Programme Associate, G-6, Fixed Term Position

The Programme Associate (Emergency Operations Center) provides real-time support to UNICEF staff globally by monitoring emergency developments, producing information products, and ensuring 24/7 coverage through rotating shifts. The role supports crisis communication, coordination, and internal operations within the Office of Emergency Operations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 24/7 emergency information and communication services to UNICEF personnel and offices worldwide, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and operational relevance.
• Produce high-quality information products and data visualizations to support OPSCEN’s crisis communication and coordination functions, enabling informed decision-making by senior leadership.
• Contribute to the smooth functioning and continuous improvement of OPSCEN’s internal operations and workflows.
• Monitor global media, emergency and security platforms, as well as alert systems to detect and assess events with potential humanitarian or security implications for UNICEF operations and personnel.
• Issue timely and accurate real-time information products and updates on unfolding or critical incidents/events to relevant stakeholders at UNICEF country, regional, and HQ levels.
• Produce and disseminate regular media monitoring products, emergency briefs, and data visualization products such as maps and infographics.
• Support the Information Management Officer in knowledge management, dissemination, and archiving of emergency and security information and data.
• Provide immediate, 24/7 emergency assistance to UNICEF offices and personnel globally via phone, email and other communication methods, including referral to appropriate focal points for further support and ensuring timely follow up.
• Coordinate with field-based security professionals or focal points to verify the safety of UNICEF staff and dependents following critical emergency or security events.
• Coordinate emergency management team meetings by scheduling sessions, sending invitations and agendas, distributing supporting materials, and facilitating videoconferences.
• Implement business continuity procedures upon activation by the UNICEF Crisis Management Team to ensure uninterrupted functioning of OPSCEN.
• Maintain and update internal databases and emergency mailing/distribution lists.
• Assist in developing and implementing the quarterly Emergency Watch Associate rotational shift schedule to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 coverage.
• Support onboarding and training of new staff, consultants, or volunteers on Watch functions.
• Participate in team knowledge-sharing activities including documentation of operational best practices and lessons learned.
• Support OPSCEN management in briefings by providing contextual input on OPSCEN’s role, functions and services.
• Demonstrate strong client service orientation and professional communication skills, engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders including senior leadership.

Requirements

• Completion of secondary education is required.
• At least 6 years of relevant administrative or clerical work experience is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• Experience in related functional areas such as Information, Media & Public Relations Support; Protective & Security Services; Executive, Secretarial & Office Support is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Prior experience in an emergency or security operations center is a strong asset.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

Skills

• Administrative Support
• Clerical Work
• Information Management
• Media Support
• Public Relations Support
• Protective Services
• Security Services
• Executive Support
• Secretarial Support
• Office Support
• Emergency Operations Center Coordination
• Crisis Communication
• Coordination
• Shift work
• Monitoring Emergency Developments
• Information Product Production

Languages

English