Consultant for Emergency Preparedness and Response Simulation Exercises

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to reach the world's most disadvantaged children, saving their lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. UNICEF operates with a workforce dedicated to building a better world for every child, emphasizing a commitment to never give up on their mission.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Emergency Specialist (Preparedness) within the MENARO Humanitarian Section. The primary responsibility is to lead the design and support the delivery and facilitation of emergency preparedness and response simulation exercises, particularly tabletop simulations, for selected UNICEF Country Offices (CO) and the Regional Office (RO) in the MENA region. This role involves enhancing staff skills and knowledge related to emergency preparedness and response through simulations, thereby improving the overall emergency response capacities of UNICEF. The consultant will be tasked with identifying critical actions needed to strengthen emergency preparedness based on simulation outcomes, ensuring that UNICEF staff are well-equipped to handle emergency situations effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Planning Phase: Develop a comprehensive work plan for the design, development, and facilitation of simulation exercises for selected COs and the MENA RO, focusing on crisis scenarios.
• Design and Development Phase: Collect data on emergency preparedness challenges and learning needs, develop simulation exercises, create necessary materials, and incorporate feedback from stakeholders.
• Delivery and Facilitation Phase: Lead and support the facilitation of simulation exercises, ensuring a safe learning environment, and collect data for evaluation.
• Post-Simulation Phase: Provide debriefs to staff, prepare reports summarizing findings, and offer recommendations for future improvements in emergency preparedness simulations. Deliverables include detailed plans and reports for each simulation, as well as a final report with key recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in social sciences, public administration, law, public health, nutrition, international relations, business administration, or related disciplines. A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in program/project development, emergency preparedness, research, and analysis is required. Experience in designing and facilitating simulations that test emergency preparedness and response is essential, along with strong writing skills and the ability to analyze data effectively. Familiarity with UNICEF's emergency operations is an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, public administration, law, public health, nutrition, international relations, or business administration is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of emergency preparedness and response.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of professional experience at both national and international levels, specifically in program/project development, emergency preparedness, research, and analysis. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing and facilitating simulations that test emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic or French is considered an asset, enhancing communication and understanding within the diverse contexts in which UNICEF operates.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to involve travel to various countries within the MENA region, with the final list of countries to be determined after consultations with the Regional Office and Country Offices. The contract will outline specific deliverables and deadlines, including the preparation of simulation exercises and reports. Selected candidates will not be considered staff members under UN regulations and will not receive benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance. They are responsible for their tax liabilities and ensuring valid visa and health insurance for the duration of the contract. Additionally, candidates must confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely.