Programme Specialist (Humanitarian Response), ICS-11, Africa Regional Office, Johannesburg (re-advertisement)

Rotation

This post is non-rotational.
The closing date of this vacancy is 2 February 2012, 5:00 p.m. New York time
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Post Duration: One year (renewable) 1/

Background Information

The main purpose of this post is to strengthen, at all levels, the capacity of UNFPA to respond to humanitarian emergencies including preparedness in the Africa Region.
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Organizational Setting

Under the guidance and operational direction of the Director/Deputy Director of the Regional Office and in consultation with Chief, Humanitarian Response Unit (HRU), the Programme Specialist for Humanitarian Response is the focal point in the Regional Office for humanitarian issues in the region. S/he is the principal advisor at the regional level for humanitarian issues and works in an integrated manner with the other technical and programme staff in the RO.
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Main Tasks & Responsibilties

• Manages the delivery of strategic technical support to the Regional Office, with HRU collaboration, in strengthening and promoting regional and national activities to enhance the capacity of country offices and civil societies to plan for and respond to humanitarian crises and post-conflict situations;
• As part of institutional knowledge network, provide leadership, management advice and strategic support and guidance in identification and synthesis of technical information and programme experience within regional and national programmes, focusing on the risks factors for crisis development and impact of crises and displacement on reproductive health and on gender and population data dimensions of humanitarian situations;
• Provide liaison and information sharing on political developments, humanitarian and post-conflict situations and activities, through close collaboration with HRU and participation in interagency fora such as IASC and OCHA briefings and thematic and country-focussed meetings;
• Identify policy gaps and provide technical support and guidance in the development of UNFPA programmes in crisis and post-conflict situations, with special attention to women, youth, civil society and communities;
• Participate in and represent the Regional Office in UNFPA-wide initiatives in humanitarian response and post-conflict programming;
• Contribute analytical inputs for UNFPA programmes and activities within the Common Country Assessment (CCA) and United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), Common Humanitarian Action Plans (CHAPS) and Transition Frameworks, including inclusion of conflict prevention strategies at the country and regional level;
• Contribute to the development of UNFPA’s various regional and sub-regional strategies with a view to supporting country and regional programmes in the consistent integration of participatory approaches for women and youth in conflict prevention and the promotion of peace and security as well as to provision of quality reproductive health care for especially vulnerable populations;
• Assist with review of country-level Consolidated Appeals and with resource mobilization strategies for such appeals;
• Build strategic partnerships to assist project implementation, technical capacity building, and resource mobilization;
• Identify opportunities, key entry points, partners and approaches for mainstreaming reproductive health, gender, and data issues into humanitarian response and post-conflict transitions through consultations and collaboration with relevant UN entities (UN/DPA, DPKO, OCHA, UNDP, WHO, UNICEF, UNIFEM, UN Women and UNHCR), intergovernmental organizations, various donors, foundations academic and institutional think-tanks, and civil society organizations;
• Develop an early warning mechanism aimed at promoting timely response of Country Offices for better preparedness in the countries;
• Undertake other duties as required within the framework of the Programme.
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Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university in Social Science, Public Health, International Development or related disciplines with proven competence in programme management and monitoring, advocacy and communications.      
• Seven years of relevant experience, with 3 years at the international level.
• Specialized knowledge in either reproductive health, gender or population and development in combination with some experience working in emergencies or humanitarian settings.
• Full proficiency in English and French (for understanding, drafting and speaking).
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Required Competencies

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Values/Guiding Principles
• Performance management
• Developing People/Fostering Innovation and Empowerment
• Working in teams
• Communicating information and ideas/Knowledge Sharing
• Self-management/Emotional intelligence and Conflict Management/Negotiating and Resolving Disagreements
• Analytical and Strategic Thinking/Results Orientation/Commitment to Excellence

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:


• Conceptual Innovation in the provision of technical expertise
• Leveraging the resources of national governments & partners/Building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Job knowledge/Technical expertise
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UNFPA Work Environment

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.
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Compensation and Benefits

This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post. The package includes a competitive net salary plus cost of living adjustment, housing allowance, home leave, health insurance and other benefits.
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Closing Statement

Notice: UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

This is a project funded post.
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Disclaimer

WARNING TO APPLICANTS: UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. Should you feel that you have received a fraudulent notice, letter or offer that makes use of the name or logo of UNFPA, you may submit a report through the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm
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1/ No expectancy of renewal in accordance with UN Staff Regulations 4.5