Assistant Emergency Preparedness Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), which was established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Emergency Preparedness Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the ECHO-funded Disaster Preparedness project in Armenia. This position focuses on enhancing government-owned preparedness systems, early warning mechanisms, and operational readiness for sudden cross-border displacement and multi-hazard emergencies. The officer will be responsible for technical coordination, preparedness planning, and engaging with municipalities and inter-agency partners to ensure effective response strategies are in place. The role requires a proactive approach to managing preparedness activities, including simulation exercises and community engagement, to align with Armenia’s Disaster Risk Management Strategy (2023–2030). The officer will also contribute to the development of contingency plans and standard operating procedures to facilitate a coordinated response to emergencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Emergency Preparedness Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting the overall implementation and coordination of the ECHO-funded Disaster Preparedness project; assisting in technical preparedness activities related to contingency planning and operational readiness; drafting and reviewing technical documents such as contingency plans and standard operating procedures; organizing preparedness coordination meetings and workshops; engaging with government counterparts and municipalities to enhance operational readiness; monitoring project implementation progress and preparing donor reporting materials; conducting field missions related to preparedness activities; and performing other related duties as required. The officer will also be involved in simulations, drills, and after-action reviews to assess and improve preparedness efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in International Relations, Political Science, Disaster Risk Management, Emergency Management, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field. They should have at least one year of relevant professional experience in emergency preparedness, disaster risk management, or humanitarian response, or no experience with an advanced university degree. Strong analytical, organizational, and coordination skills are essential, along with excellent drafting and communication abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required, and candidates must be able to undertake field missions within Armenia.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Disaster Risk Management, Emergency Management, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or Humanitarian Affairs. An advanced degree may substitute for the required experience, and candidates with a doctorate degree are also encouraged to apply. The educational qualifications should align with the responsibilities of the role, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation in relevant disciplines.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant professional experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree, or no experience for those with a graduate degree. Experience in emergency preparedness, disaster risk management, humanitarian coordination, or operational response is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting government-led preparedness systems, donor-funded projects, and technical documentation related to operational coordination mechanisms or emergency response planning.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position include excellent knowledge of English and Armenian. Knowledge of Russian and/or Farsi is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile, particularly in the context of working with diverse communities and stakeholders in Armenia.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a full-time role with an initial contract duration of one year, starting from June 15, 2026, with the possibility of renewal. The position is not remote and requires physical presence in the office. Candidates must have Armenian citizenship or the legal status necessary to work in Armenia, and non-Armenian candidates must provide their residence/work permit. The suggested monthly fee will be determined based on the UN Common System salary scale in Armenia, taking into account the candidate's qualifications and experience. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.