ETC Preparedness and Response Officer, Vanuatu

Host entity: WFP VUT

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Emergency preparedness, crisis response, Information technology and telecommunications, Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 20/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The Pacific Island Countries and Territories are among the most disaster-prone in the world, facing frequent and compounding hazards including tropical cyclones, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis and coastal flooding.

These recurrent shocks intensify underlying structural vulnerabilities. Supply chain and logistical constraints impede emergency response, service delivery and access to markets, while under-resourced telecommunications systems limit the reach and coordination of disaster efforts.

At the same time, fragile, import-dependent food systems contribute to a growing triple burden of malnutrition (undernutrition, overnutrition or obesity, and micronutrient deficiency) and non-communicable diseases. Together, these interlinked challenges not only deepen the region’s exposure to crisis but also erode its capacity to recover. Strengthening local systems, particularly in supporting governments in managing and mitigating disasters, is therefore central to advancing resilience and reducing disaster risks across the Pacific.

The World Food Programme provides government partners with technical assistance, coordination and training in supply chain and logistics, emergency telecommunications, and food security and nutrition. We enhance access to disaster risk financing and inclusive shock-responsive social protection systems that focus on those most at risk of being left behind.

Assignment context

The Pacific Island Countries and Territories are among the most disaster-prone in the world, facing frequent and compounding hazards including tropical cyclones, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis and coastal flooding.

These recurrent shocks intensify underlying structural vulnerabilities. Supply chain and logistical constraints impede emergency response, service delivery and access to markets, while under-resourced telecommunications systems limit the reach and coordination of disaster efforts.

At the same time, fragile, import-dependent food systems contribute to a growing triple burden of malnutrition (undernutrition, overnutrition or obesity, and micronutrient deficiency) and non-communicable diseases. Together, these interlinked challenges not only deepen the region’s exposure to crisis but also erode its capacity to recover. Strengthening local systems, particularly in supporting governments in managing and mitigating disasters, is therefore central to advancing resilience and reducing disaster risks across the Pacific.

The World Food Programme provides government partners with technical assistance, coordination and training in supply chain and logistics, emergency telecommunications, and food security and nutrition. We enhance access to disaster risk financing and inclusive shock-responsive social protection systems that focus on those most at risk of being left behind.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Pacific MCO Head of TEC and Pacific ETC Coordinator based in Suva, Fiji, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Lead the implementation of Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) preparedness and resilience projects and activities in Vanuatu, ensuring alignment with national disaster risk management priorities and frameworks, particularly those of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the Department of Communication and Digital Transformation (DCDT), and addressing the country's high exposure to cyclones, volcanic activity, earthquakes, and other natural hazards.
2. Support the development, contextualization, piloting, implementation, and refinement of preparedness tools and frameworks, including preparedness assessment methodologies, the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP), national preparedness guidelines, and standard operating procedures.
3. Maintain consistent and proactive engagement with key stakeholders, including the NDMO, Department of Communications and Digital Transformation, the Telecommunications Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulator (TRBR), telecom service providers, humanitarian partners, regional organizations, and other relevant government entities, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration on emergency telecommunications preparedness and resilience.
4. In collaboration with partners, develop and regularly update an ICT Country Profile for Vanuatu, including analysis of telecommunications infrastructure, connectivity gaps, regulatory frameworks, network resilience, and the potential impact of disasters on communications systems, drawing on both desk-based research and consultations with field stakeholders and ETC partners.
5. Deploy within Vanuatu to support ETC preparedness and resilience missions, including conducting telecommunications assessments, supporting project implementation, and facilitating workshops, trainings, and simulation exercises tailored to the local context.
6. Support the management and delivery of country-level ETC preparedness initiatives, including, where relevant, Early Warnings initiatives, contributing to planning and reporting processes, and ensuring alignment with Pacific MCO strategic priorities and partner requirements.
7. Design and deliver, or support the delivery of, training programmes, workshops, and simulation exercises as a subject matter expert in emergency telecommunications preparedness, with a strong emphasis on building sustainable national capacity and supporting government ownership.
8. Facilitate capacity building of national stakeholders, including government agencies and local partners, to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and response capabilities in emergency telecommunications, including at the provincial level.
9. Represent the ETC at national events, coordination meetings, and partner forums, advocating for strengthened, inclusive, and resilient telecommunications systems and ensuring the visibility of ETC preparedness efforts in Vanuatu and the broader Pacific region.
10. In collaboration with Inter-Cluster Information Management functions in Suva, contribute to the development of knowledge products, including articles, blogs, case studies, and multimedia content, to document and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, and outcomes of preparedness activities in Vanuatu.
11. Perform other duties as required to support ETC preparedness, resilience, and coordination objectives in Vanuatu and across the Pacific region.

Skills and experience

Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills; knowledge of UN system policies and functions; proficiency in MS Office. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. Experience working with or liaising with governments, UN or regional institutions is desirable. Experience in deploying, managing and configuring satellite and radio communications assets. Experience working in the Pacific or SIDS.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living conditions

Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, is a relatively small and accessible Pacific island city with a relaxed pace of life and a strong sense of community. The security environment is generally stable, with low levels of serious crime, though petty theft can occur and routine precautions are recommended. The duty station is accessible via Bauerfield International Airport, with regular connections to regional hubs such as Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand; however, domestic travel to outer islands can be less predictable and influenced by weather conditions. The tropical climate is warm year-round, with a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Vanuatu is highly exposed to natural hazards, including cyclones, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, which can occasionally disrupt services and operations. Living conditions are generally comfortable but reflect small island constraints. The cost of living is relatively high due to reliance on imported goods, and accommodation options – typically houses or serviced apartments – can be limited, with secure housing recommended. Food is widely available, combining imported items with fresh local produce, although supply can fluctuate. Electricity, water, and telecommunications services are available in Port Vila, though outages and connectivity disruptions can occur, particularly after severe weather. Medical services are provided through a central hospital with basic to moderate capacity, and medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand may be required for more serious conditions. Banking services, including ATMs, are available, though more limited than in larger settings. Overall, Port Vila offers a manageable and supportive duty station, with some logistical challenges balanced by a welcoming environment and strong engagement with government and partners.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.