Humanitarian Preparedness and Programme Coordination

Organizational Context

The UNFPA Country Office in Djibouti partners with government, institutions, and civil society to implement its mandate, guided by the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The office focuses on sexual and reproductive health, human rights, gender equality, and population and development issues. UNFPA provides technical and financial support for population data collection, analysis, and dissemination to inform effective decision-making.

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office, the Specialist will support the UNFPA Country Office in Djibouti to translate humanitarian preparedness requirements into practical, documented, and sustainable arrangements. The assignment will focus on operationalizing the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for Reproductive Health in emergencies, enhancing programme coordination, developing capacities of staff, and ensuring a structured handover of responsibilities to a designated focal point. This role is crucial for strengthening the office's readiness to respond effectively to humanitarian crises and ensure continuity of essential services.

Responsibilities

The Specialist will be responsible for operationalizing MISP and enhancing humanitarian preparedness by reviewing readiness, identifying gaps, and developing/implementing an action plan. This includes adapting MISP tools, checklists, and referral information, and supporting preparedness for continuity of sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services during emergencies. In programme and humanitarian coordination, the Specialist will clarify roles, information flows, and priority actions for emergency response phases. They will equip the designated focal point with coordination tools and support engagement with relevant UN and humanitarian structures. Linkages across programme, operations, and communications will be strengthened, integrating Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) requirements. Capacity development will involve providing orientation, coaching, and on-the-job support on MISP and coordination, facilitating learning sessions, and coaching the focal point for leadership. A handover package with validated tools and recommendations will be prepared. Monitoring, documentation, and learning will include maintaining an implementation tracker, documenting progress and lessons learned, and ensuring all developed tools are practical and sustainable.

Work Experience

Requires at least five years of relevant experience in humanitarian preparedness, emergency programme coordination, or sexual and reproductive health in emergencies. Demonstrated experience in MISP implementation, coordination tools, capacity development, and knowledge transfer is essential. Experience working with government institutions, UN entities, or humanitarian actors is required, along with a strong ability to translate technical guidance into practical arrangements. Knowledge of PSEA/PSEAH, AAP, and survivor-centred approaches is also necessary. Experience with UNFPA is required.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Expertise in humanitarian affairs and protection is required. Strong ability to translate technical guidance into practical, sustainable office arrangements is crucial. Demonstrated knowledge of PSEA/PSEAH, Accountability to Affected Populations, survivor-centred approaches, and safe referral mechanisms in humanitarian settings is essential.

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