Emergency Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

UNICEF is responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. UNICEF Health program is designed to support national health priorities with focus on programs that will positively impact on the lives of the most disadvantaged children, such as the prevention and treatment of diseases through establishing community-level efforts and services to promote the health and well-being of children. In line with this strategy, UNICEF supports immunization and health prevention programs for childhood diseases and funding for sustainable health services. UNICEF programs have been guided by the?Convention on the Rights of the Child?(1989), which affirms the right of all children to “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health.”

The scope of the job duties ranges from methodical data collection, analysis, and reporting, to effective monitoring and analysis of project implementation and management, with limited independent technical decisions on project implementation and evaluation which will impact on project efficiency and delivery. The nature of the job is mostly contributory technical work requiring substantive technical analysis and core knowledge of the specialized functional area. The work makes substantial contribution to the achievement of planned objectives of the project teams and the Section at the solid professional quality level. The supervisor guides and oversees the work process, progress and end-results delivery.

The work also includes the review of appropriateness and completeness of financial and supply documentation as well as adherence to established allotments. Technical expertise is required to analyse data and background information in support of emergency situation analysis, risk analysis and updates. The job requires professional judgement to interpret and apply guidelines correctly. If necessary, recommends deviations

Under the direct supervision of Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kano, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Emergency Preparedness

1. Provides professional assistance in risk analysis to identify emergency-prone conditions/situations and contribute to early warning and timely emergency preparedness.

2. Participate in the formulation of plans of action in preparation and response to emergencies. Gathers information on best practices in emergency situations for the preparation of contingency plans. Monitors compliance of all sectors with emergency plans of action.

3. Identifies formal and informal sources of information. Collects, interprets and analyses all available data on the evolving emergency situation and its implications to the emergency operation. Keeps the effective flow of information and communication crucial for the planning and implementation of emergency measures. Identifies availability of resources in emergency prone areas

4. Supports in organizing and conducting staff training for the office’s capacity building in emergencies preparedness and response. Provides briefing, as required. Participates in other emergency training workshops in the region, and contributes to enhancement of the emergency preparedness and response capability of the office staff.

Emergency Response

5. In the event of an emergency, promptly assists in implementing the initial operational tasks relating to emergency assistance. Immediately collects reliable information to verify the nature and extend of the emergency with staff, government officials, other UN agencies or local organizations and media. Follows up to ensure that the office is provided with effective telecommunications facility and staff security assistance in an emergency, as necessary. Contacts with all UNICEF staff and their dependants and visitors to ensure their safety and whereabouts, and promptly informs head of office, supervisor and other emergency staff of their

, Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Creativity, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Judgement and Decision-making, Leadership, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

At least 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level.

Substantive knowledge and experience related to emergency readiness and preparedness. 

With approximately 184 million inhabitants, Nigeria accounts for 47% of West Africa’s population, and has one of the largest populations of youth in the world. It is a political federation that consists of 36 autonomous states, and a multi-ethnic and culturally diverse society. With an abundance of natural resources, Nigeria—Africa’s biggest oil exporter—also has the largest natural gas reserves on the continent. Nigeria is located in western Africa on the Gulf of Guinea and has a total area of 923,768 km2 making it the world's 32nd-largest country. It shares borders with Benin (773 km), Niger (1,497 km), Chad (87 km), Cameroon (1,690 km), and has a coastline of at least 853 kilometres. Nigeria lies between latitudes 4 and 14 N, and longitudes 2 and 15 E.

Kano state is one of the 36 states of Nigeria, located in the northern region of the country. Kano State is one of the most populous in Nigeria. Kano State borders Katsina State to the northwest, Jigawa State to the northeast, Bauchi State to the southeast, and Kaduna State to the southwest. The state's capital and largest city is the city of Kano, the second most populous city in Nigeria after Lagos. Since independence, Kano State has developed a diverse economy, establishing itself as a center for industry, agriculture, and Islamic banking. The Hausa and Fulani make up a majority of Kano State's population. The Hausa language is the dominant language in the state, as it is in most of Northern Nigeria. UN staff members are advised to stay only in assessed hotels. Assessed hotels list available with Agency Security Focal Points. The currency used in Nigeria is called Nigeria Naira (the currency code for Nairas is NGN, and the currency symbol is ?).Cash is the main means of transaction, card transactions are also accepted at hotels and shops. You are encouraged to open local bank accounts.