Asociado en Preparación y Respuesta a Emergencias

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

In Nicaragua, UNICEF is present since 1,980, and works three main programatic areas: child survival and early development, inclusive and quality education, and protection of children and adolescents. Currently, UNICEF is in the final year of implementation of its 2019-2023 strategic plan. A new strategic plan is being prepared for the period 2024-2028. In this new plan, a fourth area has been added, which responds to the emerging need to support the country in coping with climate change, water and sanitation.

Due to increasing Emergency situations due to climate change, the Nicaragua UNICEF office prepares itself to respond to these emergencies now almost in a permanent manner, which requires the assignment of emergency related tasks to the staff. Assistance to the emergency focal point to carry out all activities required is needed, so that continues follow up is provided.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the emergency focal point or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV emergency officer will: •Provide support to the follow up of implementation of undergoing preparedness actions and emergency response programs. This includes the updating of the Office´s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP), the follow up to agreements in the framework of the UNETE platform, the follow up to meetings and agreements related to emergency preparedness and response programs. •Provide support to the preparation of field visits to monitor emergency preparedness and response programs, ensuring that all logistics and safely procedures are considered. Support the preparation of routine reports on results of visits and project progress. Eventually, accompany UNICEF staff in field visits as required. •Assist UNICEF staff in collecting and assembling data and background information with regards to emergency preparedness and response programs/projects. Prepares tables, graphs or other statistical data for technical review/monitoring purposes. •Support the preparation and implementation of capacity building exercises to internal staff as well as UNICEF’s potential partners in emergency response. •Support the preparation of donor, annual and other reports, as required by the UNICEF Nicaragua office, LACRO and/or HQ. •Provide support to ensure that preparedness and all efforts regarding response plan, programs, projects are aligned with the CCC (Core Commitments for Children). •Provide support to build a preparedness and response knowledge management site on ECM. •Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: •Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); •Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; •Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. •Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; •Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; •Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs: •As an active UNICEF Nicaragua team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: (1) Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) updated and UNICEF staff clear of their roles and responsibilities stated in the EPP. (2) Efficient and effective follow up to agreements and commitments acquired as results of internal and/or external meetings related to emergency preparedness and response activities. (3) Reports to donors or other reports on emergency preparedness and response reviewed for quality assurance. (4) Capacity building to UNICEF’s potential partners in Emergency Response supported, ensuring quality in the delivery of the trainings. (5) Plan, programs and projects are aligned with the CCC. (6) A knowledge management site is built and being in use effectively. •Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment •A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

•Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF, technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; •Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; •Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; •Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment; •Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple projects/activities; •Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; make and defend recommendations; communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge; •Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations as necessary; •Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

UNICEF competencies required for this post are: Builds and maintains partnerships; Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness; Drive to achieve results for impact; Innovates and embraces change; Manages ambiguity and complexity; Thinks and acts strategically; Works collaboratively with others.

national work with humanitarian actors; •Experience working in the Caribbean Coast is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; •Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; •Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; •Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; •Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; •Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; •Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; •Sound security awareness; •Have affinity with or interest in emergency preparedness and response, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.