the regional level within the framework of the cluster approach and based on the Core Commitment for Children  ;
• Advises to ensure that the UNICEF support is effectively provided to governments with respect to sectoral coordination within the framework of the cluster approach and based on the Core Commitment for Children ;
• Represents UNICEF in humanitarian and recovery related forum related to the sector at the regional level and keeps management informed of all humanitarian developments in the Region in terms of policies, strategy, situation developments, potential threats and opportunities/issues with partnerships.

Other duties :

• Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively performed and fulfilled  ;
• Performs successfully any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the purpose of this post, as assigned by the supervisor .

Qualifications and Competencies :

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.

Work Experience :

Ten years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in all aspects of programme/project management and administration. Developing country work experience (for IP).

Specialized training/experience in emergency response management highly desirable.

Language Proficiency  :

Fluency in French and a very good command of English required.

Competency Profile :

Core Values :

• Commitment ;
• Diversity and Inclusion ;
• Integrity .

Core Competencies :

• Communication ;
• Working with People ;
• Drive for Results .

Functional Competencies :

• Leading and Supervising ;
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts ;
• Analyzing ;
• Relating and Networking ;
• Deciding and Initiating Action ;
• Persuading and Influencing ;
• Applying Technical Expertise ;
• Planning and Organizing ;
• Adapting and Responding to Change ;
• Coping with Pressure and Setbacks .

Technical Knowledge :

Specific Technical Knowledge Required  :

• 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 UNCEF position and approaches ;
• Knowledge of local conditions and country legislation relevant to UNICEF programmes ;
• UN security operations and guidelines ;
• 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 ;
• Knowledge of the principle of gender parity and equality.

Common Technical Knowledge Required :

• The UNICEF mission statement; UNICEF Board policy papers and decisions ;
• The Core Commitments for Children in Emergencies ;
• The Convention on the Rights of the Child; Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women ;
• EMOPS Technical Notes, EMOPS Emergency Field Book ;
• 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 ;
• Annual work plan ;
• 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.

View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks :

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.