ETC Preparedness and Response Officer, Vanuatu

Organizational Context

The Pacific Island Countries and Territories are highly susceptible to natural disasters like cyclones, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. These events exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, including supply chain disruptions and under-resourced telecommunications, hindering effective emergency response and service delivery. Fragile food systems contribute to malnutrition. Strengthening local disaster management systems is crucial for building resilience and reducing risks across the region. The World Food Programme supports governments with technical assistance in logistics, emergency telecommunications, and food security.

Job Purpose

This role focuses on enhancing emergency telecommunications preparedness and resilience in Vanuatu, a nation highly prone to natural disasters. The UN Volunteer will lead the implementation of preparedness projects, ensuring alignment with national disaster management priorities and frameworks. This involves developing and refining preparedness tools, maintaining strong stakeholder engagement with government bodies and telecom providers, and conducting ICT assessments. The position requires deploying to support missions, facilitating workshops, and building national capacity in emergency telecommunications. The ultimate goal is to strengthen Vanuatu's ability to manage and mitigate disasters through robust and resilient telecommunications systems, contributing to overall disaster risk reduction.

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) preparedness and resilience projects in Vanuatu, aligning with national disaster risk management priorities and frameworks. Support the development, contextualization, and refinement of preparedness tools, including assessment methodologies and emergency telecommunications plans. Engage proactively with key stakeholders such as the National Disaster Management Office, Department of Communications, and telecom service providers to ensure effective coordination. Develop and update ICT Country Profiles for Vanuatu, analyzing infrastructure, connectivity, and disaster impacts on communications. Deploy within Vanuatu to conduct assessments, support project implementation, and facilitate training and simulation exercises. Manage and deliver country-level preparedness initiatives, including Early Warning systems, and contribute to planning and reporting. Design and deliver training programs as a subject matter expert to build national capacity and foster government ownership. Facilitate capacity building for national stakeholders to enhance preparedness and response capabilities. Represent the ETC at national forums, advocating for resilient telecommunications systems. Contribute to knowledge products documenting lessons learned and best practices from preparedness activities.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of experience is required, with 5 years of relevant experience being desirable. Experience in deploying, managing, and configuring satellite and radio communications assets is beneficial. Prior experience working in the Pacific region or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is also desirable.

Skills

Essential skills include excellent analytical, writing, and communication abilities, proficiency in MS Office, and knowledge of UN system policies. Desirable skills encompass experience liaising with governments, UN, or regional institutions. Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, creativity, judgment, planning, professionalism, and self-management. Expertise in emergency preparedness, crisis response, IT and telecommunications, project management, programme development, and strategy is also sought.

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