UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Click here to experience our country through the perspective of our colleagues by clicking on this Link

For every child, dedication

In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children’s rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally – click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/.

Organizational Context and Purpose for the job

In Northwest Nigeria, an estimated 600,000 people remain internally displaced as a result of armed violence – locally referred to as banditry – across five of the seven states of that geo-political zone. Climate shocks, such as flooding have become more frequent and intense in Nigeria, including in Northwest Nigeria. Accordingly, Nigeria was affected by the most devastating floods in a decade in 2022. Infectious disease outbreaks also affect this region regularly, with Northwest Nigeria having been the epicenter of a large diphtheria outbreak in 2023. This is partially due to the high number of children who have never been vaccinated. Violence-driven humanitarian needs in the Northwest exacerbate pre-existing challenges marked by poverty related to chronic underdevelopment, population growth, and climate change. https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general supervision of the Chief of Field Office, the Emergency Officer – Preparedness, will strengthen government as well as internal UNICEF preparedness as pertains to all 7 Northwest states. The officer will further lead/support emergency responses in the Northwest, in terms of coordination, reporting, and technical advice. Finally, coordination will also be required at the inter-agency level.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Emergency Preparedness: Supports the risk analysis and trends analysis on drivers of humanitarian needs, to ensure that emergency preparedness is fit-for-purpose; leads on project-specific government preparedness initiatives, such as multi-sectoral coordination, contingency planning, and capacity-building; supports the Emergency Manager on Northwest inter-agency coordination, including on analysis and note-taking; coordinates as well as researches input on the Northwest for humanitarian reports; and contributes to fundraising activities and grant management related to the Northwest.

2. Emergency Response: In the event of an emergency and in consultation with sections and field offices, assess security situation and humanitarian access; leads inter-sectoral needs assessments, including on design, data collection, and analysis; coordinates emergency responses, including by drafting sitreps with input from various sections; and providing technical advice.

3. Operational readiness: Concludes contingency programme documents with civil society organizations and activates these partnerships as relevant; organizes internal capacity-building and simulations on preparedness and response; drafts internal preparedness action plans and follows up on pending actions.

4. Undertake field visits as needed to monitor program implementation, and thereby ensure accountability.

5. Perform other duties within reason, as needed.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

University degree in one of the following fields: social sciences, public administration, international law, international relations, international development, economics, business administration or other related disciplines.

Experience:

A minimum of two years of professional experience at the national and international levels in programme/project development, and/or humanitarian coordination.

Government engagement experience on issues related to humanitarian principles and humanitarian coordination is highly desirable.

Work experience in an emergency context is an asset.

Ability to take initiative, work independently, identify solutions to overcome bottlenecks, and deliver high-quality results on time. Ability to multi-task and work under tight deadlines.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you will demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

• The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
• Builds and maintains partnerships (II)
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (II)
• Drive to achieve results (II)
• Innovates and embraces change (II)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (II)
• Thinks and acts strategically (II)
• Works collaboratively with others (II)
• Nurtures, Leads, and Manages People (II)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.