Emergency Response Associate

Volunteering Admin

Overview

Support OCHA emergency response efforts in West and Central Africa.

You have:

• First-level University degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant area, e.g. International Relations or area related to Political Science.
• At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in the areas of disaster management or other relevant programmes.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent reporting skills.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• 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.
• 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.
• Desirable: Good knowledge of OCHA’s mandate.
• Sound security awareness.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

This UNV assignment is part of OCHA Emergency Response Section (ERS) support to OCHA Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROWCA). 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 West and Central Africa. This position is expected to support the OCHA Emergency Response Section (ERS) before, during, and after emergencies in the region. The incumbent reports to the Head of the Coordination, Emergency Response, and Preparedness Unit of OCHA Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROWCA).

Within the delegated authority, the National Specialist UN Volunteer will:

• Support the RFP to strengthen the UNDAC system and the INSARAG network in West and Central Africa. • Support the RFP on monitoring, analysis and alert on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in the region, in close coordination with the ROWCA. • Assist the RFP in coordination with ROWCA 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 budget-related restrictions. • Help build and maintain regional operational partnerships, especially with respect to UNDAC and INSARAG, and in close coordination with ROWCA, 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.

13. Results/expected outputs:

As a member of the ROWCA team, the National Specialist UN Volunteer provides efficient, timely, responsive, client‑oriented, and high‑quality support to the Emergency Response Section (ERS) and its beneficiaries in carrying out his/her functions, including:

· Ensuring that swift and efficient support is provided to the Emergency Response Section in the mobilization of emergency response teams in a sudden-onset emergency in the West and Central Africa 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, 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.

• First-level University degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant area, e.g. International Relations or area related to Political Science; a first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with relevant training and/or professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. • At least 3 years of professional work experience [AV6.1]at the national and/or international level in 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 team’s volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with frequent missions to the region. Dakar is considered a livable city. The living conditions in Dakar are good and the social climate is calm. Senegal is an open country that enjoys social stability resulting from the smooth functioning of state institutions. Senegal is also provided with an appropriate level of infrastructure (e.g. roads), but the distribution of water is electricity can be volatile in Dakar and other cities and towns of the country, requiring many civil servants to use generators. Senegal is also a popular tourist destination. The reception and spontaneous hospitality of Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The country is at the level of Security 2, which corresponds to "Low", except for the Casamance region (administrative regions of Kolda, Sédhiou and Ziguinchor) where acts of banditry are often reported, but also the presence of Elements of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) and unexploded ordnance (UXO). All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Senegal. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents against UN personnel. Small arms proliferation and organized cross-border crime often occur in suburban areas on major trade routes. There is no R&R entitlement in Senegal.

Note: For all international travel to Senegal, security clearance must be requested a minimum of 7 days prior to travel As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. Candidates for UN Volunteer assignments requiring travel to the duty station may be exceptionally granted during this period alternative working arrangements to work from their place of recruitment until restrictions are lifted. Candidates for UN Volunteer assignments may also need to begin their assignments remotely in cases where access to UN premises is restricted. These are decisions at the discretion of the host entity. Candidates proceeding to interview are recommended to discuss travel requirements, any restrictions, and possible alternative arrangements with the host entity. If selected, candidates should carefully consider the circumstances before accepting UNV’s offer. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service. Furthermore, in non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly.

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: unv.org