Humanitarian Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Humanitarian Specialist
Location: Suva
Country: Fiji
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The UNFPA Pacific Sub-regional Office (PSRO) is part of the United Nations Population Fund, which is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established to address the needs of populations in the Pacific region, the PSRO operates in 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). The organization aims to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters in the Pacific region. The PSRO is committed to building capacity and resilience in these vulnerable communities, ensuring that essential health services remain accessible even during crises.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Specialist will play a pivotal role in leading humanitarian preparedness and response efforts for the UNFPA PSRO. This position involves overseeing the planning and implementation of humanitarian-related program activities across the Pacific region, ensuring that sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) services are prioritized during emergencies. The specialist will be responsible for managing disaster preparedness and response plans, working closely with national authorities, humanitarian agencies, and civil society organizations to strengthen emergency preparedness and provide effective humanitarian assistance. The role requires a strategic approach to integrate humanitarian needs into national disaster action plans and to advocate for the prioritization of SRH and GBV services in emergency settings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Humanitarian Specialist will be responsible for a range of duties including: leading the PSRO’s preparedness efforts by developing and implementing UNFPA Minimum Preparedness Actions (MPA); coordinating emergency response activities in collaboration with UNFPA program officers and partners; establishing programmatic links between existing gender, SRHR, and humanitarian initiatives; providing logistical and administrative support for emergency preparedness; actively participating in cluster meetings and ensuring integration of SRH, GBV, and PLWD issues; preparing UNFPA and inter-agency appeals; maintaining communication with country offices during emergencies; building capacity of UNFPA staff and partners on the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for reproductive health; and developing communication plans and advocacy materials for humanitarian response.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Public Health, Medicine, Humanitarian Response, International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field. A combination of education and relevant experience in a related field may also be considered. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience at the advisory or managerial level in relevant program management and coordination, with a minimum of three years in humanitarian coordination and preparedness activities at the international level. Substantive knowledge of UN humanitarian relief operations and the roles of humanitarian actors is essential, along with strong analytical, coordination, and organizational skills. Familiarity with the Pacific context and experience with UNFPA are advantageous.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Medicine, Humanitarian Response, International Relations, Political Science, or Social Sciences is required. Candidates with a combination of education and relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of humanitarian response and program management.

Experience:
The position requires at least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in program management and coordination, with a focus on humanitarian coordination and preparedness activities at the international level. Candidates should have substantial experience in UN humanitarian relief operations and a strong understanding of the inter-agency humanitarian sector and cluster system. Experience in building partnerships and working collaboratively with various stakeholders is also essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and oral English is mandatory. Working knowledge of Pacific languages is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with local communities and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and equal opportunities in all aspects of employment. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.