Emergency Officer for the UNFPA Policy and Procedures for Emergency Response (EPPs) Secretariat

Emergency Officer for the UNFPA Policy and Procedures for Emergency Response (EPPs) Secretariat

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

September 19, 2026October 3, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every individual has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending unmet needs for family planning, ending preventable maternal deaths, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plans are designed to address complex global challenges and promote resilience and renewal in the face of demographic changes and human rights issues.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Officer for the UNFPA Policy and Procedures for Emergency Response (EPPs) Secretariat plays a crucial role within the Global Emergency Response Unit (GERU) of the Humanitarian Response Division (HRD). This position is responsible for providing substantive support in the planning and implementation of the EPPs rollout, monitoring, knowledge management, and reporting related to emergency response processes. The Emergency Officer will coordinate multi-stakeholder efforts during emergencies, ensuring that UNFPA's responses adhere to established policies and procedures. The role requires a proactive approach to emergency preparedness and response, supporting Country Offices (COs), Regional Offices (ROs), and HQ Business Units in their emergency operations. The ultimate goal is to enhance UNFPA's capacity to respond effectively to humanitarian crises while ensuring adherence to the structured framework outlined in the EPPs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Emergency Officer will be responsible for a variety of functions, including:
  • General Emergency Coordination: Facilitate coordination between HQ, ROs, and COs during EPP activated emergencies, providing tailored operational support for emergency preparedness and response. Ensure quality control and standardization in applying organizational policies in emergencies. Facilitate the activation and deactivation of emergency responses, following up on action points to ensure EPP deliverables are met within specified timelines.
  • EPP Secretariat-Specific Responsibilities: Support EPP Crisis Response Team (CRT) meetings during emergency activations and deactivations, documenting proceedings and following up on actionable outcomes. Develop, refine, and disseminate EPP tools, templates, and guidelines. Monitor adherence to EPP timelines and protocols, providing technical guidance to ROs and COs. Coordinate Level 3 (L3) After Action Reviews (AARs) and support the implementation of AARs for Level 2 (L2) and Level 1 (L1) emergencies. Consolidate and manage knowledge from AAR outcomes, ensuring follow-up with relevant Business Units to implement corrective measures.
  • Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Develop and deliver training sessions on EPP protocols and emergency preparedness measures. Synthesize lessons learned from emergency responses to refine UNFPA’s emergency policies and procedures.
  • Data Management and Reporting: Collect and analyze data from emergency responses, ensuring findings inform planning and decision-making processes. Prepare periodic reports on EPP activation and response activities for senior leadership.
  • Cross-functional Support Services: Liaise with various units within the Humanitarian Response Division to integrate cross-cutting thematic areas into UNFPA emergency response. Provide inputs into interagency engagement on UNFPA's positions regarding emergency preparedness and response as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in International Relations/Development, Business Administration, Management, Humanitarian Affairs, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, or similar fields. Additionally, at least two years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, field operations, emergency preparedness, project management, or advisory services in humanitarian settings is required. Proven experience in coordination and field-level program implementation is essential, along with a strong understanding of humanitarian response and preparedness frameworks, including IASC protocols. Knowledge management experience, particularly in using dashboards and data analysis, is an asset. Candidates should demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to operate under stressful conditions, as well as strong organizational skills. Experience within the UN system and previous secretariat experience or special assistance functions are also advantageous. Proficiency in computer applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as knowledge of Atlas/PeopleSoft, is beneficial. Candidates must possess proficient writing and communication skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in fields such as International Relations, Development, Business Administration, Management, Humanitarian Affairs, International Law, or other related disciplines is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian response and emergency management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, field operations, emergency preparedness, project management, or advisory services in humanitarian settings. This experience should include in-country office operations and a proven track record in coordination and program implementation at the field level. Familiarity with humanitarian response frameworks and protocols is crucial, as is the ability to work effectively under pressure and in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly Arabic, French, or another official UN language, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization is committed to achieving gender parity and encourages women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics or dimensions of diversity. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.
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