Programme Officer - Climate Change and Emergency

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 to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of building careers that contribute to the well-being of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of Programme Officer for Climate Change and Emergency at UNICEF Armenia is focused on developing and managing programs related to climate change, disaster risk reduction, and emergency preparedness and response. The role requires a strong understanding of the national context and aims to lead the design, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of evidence-based and sustainable programs. The officer will provide technical guidance and strategic support to enhance climate resilience, reduce risks to children and communities, and promote child-sensitive approaches in relevant policies and programs. This position is crucial in addressing climate and environment-related risks to children and supporting evidence-based policy development and advocacy for risk mitigation. Additionally, the officer will coordinate emergency response efforts and lead on emergency preparedness, ensuring that humanitarian-development-peace nexus efforts are considered in relevant risk scenarios.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer will be responsible for leading disaster risk reduction (DRR) programming and coordinating the climate change portfolio, which is integrated throughout the country program. Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing climate change and disaster risk reduction programs that are evidence-based and sustainable.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these programs and making necessary adjustments.
• Collaborating with government counterparts, sectoral colleagues, and other partners to ensure alignment and support for climate resilience initiatives.
• Providing technical guidance to strengthen emergency preparedness and response strategies.
• Supporting senior management in coordinating emergency response efforts and ensuring that climate change considerations are integrated into all relevant policies and programs.
• Advocating for adequate national investments in climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Engaging in capacity-building initiatives to enhance the skills of local stakeholders in managing climate-related risks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, International Relations, Public Administration, Social Policy, Social Development, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of relevant professional work experience in program/project development, planning, implementation, and monitoring. Fieldwork experience and expertise in climate change, disaster risk reduction, and emergency response are essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, International Relations, Public Administration, Social Policy, or Social Development is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of climate change and emergency management in relation to children's rights and welfare.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in program/project development, planning, implementation, and monitoring. Candidates should have fieldwork experience and a strong understanding of climate change, disaster risk reduction, and emergency preparedness. Experience within UNICEF or the broader UN system is desirable, as is familiarity with emergency contexts and developing country work experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Armenian is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Russian or another official UN language is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills in the required languages to effectively engage with partners and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary appointment for a duration of 10 months. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must comply with UNICEF's medical clearance and vaccination requirements, and the organization does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure adherence to UNICEF's standards and principles.