Background Information
The purpose of the UNFPA’s Global Emergency (Surge) Roster contains the various profiles of staff members needed in emergency and humanitarian situations. In the event of an onset of an emergency or humanitarian crisis, staff members who are on the Roster will be deployed to the affected country (or countries) within 48 - 72 hours. Staff members selected for the Surge Roster will be invited to attend a workshop and simulation exercise and will be given access to training to augment the effectiveness of the Surge team members.
Organizational Setting
In level 3 emergency, the capacity of the country office has been severely compromised and response capabilities of the regional office are insufficient. The situation requires rapid Fund-wide response, UNFPA Executive Director declares level 3 and headquarters Humanitarian Steering Committee is activated. Level 3 could also be declared by the IASC principals within 48 hours after onset of a crisis.
The Senior Emergency Coordinator acts as Project Manager in accordance with the Emergency Response Activation Protocol for L3 emergencies, and reports to the Humanitarian Steering Committee (HSC).
The EC assumes full responsibility for leadership and day-to-day coordination of the response to an L3 Emergency in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), in close consultation with the Regional Director, the Country Office Representative, PD Director and the Humanitarian and Fragile Contexts Branch Chief (HFCB).
ROLE VIS A VIS THE COUNTRY OFFICE: The Emergency Coordinator will work in close collaboration with the CO Representative and staff. However the Emergency Coordinator is not responsible for making country office operational decisions (procurement, finance, reallocation of resources, etc), but will oversee on a daily basis implementation of the SOP and coordination in the operational hubs. The CO Representative will continue to fulfil its representation function (UNCT, HCT, SMT) meetings with governments and donors).
PROFILE: The Emergency Coordinator will be appointed at D1 or P5 level depending on country context from the internal or external surge rosters. The Chair of the HSC appoints within 48-72 hours the Emergency Coordinator based on recommendations from the Regional Director, DHR Director and HFCB Chief. Emergency Coordinator candidates are pre-trained and pre-committed to deployment for 3 months initially.
REPORTING: The Senior Emergency Coordinator will report directly to the Chief, HFCB and will provide weekly reports to Chief, HFCB (including biweekly phone call) and inform regularly HSC members as/when required and concerned country and regional staff during his appointment.
Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced degree in Humanitarian Assistance, Public Health, Social Sciences, Demography, Gender and/or other related fields,
- At least 10 years of relevant experience preferably in humanitarian affairs, emergency relief management, public health or other related areas, prior experience in region an asset
- Proven leadership experience in humanitarian coordination response,
- Analytical and strategic thinking, results oriented, commitment to excellence and able to work efficiently under high pressure,
- Track record of building strategic alliances and partnerships, strong communication and networking skills; strong organizational skills,
- Appropriate and transparent decision making abilities,
- Knowledge and understanding of UN humanitarian relief operations and procedures,
- Good level of emotional intelligence, empathy and conflict management as well as negotiating skills,
- Fluency in French, English is an asset,
- Experience in humanitarian setting in francophone Africa and Haiti preferred.
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
