UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up!
For every child, an advocate.
In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally - click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/
Click here to experience our country through the perspective of our colleagues by clicking on this Link
Background:
UNICEF Nigeria is intensifying its humanitarian response in Benue State, where escalating violence and displacement have created a complex emergency. Armed attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen have led to significant loss of life and mass displacement, with reports indicating that over 40% of arable farmlands are now under occupation by these groups. In addition to this, the crisis has affected roughly 18 out of Benue’s 23 local government areas, displacing thousands and overwhelming existing infrastructure and services. In response to this escalating crisis, UNICEF is scaling up its state emergency interventions, including supporting the displaced population, restoring access to essential services, while supporting women & children within the region.
How can you make a difference?
Purpose For the Job: Under the guidance and supervision of their supervisor, the Emergency Specialist will play a pivotal role in establishing and implementing country office emergency preparedness and response in Benue. S/he will be responsible for the development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the emergency and development interventions to ensure the survival and well-being of children and mothers, and the affected communities in an emergency. S/he will also represent UNICEF in key coordination meetings with the government, UN, civil society stakeholders and liaise with the Emergency unit based in Abuja to ensure smooth programme implementation of activities
KEY END-RESULTS
- Emergency preparedness is effectively arranged together with the establishment of country contingency plans and early warning mechanisms.
- Emergency preparedness and response plans address gender issues that may be expected to intensify during emergencies.
- Emergency plans of action are developed, and compliance and coordination of all sectors with the plans are implemented.
- Technical advice on emergencies and programme management related to the implementation of emergency preparedness measures is effectively provided.
- Emergency preparedness and response, and a consistent flow of information of the humanitarian situation are effectively coordinated within the office.
- Substantive improvements are made in the emergency preparedness and response capability of UNICEF staff and implementing partners through conduct of effective training activities.
- In the event of an emergency, UNICEF's presence is promptly established and the initial emergency operational tasks are effectively executed, including provision of support for information communication technology, telecommunications facilities and all staff security-related assistance in the country office.
- Needs assessment is effectively conducted to determine priorities and an appropriate intervention by UNICEF based on the local emergency affecting children, their families and the community.
- Timely delivery of assistance and supplies is provided, urgent staffing requirements are identified, and the appropriate use of UNICEF resources is monitored for effective project delivery.
- Emergency appeals and project proposals are prepared, and concerted efforts are put forward to mobilise donor response and recovery/rehabilitation-related funding.
- Longer-term requirements of the emergency operation/interventions are determined to build a regular operational and staffing structure.
Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks
- Emergency Preparedness
- Emergency Response
- Emergency Project
Emergency Preparedness
- Adopts adequate emergency preparedness measures through the development and updating of country contingency plans and the establishment of early warning mechanisms, to ensure effective preparedness and response to specific emergencies.
- Participates in the formulation and development of plans of action in preparation and response to emergencies, monitors compliance of all sectors with emergency plans of action, including financial resources. Ensures coordination of the management of emergency preparedness and response.
- Provides technical advice related to emergency preparedness and response, including on programme management-related issues. Provides advice to the country office on the implementation of emergency preparedness measures in the field to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms in the country faced with impending emergencies.
Emergency Response
- In the event of an emergency, takes prompt action as a member of the Emergency Response Team, which is deployed immediately to establish UNICEF's presence and implement the initial operational tasks relating to emergency assistance. Immediately verifies the nature and extent of the emergency with staff, government officials, other UN agencies or local organisations and media. Ensures that the office is provided with an effective telecommunications facility and staff security assistance in an emergency, as necessary. In coordination with the programme and operations groups, establishes contact with all UNICEF staff, their dependents and visitors to ensure their safety and whereabouts, and informs OPSCEN and the Regional Director of their status.
- Participates and assists with assessment of local emergency and security situation affecting children and mothers in the locality, in conjunction with the Regional Office, the HQ Divisions, and field staff. Visits the location to conduct an initial rough assessment of the magnitude of the crisis and its implications for children and its impact on the community. Assesses the validity of the office preparedness plan and ability of the office vis-à-vis the current crisis as well as immediate and additional needs. Determines corporate priorities and an appropriate intervention (supply procurement, fund-raising and staff development) by UNICEF. Coordinates with other partners to make a rapid assessment covering priority areas as defined by the Core Commitment for Children in Emergencies. Establishes contact with community groups, government, UN agencies, media and other partners to keep abreast of emergency situations.
Emergency Project
- Participates in the implementation of plans of action and work plans for emergency projects. Implements and manages project activities. Undertakes field visits to emergency project areas to assess local conditions and monitor project progress. Makes technical decisions on project administration (e.g., activates, requests or programmes allocation of emergency funds). Prepares inputs for appeals and updates related to emergencies. Works with program sections and senior management to mobilize donor response and recovery/rehabilitation-related funding, including annual or multi-annual humanitarian appeals and documents (e.g., pitch documents). Communicates and advocates on the situation and needs of children through local and international media, as appropriate.
- Identifies longer-term requirements of the emergency operation/interventions. Proposes a more regular operational and staffing structure to take over from the Emergency Response Team.
- Maintains continuous, effective and strategic coordination, communication, consultation and liaison with the Government, UN agencies, INGOS, NGOS, donors and allies to appeal for aid for children and women with special needs resulting from the emergency, requiring an effective emergency response in all sectors. Identifies implementing/operational partners and establishes implementing arrangements. Ensures that the UNICEF support is effectively provided to the government concerning sectoral coordination within the framework of the cluster approach and based on the Core Commitment for Children
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: 
Emergency Specialist NOC FT, Benue Nigeria #133632.docx
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements:
Education: Advanced University degree in one of the following fields: social sciences, public administration, international law, public health, nutrition, international relations, business administration or other related disciplines. Preferably a combination of management, administration, and relevant technical fields.
Work Experience: Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in programme/project development, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and administration. Developing country work experience (for IP) or field work experience (for NO). Specialized training/experience in emergency response management highly desirable.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (1)
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact (1)
(4) Innovates and embraces change (1)
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)
(6) Thinks and acts strategically (1)
(7) Works collaboratively with others (1)
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.
All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
Remarks:
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable are encouraged to apply.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with
UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information..
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.
