ETC Preparedness and Response Officer - North Pacific

Organizational Context

The Pacific Islands are highly vulnerable to natural disasters like cyclones and tsunamis, exacerbated by climate change and fragile food systems. The World Food Programme (WFP) supports governments in strengthening disaster preparedness, response, and resilience through technical assistance in logistics, emergency telecommunications, and food security. The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), led by WFP, operates in a preparedness configuration in the Pacific to enhance readiness and coordination with national disaster management offices and partners.

Job Purpose

The ETC Preparedness and Response Officer will support the WFP-led Pacific Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) in strengthening telecommunications resilience and coordination across the North Pacific (FSM, RMI, Nauru, Palau, Kiribati). This role involves implementing preparedness and resilience initiatives in direct collaboration with National Disaster Management Offices (NDMOs) and communications authorities. The objective is to enhance the region's capacity to manage and mitigate disasters, reduce vulnerabilities associated with climate change impacts, and ensure rapid telecommunications support during emergencies, thereby contributing to the overall resilience and recovery of the most at-risk populations.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will lead the implementation of ETC preparedness and resilience projects in the North Pacific, aligning with national disaster risk management priorities and strengthening regional coordination. This includes developing, contextualizing, and piloting preparedness tools and guidelines, and establishing effective coordination mechanisms among NDMOs, ICT authorities, and partners. The role involves maintaining stakeholder engagement, developing ICT Country Profiles, and conducting field deployments for assessments and training. The Volunteer will also support the management of preparedness initiatives, design and deliver training programs, facilitate capacity building for national stakeholders, and contribute to knowledge product development. Duties extend to supporting ETC resilience, coordination, and regional integration objectives.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of overall experience is required, with at least 5 years of relevant experience. Desirable experience includes working with governments, UN or regional institutions, deploying and managing satellite/radio communications assets, and prior experience in the Pacific or Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Skills

Core competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Technical skills encompass emergency preparedness, crisis response, information technology and telecommunications, project management, program development, and strategy. Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills are essential.

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