Humanitarian Coordinator, Bangui, Central African Republic, P-4

The Position:

Under the overall guidance of the Representative and the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative, the Humanitarian Coordinator will assist the Country Office in the planning, coordination and implementation of humanitarian interventions, including rapid assessments, resource mobilization, and technical areas of intervention. The thematic focus of the humanitarian support will be centered on Sexual and Reproductive Health, Gender Based Violence, Youth and Data. The post is based in Bangui-Central African Republic; with frequent travels within the country.
 

The incumbent will ensure effective and efficient coordination, programmatic and operational support to UNFPA’s humanitarian programming and response in CAR as relevant, supporting CO in implementing the Country Programme.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The humanitarian situation in CAR is marked by high levels of instability due to recurrent conflicts, which along with repeated natural catastrophes and high levels of food insecurity have increased the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance and forced/prolonged displacement. According to 2024 HNO,2,8 million people need humanitarian assistance in CAR, including more than half a million living as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), living in majority within host communities, and 672,000 women of reproductive age. The 2024 humanitarian response plan for CAR aims to reach 1.9 million people with a funding appeal
of $ 367 millions. CAR is also impacted by the ongoing fight in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted on 15 April 2023 and the recurrent fighting in Chad caused by the incursions of a Chadian armed group that was forced in April 2023. The fighting in Sudan and Chad have forced thousands of people to seek refuge in CAR. The approach of the humanitarian community in CAR continues to consist of the provision of multisectoral and people-centered assistance to respond to the critical humanitarian needs of the vulnerable people in CAR with more focus on the people and communities with the most severe levels of food insecurity, those affected or at risk of gender-based violence, and the IDPs, refugee and returnee communities. 

Emergency preparedness and humanitarian response was integrated within the 9th UNFPA’s country programme (2023-2027) as it is a very important function for the implementation of the CAR programme. UNFPA in line with the global strategy contributes to; strengthening national capacity to provide sexual and reproductive health services, gender based violence prevention, detection and response, and coordination in addition to adolescents and youth and production of data related to humanitarian settings.
 

Under overall guidance of the Representative and the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative, the Humanitarian Coordinator will oversee UNFPA’s humanitarian response and preparedness activities. S/he will work in close collaboration with national authorities, humanitarian agencies (UN and international NGOs) and national partners and civil society organizations to strengthen emergency preparedness and provide humanitarian assistance to crisis affected communities in a manner consistent with the methodology outlined in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Gender Handbook in Humanitarian Action. The Humanitarian Coordinator has to assure coordination and linkages between regular and emergency programme and to ensure integration of UNFPA mandate within all resilience strategic plans.

You would be responsible for:

To ensure timely implementation, responsibilities and tasks of the Humanitarian Coordinator, may include, but are not limited to the following:

A. Coordination of the CO humanitarian interventions

• Coordinate the implementation of humanitarian interventions as outlined in Humanitarian Appeal; and lead the provision of UNFPA inputs in the development of inter-agency, humanitarian appeals and other programming instruments, in line with the UNFPA Strategic Plan.
• Play a leading role in humanitarian preparedness and response at national level and participate and / or represent and / or coordinate for UNFPA in the humanitarian inter-agency/inter-cluster meetings as needed in CAR (specifically Health, Protection, GBV sub-cluster, Cash and other clusters as needed), noting that UNFPA is leading GBV AoR in CAR and leads the RH Working Group under the Health Cluster, for the SRHiE programming including for RH supplies.
• Work as an integrated senior member as part of the Country Office on internal coordination of humanitarian initiatives, especially establishing strong inter-linkages between national CO capacities and related national and international staff especially for technical and programmatic areas.
• Leads the capacity development of the Country Office to ensure efficient delivery of humanitarian programs on key humanitarian thematic such as IASC guidelines, humanitarian response management.
• Oversee and facilitate the update of the CO’s emergency preparedness plans (MPAs) and contingency plan and support expediting response in the event of an emergency/post-crisis.
• Coordinate and lead on CO humanitarian preparedness initiatives such as establishing arrangements for supplies to the last mile, ICT transport and security.
• Advise the Rapid Response Mechanism to integrate SRHR/GBV components in their response.
• Participate and / or represent UNFPA in UN inter-agency meetings for humanitarian and security crisis management (HCT, SMT) as needed and upon request by the Representative.
• Coordinate and provide strategic leadership support for strategic planning related to Disaster Risk Preparedness and Reduction, monitoring of the humanitarian situation and assessments.
• Regularly liaise with relevant HQ units and WCARO (especially the Programme and Humanitarian Support Team) to provide updates and troubleshoot issues as needed.

