Emergency Specialist, NOC, FT, #138493, Kingston, Jamaica, Multi-Country Office for the Caribbean
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives and defend their rights. The Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO) serves twelve English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries, focusing on equitable access to healthcare and learning, child protection, poverty reduction, and resilience. The MCO employs an integrated programme and management structure to advance results for children across the region.
Job Purpose
The Emergency Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring UNICEF's preparedness and response capabilities for emergencies within the Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO). Working under the Assistant Representative in Barbados, this role involves close collaboration with various leadership positions to strengthen emergency leadership, maintain programme continuity, enhance workforce readiness, and build institutional resilience, with a specific focus on WASH-related emergency needs. The specialist will be responsible for fostering effective coordination between programme and operations teams and establishing functional linkages with emergency focal points across all locations. By embedding preparedness and response mechanisms within the MCO's core coordination structures and strategic workstreams, the Emergency Specialist will ensure that the office is well-equipped to support children and communities facing crises, thereby contributing to UNICEF's mandate of protecting children's rights and well-being in the region.
Responsibilities
The Emergency Specialist will be responsible for leading and coordinating emergency preparedness and response efforts across the UNICEF Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO). This includes developing, updating, and implementing comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, contingency plans, and standard operating procedures for various types of emergencies, with a particular emphasis on WASH-related needs. The role involves conducting risk assessments and vulnerability analyses to identify potential threats and inform preparedness strategies. The specialist will ensure effective coordination and collaboration with national governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and other humanitarian actors to align emergency response efforts and leverage partnerships. They will also be responsible for managing emergency response operations, including needs assessments, resource mobilization, and the timely delivery of essential supplies and services to affected populations. Furthermore, the Emergency Specialist will oversee the monitoring and evaluation of emergency response activities, ensuring accountability and learning for future interventions. This position requires close collaboration with programme sections to integrate emergency considerations into ongoing development programmes and to ensure programme continuity during crises. The specialist will also play a key role in capacity building, training MCO staff and partners on emergency preparedness and response protocols, and promoting a culture of readiness throughout the organization. Reporting on emergency situations, response activities, and lessons learned to senior management and relevant stakeholders will also be a critical function.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in emergency preparedness, humanitarian response, disaster risk reduction, or a related field, with at least two years at the international level. Experience working in complex emergencies and with UN or other international organizations is highly desirable.
Skills
Emergency preparedness and response planning, Humanitarian coordination, Risk assessment and analysis, WASH in emergencies, Programme continuity, Capacity building and training, Stakeholder engagement, Report writing, Monitoring and evaluation, Resource mobilization, Inter-agency coordination, UNICEF programme principles