Emergency Specialist, P4, TA-Kinshasa

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children it serves.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Specialist will play a crucial role in coordinating the overall emergency response related to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This position involves the development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of emergency interventions. The specialist will work under the guidance of the Chief Emergency and will be responsible for ensuring effective coordination among various stakeholders, including national authorities and community organizations. The role requires adaptability and cultural sensitivity to address the complex challenges posed by the outbreak, including health system limitations and community perceptions. The Emergency Specialist will also focus on community engagement, surveillance, and the continuity of essential services for vulnerable populations, particularly children and at-risk communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Emergency Preparedness and Public Health Readiness: Develop and implement strategies to enhance the preparedness of the country office for emergency situations, ensuring that public health readiness is prioritized.
• Ebola Emergency Response Coordination: Lead the coordination of the Ebola response efforts, working closely with national authorities and other partners to ensure a unified approach.
• Ebola Programme Management and Strategic Coordination: Oversee the management of the Ebola programme, ensuring that strategic objectives are met and that interventions are effectively implemented.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact of emergency interventions and make necessary adjustments.
• Community Engagement: Facilitate community engagement initiatives to promote health-seeking behaviors and enhance the effectiveness of response efforts.
• Capacity Building: Provide training and support to local staff and partners to strengthen their capacity to respond to emergencies.
• Reporting: Prepare regular reports on the status of the emergency response and present findings to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree in social sciences, public administration, law, public health, nutrition, international relations, business administration, or related disciplines.
• A combination of management, administration, and relevant technical fields is preferred.
• Eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in programme/project development, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and administration.
• Experience working in developing countries is essential.
• Specialized training or experience in emergency response management is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as social sciences, public administration, law, public health, nutrition, international relations, business administration, or other related disciplines. A combination of management and technical expertise is preferred to effectively address the complexities of emergency response.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience at both national and international levels. Candidates should have substantial experience in programme/project development, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and administration, particularly in developing country contexts. Relevant experience in emergency response management is highly desirable, especially in fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, along with intermediate proficiency in English. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary assignment based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be prepared to undergo rigorous background checks and adhere to UNICEF's standards of conduct. The appointment is subject to medical clearance and may require compliance with vaccination requirements.