Mission and objectives

UNICEF Ethiopia is implementing a 5-year country programme 2020-2025 which is fully aligned with the UNSDCF. UNICEF will work collaboratively within the UNSDCF on a joint strategy to strengthen national systems for data collection, analysis, monitoring and applying adjustments to promote equity. Evidence will be used to monitor the situation of children, tracking progress towards equity and scale, and to inform advocacy to adjust policies, strategies and budgets. Monitoring and corrective actions will be undertaken through UNICEF staff, partners and third-party monitoring, and through mechanisms for community feedback and accountability to affected populations.

Context

The Amhara region is currently facing multiple emergencies driven by conflict, drought, public health emergencies, floods, and landslides. The Northern Ethiopia conflict has affected up to 50% of the region, displacing nearly 2.4 million people, many of whom have not received support for their return and continue to face significant challenges. In addition, 2 345 health facilities, 4 321 schools, 1 491 water sources, and other critical social services have been looted or damaged. Since July 2023, a new conflict between Fano and government forces has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, making it increasingly difficult for mothers and children to access essential and lifesaving services throughout the region. As a result of the compounded effects of conflict, drought, and other climate changes, over 700,000 children are now in need of various forms of assistance. Currently, there are 756 000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), 27 000 refugees, and more than 300 000 IDP returnees dispersed across the region, all in need of humanitarian aid. In this challenging context, UNICEF’s Amhara Field Office (FO) is actively engaged in delivering life-saving humanitarian support to vulnerable populations, protecting children’s rights, and safeguarding them from exploitation and abuse. Strengthening the capacity to provide timely and effective responses is critical to mitigate the impact of this crisis and protect women and children throughout the region. To enhance emergency response efforts in the Amhara region, the Amhara FO, with support from the country office’s Emergency team, is recruiting a National UNV Specialist (Emergency Officer). This National UNV Specialist will be based in the Amhara region and will provide essential support in emergency response planning, implementation, and building community resilience.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Emergency Specialist, the UN Volunteer, Emergency officer will perform the following tasks: * Emergency Planning and Response: The Emergency Officer will assist the development and implementation of emergency response plans in coordination with UNICEF teams, government counterparts, and humanitarian partners. * Strengthen Coordination: Support coordination with local authorities, humanitarian partners, and other stakeholders to ensure an integrated response. Facilitate communication to ensure timely emergency response is in place. * Field Monitoring and Reporting: Conduct regular field visits to monitor the situation on the ground, assess the impact of interventions, and gather data to inform program adjustments. Assist in data collection and analysis to monitor the humanitarian situation based on key emergency indicators ensuring accurate and timely information is available for decision-making. Prepare situation reports, updates, and briefing notes for the UNICEF Amhara Field Office and share to country office. * Strengthen Community Engagement during emergency: Work with local communities to build resilience and promote disaster preparedness, ensuring that interventions are community-driven and sustainable.

Competencies and values

• Works collaboratively with others. • Drive to achieve results for impact. • Builds and maintains partnerships. • Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Professionalism

Living conditions and remarks

The UNV Emergency Officer is expected to reside in Bahir Dar with frequent travel to other zones and weredas depending on the demand of the UNICEF Amhara filed office response priority for children and women. The living situation for Bahir Dar is as follows. Bahir Dar Town: is the Capital of the Amhara Region, on the shores of Lake Tana. There are Variety of housing options, including apartments and guesthouses with basic to good amenities. There are also a number of health facilities for health care and Malaria precautions are advised. The Climate of Bahir Dar is a Mild tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 27°C. Rainy season from June to September. Bahir Dar has a good road network, with minibuses and taxis and it has also Bahir Dar Airport offering flights to major cities. The security situation has become volatile since the start of the Northern Ethiopia conflict. Nowadays different types of crimes including petty theft can occur. Dessie Town: is in the highlands of the Amhara Region, relatively smaller than Bahir Dar in terms of physical structure and land area. But the business activities are even better than Bahir dar. There are different types of basic housing options including hotels and guesthouses for accommodation. Dessie is known for its hospitality and a very good social life. There are a variety of options for health care services with several private hospitals and clinics. The climate of Dessie is cooler, with highland climate temperatures between 10°C and 24 °C. Nights can be cold, and there is a rainy season from June to September. Transport access to different zones and neighboring regions including Addis Ababa is well accessible. There is a functional road network, bus, and minibus transport. There is also an airport at Kombolcha which is 20 kilometres from Dessie. The security situation is relatively stable but with occasional concerns due to proximity to conflict-prone areas. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”