Emergency Response Associate

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.

This UNV assignment is part of OCHA Emergency Response Section (ERS) to OCHA Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC). OCHA ERS provides a suite of integrated operational readiness and response services to prepare for and respond to sudden-onset disasters and rapid deteriorations in existing emergencies. OCHA ERS works towards capacity building efforts with national emergency management agencies and regional organizations. Every effort is made to support localization of crisis management capabilities. The team works to ensure that operational readiness and response tools and services are optimally integrated. This project particularly aims to support the development of United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) system which deploy emergency response teams following a sudden-onset disaster, as well as the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG presence in the Americas region. The UNV is expected to support the OCHA ERS Regional Focal Point for the Americas region prior, during and after emergencies in the region, being also part of OCHA ROLAC.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the OCHA Emergency Response Section UNDAC and INSARAG Regional Focal Point for the Americas Region (RFP) or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the National Specialist UN Volunteer will:

• Support the RFP to strengthen the UNDAC system and the INSARAG network in the Americas region. • Support the RFP on monitoring, analysis and alert on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in the Americas region, in close coordination with the ROLAC. • Assist the RFP in coordination with ROLAC following consultations on policy or policy-related issues as requested, including environmental emergency management, information platforms, and other activities. • Support the RFP through delegated administrative, information management and coordination activities prior, during and after emergency response operations in the region. • Support the RFP organizing After-Action Reviews, which are conducted following emergency deployments, which are designed to improve the efficiency of relief teams' deployment. • Support the RFP with the development of remote and in-person conferences and training modules, taking into consideration potential COVID-19-related implications. • Help build and maintain regional operational partnerships, especially with respect to UNDAC and INSARAG, and in close coordination with ROLAC, to bolster OCHA's emergency coordination activities. • Contribute to the preparation of delegated reports and communications. • Support the establishment of clear information channels and that program delivery is designed to ensure outlined goals can be reached. • Assist in the management of relevant emergency response web coordination systems (Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Center, ReliefWeb, designated MS Teams channels, etc.) in coordination with the different disaster management agencies in an emergency response. • Support data consolidation and visualization using Power BI. • Perform 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 ERS team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the Regional Focal Point for the Americas Region and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: · Ensuring that swift and efficient support is provided to the RFP in the mobilization of emergency response teams in a sudden-onset emergency in the Americas region. · Help mapping and following-up on key findings and lessons learned from emergency mission After Action reviews. · Contributing to the preparation and delivery of concept notes, course training plans, session plans and all materials relevant to the virtual exercise tool. · Providing a comprehensive analysis of the data extracted from ERS units’ repositories (and particularly INSARAG and UNDAC) relevant to the region. • Contributing to systematic integration of Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective 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 OCHA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OCHA’s 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; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and OCHA 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; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • 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; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to 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 to a wide range of different target groups; • 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 within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards OCHA’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

the areas of disaster management or other relevant programmes; experience with partners is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent 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; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • 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; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management and visualization programmes, especially Power bi; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable: Good knowledge of OCHA’s mandate; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in emergency response deployments and coordination of relief teams volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Panama City is a family duty station, is classified “A” Duty Station and considered to be a safe place to live. The city has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications, and recreational facilities) and health supply of goods and services, with no major health hazards. However, like in any city around the world, it is always good to be aware of surroundings and to be alert. There is a wide range of goods available in Panama and many modern shopping complexes as well as department stores and designer stores. There are suitable residential areas, accommodation options, good hospitals, schools, universities, banks, and a wide selection of restaurants. The country boasts beaches, mountains, and national parks in the rainforest. Panama does not have any serious health concerns to worry about; however, it is important to note that in some areas such as the Darien Province, it is recommended to take precautions for malaria and dengue. The Centers for Disease Control website also recommends the yellow fever vaccination for travel to Darien Province and the San Blas islands. Weather: Panama has two seasons, the dry season, which is from January until late April or early May, and the rainy season which is the rest of the year. The daytime temperature ranges between 80- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit with the evenings being cooler by 5 to 10 degrees. The average humidity is 70%. In terms of security Panama is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America and it is rated as security level '1 minimal' whereas for Darién Province (border with Colombia) it is security level '2 low'. The city is a communications hub and it is possible to fly to all countries of the region with direct flights and it offers good options for travelling in general. OCHA ROLAC’s office is in the Canal Zone, in a green area outside the city centre called 'Ciudad del Saber' where most of the other UN Agencies are also located, as well as international schools, NGOs and research centres, etc. The cost of living is relatively high for the region (reflected in the post adjustment), especially for housing and health, but it is easy to find accommodation in the private market, including around the office in houses or in the city centre towers in modern apartments. Most of the food is imported except for sea products and some fruits and vegetables. In terms of recreational activities, Panama is a regional commercial hub with many malls for shopping. Cultural events are limited but there are many restaurants and a dynamic nightlife. Beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are reachable within one hour by car or by boat directly from the city and there are some options for hiking. There is also a relatively good range of sports activities. Currency: Panama Balboa; pegged 1:1 with the US dollar. Internet: High-speed internet is readily available in cities like Panama City, Colon, and David. In remote areas, 'you'll find DSL, cable, or satellite internet.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.