UN Volunteer for Ebola Response

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established as the United Nations Children's Fund, is dedicated to protecting children's rights and ensuring their well-being. The organization operates globally, focusing on various issues affecting children and families, including health, education, and emergency response. UNICEF has a presence in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to improve the lives of children and their communities. The organization's mission is to advocate for children's rights, provide essential services, and support sustainable development initiatives that benefit children and families worldwide.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer for Ebola Response will play a crucial role in supporting the United Nations agencies' efforts to prepare for and respond to the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This position requires a multidisciplinary approach that places communities at the center of the response, strengthens health systems, and ensures access to essential services. The selected candidates will be deployed on short notice to assist in emergency operations, contributing to various technical areas such as risk communication, mental health support, water, sanitation, hygiene, community surveillance, gender integration, and data analysis. The role demands a proactive attitude, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to ensure effective community engagement and response to the Ebola crisis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

• Supporting the design, implementation, and monitoring of risk communication and community engagement strategies to ensure communities are informed and empowered to adopt protective behaviors during the Ebola response.
• Providing mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support services in line with global standards, developing programs based on needs assessments, and enhancing the capacity of local partners.
• Implementing and monitoring water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions to reduce transmission risks, including training health workers and facilitating inter-sectoral coordination.
• Establishing and operationalizing community-based surveillance systems to enable early detection and reporting of Ebola cases, including training community volunteers and leaders.
• Integrating gender equality and inclusion in all aspects of the Ebola response, conducting rapid gender analyses, and advising sector teams on gender-sensitive approaches.
• Offering technical leadership on Ebola prevention and case management, ensuring adherence to clinical care protocols, and supporting health system strengthening.
• Promoting integrated nutrition services to prevent and treat malnutrition among vulnerable populations affected by Ebola.
• Supporting evidence-based decision-making through data collection, management, analysis, and visualization to inform operational planning and response strategies.
• Engaging in rapid assessments, program planning, implementation, and monitoring while ensuring accountability to affected populations and integrating feedback mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in public health, social sciences, or a related field. They should demonstrate experience in emergency response, community engagement, and capacity building. Familiarity with the Ebola virus disease and its implications for public health is essential. Candidates should also exhibit strong analytical skills, the ability to work in a multicultural environment, and a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values. Proficiency in project management and coordination with various stakeholders is highly desirable, along with a demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work under pressure.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may enhance the candidate's competitiveness. Additional certifications in emergency response, community health, or related areas will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-5 years of relevant professional experience in public health, emergency response, or community engagement. Experience working in the DRC or similar contexts is highly advantageous. Proven track record in managing projects, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and delivering results in challenging environments is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, as it is the official language of the DRC. Proficiency in English is highly desirable, and knowledge of local languages such as Lingala would be an asset, facilitating better communication with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time commitment, and candidates should be prepared for potential short-term deployments to support emergency operations. The role may involve working in challenging conditions, and candidates are expected to adhere to UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security regulations and guidelines. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN Volunteer Conditions of Service, and further details can be found on the UNV website. The living conditions in Kinshasa are generally good, with access to essential services, although candidates should remain vigilant regarding personal security and health precautions.