Emergency Officer JPO

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 employs a large workforce dedicated to humanitarian efforts, particularly in regions facing crises, and aims to build a culture of inclusivity and growth among its staff.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Officer JPO position is crucial for supporting the timely and effective delivery of emergency assistance to children and affected communities in Ethiopia. The role focuses on responding to various crises, including natural disasters, conflicts, and disease outbreaks. The JPO will coordinate public health-related emergency responses with UNICEF Ethiopia sections and partners, enhancing preparedness and response capacity. Responsibilities include developing emergency preparedness plans, conducting risk assessments, monitoring evolving emergency situations, and supporting resource mobilization. The JPO will contribute to planning, coordination, monitoring, reporting, and capacity building in emergencies, ultimately strengthening UNICEF's ability to deliver life-saving assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Emergency Planning and Preparedness: Support the development and implementation of public health emergency preparedness plans at national and subnational levels. Conduct risk assessments to anticipate future health crises and develop contingency plans. Collaborate with government health authorities and partners to ensure health systems are ready to respond to public health emergencies, focusing on vulnerable populations.
• Crisis Response and Coordination: Coordinate UNICEF’s response to public health emergencies in collaboration with other sections and partners, ensuring interventions are aligned with broader emergency response efforts. Lead and participate in joint assessments and response teams, ensuring timely delivery of life-saving interventions such as immunizations and health services.
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability: Monitor public health emergency situations, collect data on affected populations, and prepare situation reports. Ensure accountability by maintaining accurate records of interventions and engaging with affected communities for feedback.
• Innovation, Knowledge Management, and Capacity Building: Support the integration of innovative approaches in public health emergency responses and facilitate the documentation of lessons learned. Lead capacity-building initiatives for local health authorities and community health workers to enhance their response capabilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as Public Health, International Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, or Social Sciences. In exceptional cases, a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience may be considered. Academic training must have taken place in a developing country listed as eligible. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of humanitarian action and public health emergency management.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Public Health or related fields is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience may be accepted. Academic training must be from a developing country that appears on the list of eligible countries for this position.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience is required for candidates with a Master’s degree, or a minimum of 4 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience should be in humanitarian or emergency management, interagency coordination, and working with humanitarian actors, particularly in developing countries. Relevant experience within a UN system agency is considered an asset, but should not exceed 1 year.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset, enhancing communication and effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is open to candidates from eligible countries, excluding Ethiopia. The maximum age limit for applicants is 32 years as of December 31 of the application year. The JPO training program includes various learning elements, such as orientation, coaching, and mentoring, aimed at enhancing professional skills and career development. The position includes a Duty Travel and Training Allowance (DTTA) of $4000 per year for learning activities related to the assignment. Candidates should not have previously held a JPO position and must adhere to UNICEF's core values and commitment to safeguarding children.