Crisis Response Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was created as part of the UN reform agenda, merging the efforts of four distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender equality. UN Women operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between genders. The organization has been active in Afghanistan for two decades, addressing the unique challenges faced by Afghan women and girls amidst one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. UN Women Afghanistan has five key program priorities: Integrated Programming and Localization, Women’s Movement Building, Policy and Research, Economic Resilience and Women’s Empowerment, and Coordination, Access and Humanitarian Response. The organization operates through its main office in Kabul and five sub-offices in various provinces, focusing on providing targeted support to women and girls affected by crises.

Job Overview:
The Crisis Response Specialist plays a crucial role in leading and supporting UN Women’s emergency response efforts in Afghanistan. Reporting to the GiHA Coordination and Access Specialist, the specialist will work closely with the Coordination, Access and Humanitarian Response Team to scale up emergency assistance for women and girls affected by crises. This position involves developing preparedness measures for emergency responses, providing technical advice, and ensuring that UN Women’s programs are effectively implemented during emergencies. The specialist will represent UN Women in cluster meetings, gather information about humanitarian needs, and coordinate responses during crises. The role requires a proactive approach to building partnerships and ensuring that the unique needs of women and girls are prioritized in humanitarian efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Crisis Response Specialist include developing preparedness measures for emergency responses, such as creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and action plans in collaboration with field offices. The specialist will provide technical advice on emergency preparedness and support the implementation of these measures in the field. They will lead emergency training sessions for staff and partners, ensuring that all personnel are equipped to respond effectively to crises. During emergencies, the specialist will provide hands-on support in affected areas, assess local conditions, monitor response progress, and identify resources needed for effective emergency response. They will also lead the planning and implementation of emergency responses, including cash assistance and the establishment of safe spaces for women and girls. The specialist will maintain effective communication with key stakeholders, participate in humanitarian forums, and document challenges faced in program implementation, ensuring that gender dynamics are considered in all assessments and responses.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in human rights, gender studies, international relations, international development, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, or other relevant social science fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible experience in designing and managing emergency response programs, particularly focusing on gender and protection in emergencies. Experience in humanitarian coordination and the cluster system is essential, along with a proven track record of building partnerships with various stakeholders, including governments and civil society organizations. Familiarity with complex humanitarian contexts and previous experience with UN Women in program implementation are desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as human rights, gender studies, international relations, or social sciences. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability to fulfill the role effectively.

Experience:
The position demands a minimum of five years of relevant experience in emergency response design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and management, with a strong emphasis on gender and protection issues. Candidates should have experience in humanitarian coordination and familiarity with the cluster system, as well as a history of working in complex humanitarian contexts. Experience in building partnerships with de facto authorities, governments, donors, and civil society organizations is also required, along with a preference for candidates who have previously worked with UN Women.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and would enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is likely to involve travel to various field locations during emergencies. The role is full-time and may require the incumbent to engage with various stakeholders, including de facto authorities, to ensure effective humanitarian responses. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and expects all personnel to adhere to its standards of conduct.