Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Risk Reduction Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children worldwide. With a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, UNICEF operates in over 150 countries. In Venezuela, UNICEF has been active since 1967, focusing on equity and support for the most disadvantaged children and families. The organization collaborates with national and subnational authorities, civil society, academia, and the private sector to implement programs that align with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Risk Reduction Officer will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF's Emergency Section in implementing emergency preparedness interventions, disaster response, and risk reduction strategies in Tucupita. This position requires a proactive approach to communication with local authorities and key stakeholders, ensuring that disaster risk reduction measures are integrated into municipal plans. The officer will be responsible for organizing workshops, monitoring activities on the ground, and addressing operational bottlenecks to facilitate effective implementation. The role also involves identifying and analyzing information sources related to natural and human-made threats, maintaining effective communication flows, and reviewing existing emergency preparedness plans to ensure their quality and relevance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction strategies in Tucupita, maintaining proactive communication with local authorities and key stakeholders.
• Organize technical workshops and meetings to strengthen capacities in emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction, ensuring integration into municipal plans.
• Ensure on-the-ground presence for monitoring and implementing preparedness and risk reduction activities.
• Address operational and administrative bottlenecks at the local level to facilitate implementation.
• Identify and analyze formal and informal information sources regarding natural threats, vulnerabilities, and evolving emergency situations, assessing their operational implications.
• Maintain effective information and communication flows essential for implementing preparedness and risk reduction actions.
• Review the quality of existing municipal preparedness plans, support their development or updating, follow up on timelines, and coordinate with relevant sections for implementation.
• Support specific preparedness actions, including the rehabilitation of Situational Rooms, establishing early warning systems, and ensuring safe spaces for essential social services during emergencies.
• Organize and document advocacy events and activities focused on disaster risk reduction with an emphasis on children, including awareness campaigns in schools. 1
• Organize capacity-building sessions in emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction for the educational community. 1
• Support local organization and implementation of simulation exercises to evaluate project impact in target municipalities, testing preparedness plans, early warning systems, evacuation strategies, and essential service continuity mechanisms. 1
• Systematize and consolidate lessons learned to inform future improvements. 1
• Coordinate local implementation of UNICEF emergency response activities in case of an emergency, providing timely and accurate information to the Emergency Section to inform UNICEF's response strategy. 1
• Monitor local emergency response implementation, ensuring effective coordination with local authorities and key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction principles and practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with local authorities and stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to analyze complex information and provide actionable insights.
• Proficiency in project management and organizational skills to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address operational challenges.
• Familiarity with UNICEF's mission and programs, particularly in relation to children's rights and welfare.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, disaster management, public health, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may be considered an asset.

Experience:
A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in emergency preparedness, disaster risk reduction, or related fields is required. Experience working in humanitarian contexts, particularly in Latin America, is highly desirable. Proven experience in project management and coordination with local authorities and stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory. Proficiency in English is considered an asset and may enhance communication with international teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Tucupita, Venezuela, and may require travel to other municipalities within the state, such as Pedernales, Antonio Díaz, or Casacoima, where security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security conditions may be more challenging. The role is full-time, and the compensation includes a monthly living allowance of 1299 USD, pre-assignment and end-of-assignment allowances, and medical, dental, and life insurance. The security situation in Delta Amacuro is volatile, and adherence to UN security protocols is mandatory.