Emergency Preparedness and Response Officer

Volunteering Crisis & Emergency Response Communications & PR

Overview

Support emergency preparedness and response efforts in Madagascar.

You have:

• National and/or international experience in multi-sectoral coordination of operational activities in emergency preparedness and response, or project/programme management, reporting, documentation, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including excellent drafting and reporting skills.
• Proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.), email/internet, and familiarity with database management and office technology equipment.
• Ability to identify key variables and contextual factors affecting food assistance problems and programs.
• Experience working in collaboration with various partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities.
• Sound awareness of security issues related to food security and emergency response.

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.

Madagascar – a low-income country and the world’s fourth largest island – faces endemic poverty, food insecurity, inequality, rapid population growth and urbanization, and significant dependence on subsistence agriculture, which employs around 80 percent of its population. Agriculture is hindered by lack of access to inputs, land degradation, water scarcity, unsustainable utilization of natural resources and persistently low productivity. Infrastructure deficiencies further hinder market access. Madagascar is highly exposed to the impacts of climate change as well as stressors and shocks such as tropical cyclones, recurrent droughts and flooding. Within the Programme Unit, the Emergency Team coordinates all activities under the Strategic Objective (SO) 1 of the CSP 2024-2028: “People in Madagascar affected by seasonal or other shocks are prepared and able to meet their immediate food and nutrition needs throughout the year”, and support the implementation of the SO5: “Government, humanitarian and development actors in Madagascar have improved access to mandated and on demand services, and benefit from innovative solutions to deliver timely and cost-efficient assistance”. Through the emergency response pathway, WFP will improve access to healthy food and enhance resilience to shocks, including those exacerbated by climate change; support national and subnational emergency preparedness, anticipatory and early action; and provide the Government with robust food security analysis for decision-making. The Emergency Team works towards these objectives in close collaboration with all units of the Country Office, WFP Field Offices, implementing partners and key external stakeholders (BNGRC, CPGU, BCR, UN Agencies, Ministries, etc).

Under the supervision of the Head of emergency and preparedness section, the UNV will undertake the following tasks: Research and analyse policy and operational issues to support senior colleagues in the development of policies, programmes and activities ; Contribute towards the development of a limited number of projects, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider programme policies and guidance. In this perspective, support the development, distribution and use of key operational documents (including Standard Operations Procedures and operational plans) for Emergency Response functions to ensure the effective delivery of food/cash assistance to beneficiaries ; Support the development, monitoring, implementation and evaluation of internal emergency preparedness measures ; Assist with the design, implementation and documentation of capacity-strengthening activities in the field of emergency preparedness and response ; Support content creation for a diversified audience (donors, regional bureau, HQ, government, etc) ; Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on programmes and activities that enable informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders ; Support the identification, development and management of potential partnerships to collaborative working leading to improved food assistance packages ; Monitor and provide guidance on the progress and implementation of preparedness and operational readiness activities in alignment with the national action plans and throughout the full cycle of the emergency ; Support the capacity building of WFP staff, partners and national government to prepare for and respond to food assistance needs, e.g. through project management support of learning initiatives ; Represent occasionally WFP to external stakeholders, including national and local authorities, UN agencies partners, international, governmental and nongovernmental organizations/institutions donors and partners.

Accountability, Adaptability and flexibility, Client Orientation, Creativity, Judgement and decision-making, Knowledge sharing, Planning and organising, Professionalism, Self-management, Working in teams.

the national and/or international level in multi-sectoral coordination of operational activities in emergency preparedness and response, or project/programme management, reporting, documentation and monitoring and evaluation, or other relevant programmes; experience working with the Government is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; Demonstrates ability to identify key variables and contextual factors that affect food assistance problems and programmes throughout the lifecycle to inform quality programme design or re-design; Displays capacity to provide inputs into the development, implementation and realignment of high-quality emergency programmes; Develop thorough recommendations using multiple inputs (e.g., government counsel, research, own experience) to strengthen national or subnational entities and government-owned food and nutrition security programmes; 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; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; 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; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in food security issues, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Madagascar, known for its rich biodiversity and unique landscapes, offers pleasant living conditions. Antananarivo, the capital city, serves as the country's economic and administrative hub. The city provides a mix of traditional and modern living, with various amenities such as international schools, healthcare facilities, and shopping centres. The climate is generally mild, with cooler temperatures in the highland regions where Antananarivo is situated. Residents can explore local markets, cultural sites, and enjoy a range of dining options. While there are challenges such as infrastructure development and varying levels of public services, the expatriate community is quite important, and the city continues to develop, offering a dynamic environment for professionals. Link to the entitlement calculator: https://app.unv.org/calculator

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org