Humanitarian Response and Preparedness Assistant

Volunteering Communications & PR Crisis & Emergency Response

Overview

Support the Humanitarian Unit in preparedness and emergency response efforts.

You have:

• Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in humanitarian action, disaster preparedness, migration or development cooperation.
• Research, data analysis, coordination support or knowledge management.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience in another cultural setting would be highly regarded.
• Skills in drafting, analysis and information management.
• Skills in organization, coordination support and communication.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The Humanitarian Unit of UNFPA’s Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office supports country offices in humanitarian preparedness, emergency response, risk analysis, coordination, and recovery efforts across a region affected by recurrent disasters, climate shocks, displacement dynamics and complex humanitarian situations. The Unit also engages in regional preparedness initiatives, supports implementation of emergency procedures, contributes to inter-agency coordination, and helps strengthen country capacities for humanitarian action.

Within this context, the UN Volunteer Associate will support the work of the Humanitarian Unit as part of a multidisciplinary regional team based in Panama. The assignment offers an opportunity for a young professional to gain practical experience in humanitarian programming, preparedness systems, knowledge management, and regional coordination processes. The role will also provide exposure to issues related to mixed migration and displacement, particularly where these intersect with humanitarian needs in the region.

The volunteer will contribute to analytical, operational and coordination support functions while developing practical skills through mentoring, on-the-job learning, and participation in regional processes.

The assignment will involve collaboration with UNFPA country offices, humanitarian partners, regional inter-agency mechanisms and other stakeholders.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Humanitarian Advisor, the UN Volunteer Associate will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the Humanitarian Unit in compiling and organizing information related to preparedness, emergency response and humanitarian trends in the region.
• Assist in maintaining and updating tools, trackers or internal systems related to preparedness actions, emergency response activities, or technical support requests from country offices.
• Contribute to background research, data collection and analysis to support humanitarian planning, briefing materials, and situation updates.
• Support the preparation of draft inputs for reports, presentations, knowledge products and internal communications related to humanitarian response and preparedness.
• Assist the team in organizing meetings, webinars, training and coordination exchanges with country offices and partners.
• Participate in supporting preparedness initiatives, including learning exercises, capacity strengthening activities, and documentation of lessons learned.
• Contribute to knowledge management by helping organize reference materials, good practices and resources relevant to humanitarian and migration-related programming.
• Support monitoring of regional developments related to humanitarian crises, displacement and migration dynamics, and assist in summarizing relevant developments for the team.
• Assist, as part of a team, in administrative and operational preparations related to missions, workshops or regional humanitarian events, when relevant.
• Contribute to cross-unit collaboration, including support to areas where humanitarian response intersects with sexual and reproductive health, protection and resilience Programming.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check-ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Adaptability and Flexibility Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Integrity Planning and Organizing Technological Awareness Working in Teams

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in:   
Humanitarian action, disaster preparedness, migration or development cooperation Research, data analysis, coordination support or knowledge management Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience in another cultural setting would be highly regarded. 
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:
Drafting, analysis and information management Organization, coordination support and communication

Panama is a family duty station and generally a safe place to live, offering modern amenities such as shopping centres, good hospitals, schools, banks, and diverse dining options. Quality residential areas and a wide availability of goods make daily life comfortable. The country also offers rich natural attractions, from beaches and mountains to rainforest national parks with exceptional biodiversity.

There are no major health concerns, though travellers to specific areas like Darién and the San Blas islands should take malaria precautions and consider yellow fever vaccination. Panama has two seasons: a dry season (January–April/May) and a rainy season. Temperatures typically range between 80–90°F with high humidity (around 70%).

The cost of living averages USD 1,120.00 and the currency (Panamanian Balboa) is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. High-speed internet is widely available in major cities, with DSL, cable, or satellite options in more remote areas.

While Panama offers an enriching environment, it also requires cultural awareness, flexibility, and resilience.

     

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Potential interview questions

Added 14 days ago - Updated 8 hours ago - Source: unv.org