B. Strategy, Leadership, Management, and UN Reform

• Working closely with and in support of the Representative and Deputy Representative, lead the positioning of UNFPA on strategic and substantive issues in the Country, guided by UNFPA global and regional policies and strategies
• Scan national, regional and global environments, assess implications for the work of the Fund in the Country, take action and/or advise the Representative accordingly.
• Identify UNFPA’s comparative advantage and identify specific roles and contributions in the national development agenda.
• Informed by thorough analysis of data, advise the Representative on policy, strategies, and direction of programmes to accelerate attainment of ICPD and UNFPA transformative goals in the Country.
• Support advocacy and policy dialogue for concerted action by the international community, the UN System and national counterparts on critical issues related to population dynamics, sexual and reproductive health and rights, women and girls’ rights, adolescents and youth development, ensuring that they are adequately reflected in national priorities, development frameworks, and United Nations Sustainable Development framework in the Country, UNSDCF.
• Represent UNFPA as appropriate/delegated, in organizational, regional, global, public information/relations events and key meetings to contribute to strategic discussions on programming issues, policy dialogue, discuss initiatives, report on progress achieved, present papers/ideas and/or advocate UNFPA’s vision in the Country that is consistent with UNFPA’s Strategic Plan and supportive of national development goals and priorities.
• Actively support the UN Reform process; proactively participate in interagency Programme Management Team in the absence of the Deputy Representative and ensure that UNFPA is adequately represented in relevant technical thematic groups.
• In the absence of the Representative and the Deputy Representative, attend on behalf of UNFPA, the UN Country Team (UNCT) meeting, collaborate with the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) and UN system partners to strengthen UN system interagency coherence, collaboration, cooperation and harmonization of programming, common services and operations. Ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UN Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF) planning and priority setting in the Country.
• Actively promote effective coordination, cooperation and collaboration with other UN agencies, promoting and facilitating a system of mutual accountability for UNSDF results.

C. Assessment and Planning:

• Provide strategic and substantive inputs to the CO in preparing different strategies for and responses to the multiple crises in CAR.
• In close collaboration with the CO M&E colleagues responsible for assessment and planning processes, including engagement in Rapid Humanitarian multi-sectoral integrated Assessments/MIRA, Flash Appeal/Strategic Response Plan Revision, UNFPA’s Emergency Response Plan, Supply Strategy, Integrated M&E Plan, setting up Humanitarian Program Monitoring and Evaluation systems etc.
• Ensure that the needs and assessment outcomes are analyzed and addressed appropriately in the Humanitarian Framework.
• Provide strategic advice and lead on the environment and humanitarian scan of the situation and actors for possible partnerships and strengthening collaboration with ongoing humanitarian actors.
• Coordinate and provide strategic inputs to monthly CO humanitarian analysis, documentation of lessons learnt regarding SRHR/GBV/Youth in emergency programme and coordination actions.

D. Programmatic and operational support to emergency response:

• Coordinate and provide strategic inputs in the CO preparation of humanitarian strategy including key deliverables in the first 48 hours of an emergency (ie: internal SitReps, CERF and key bilateral donor proposals, contacting IPs, planning with CO team on response, etc.).
• Lead the CO on expediting CERF and other non-core humanitarian funds implementation – assist with planning for activities, working with partners in various areas.

E. Communication:

• Provide strategic advice and substantive inputs to the CO (especially the communications team) in preparation of any external communications materials as needed including external SitReps, UNFPA statement, key advocacy messages and plan of action, fact sheets as well as internal information briefs for HQ units, HRD, ASRO and other as needed.

F. Partnership and Resource Mobilization:

• Lead/Support Cluster/Sector and UNCT Coordination in the hubs as necessary for UNFPA supported humanitarian initiatives.
• Maintain a close collaboration with humanitarian actors, including with government, UN, civil society organizations.
• Reinforce/develop strategic partnerships with potential donors and private organizations engaged in the humanitarian response.
• Initiate and provide support in resource mobilization efforts for the CO’s humanitarian initiatives
• Engage in humanitarian funding discussions and ensure the production of funding proposals and meet donor reporting requirements as needed.

G. Advice on procedures in place for the humanitarian response:

• Document lessons learnt and prepare handover notes.
• Undertake field travel to crisis affected areas, as needed and dependent on the security situation.
• Ensure the development and endorsement by Headquarters of Fast Track Procedure (FTP) to facilitate financial and administrative management in emergencies.

Perform any other duties as required by the Country Representative, and the Deputy Representative.

• line with the Global GBV AoR guidelines
   

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Advanced university degree in Humanitarian Assistance, Public Health, Social Sciences, Demography, Gender and/or other related fields.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• At least 7 years of relevant experience preferably in humanitarian affairs, emergency relief management, public health or other related areas, prior experience in the region is an asset.
• Experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, humanitarian programming and coordination
• Strong knowledge of humanitarian context, humanitarian architecture, the IASC guidance and roles/responsibilities of humanitarian actors.
• Experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of humanitarian programming and coordination.
• Proven management, coordination and of programme development skills, Analytical and strategic thinking, results oriented, commitment to excellence and able to work efficiently under high pressure.
• Excellent leadership, coordination and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work as part of a diverse team, including with team members based in other countries and/or organizations.
• Understanding of international humanitarian, development, migration and refugee frameworks and architecture.
• Experience of managing humanitarian grants or familiarity with requirements of institutional donors such as CERF, USAID, ECHO…
• Proven management, coordination and budget monitoring of humanitarian programming and development skills,
• Analytical and strategic thinking, results oriented, commitment to excellence and able to work efficiently under high pressure. Ability to deal with difficult, complex work situations
• Must have political sensitivity and excellent diplomatic skills, be able to quickly understand and adapt to context and factors that might enable positive collaboration and coordination and be willing to seek regular guidance from country office leadership on these matters
• Track record of building strategic alliances and partnerships, strong communication and networking skills; strong organizational skills,
• Appropriate and transparent decision-making abilities,
• Knowledge and understanding of UN humanitarian relief operations and procedures,
• Good level of emotional intelligence, empathy, and conflict management as well as negotiating skills, Experience in the UN system would be an asset.

Languages: 

• Fluency in English and French is required.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Compensation and Benefits:

 This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
 

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.