Humanitarian Preparedness and Programme Coordination

Host entity: UNFPA DJI

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Humanitarian affairs, protection

Application deadline: 20/08/2026

Mission and objectives

Le bureau pays de l'UNFPA à Djibouti agit en partenariat avec les gouvernements, d'autres institutions et la société civile afin de mettre en œuvre son mandat. Deux cadres guident notre mission: Le Programme d'action adoptée à la Conférence internationale sur la population et le développement de 1994 (CIPD) et les Objectifs de développement durable (ODD).

Les trois domaines privilégiés de notre mandat sont la santé sexuelle et reproductive, les droits de l’homme et l’égalité des sexes et les questions de population et de développement.

L'UNFPA apporte au pays son soutien technique et financier dans la collecte, l’analyse et la dissémination de données de population, afin de fournir des informations détaillées pour la planification, le suivi des progrès de façon à permettre des prises de décisions efficaces et efficients.

Assignment context

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office, the Specialist will support the Country Office to translate humanitarian preparedness requirements into practical, documented and sustainable arrangements. The assignment will focus on MISP operationalization, programme coordination, capacity development and structured handover to the designated focal point.

Task description

A. MISP Operationalization and Preparedness

The Specialist will:

· Conduct a rapid review of Country Office readiness to operationalize the MISP and identify priority technical, coordination and operational gaps.

· Develop and support implementation of a practical MISP action plan aligned with the office preparedness plan, contingency arrangements and relevant national mechanisms.

· Adapt and organize essential MISP tools, checklists, referral information, service mapping and coordination templates for use by the Country Office.

· Support preparedness for continuity of priority sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services during emergencies.

B. Programme and Humanitarian Coordination

The Specialist will:

· Clarify practical coordination roles, information flows and priority actions for the initial phase of an emergency response.

· Equip the designated focal point with coordination tools, meeting formats, action trackers, contact lists and reporting templates.

· Support engagement with relevant government, United Nations and humanitarian coordination structures, in line with the mandate and delegated authority of the Country Office.

· Strengthen linkages across programme, operations, supply, communication and monitoring, and integrate AAP and PSEA/PSEAH requirements - including safe reporting, survivor-centred referral and risk mitigation - in support of, and without replacing, the designated focal points.

C. Capacity Development and Knowledge Transfer

The Specialist will:

· Provide practical orientation, coaching and on-the-job support on the MISP and humanitarian programme coordination.

· Facilitate short learning sessions and simulation-based exercises for relevant programme and operations staff.

· Coach the designated focal point to progressively lead coordination, maintain preparedness tools and follow up agreed actions.

· Prepare a concise handover package containing validated tools, key contacts, pending actions and recommendations for continued implementation.

D. Monitoring, Documentation and Learning

The Specialist will:

· Maintain a simple implementation tracker covering actions, responsibilities, deadlines, status and evidence.

· Document progress, gaps, lessons learned and practical recommendations for management follow-up.

· Support the organization of preparedness evidence and inputs required for internal reporting and periodic MPA updates.

· Ensure that all tools and processes developed are practical, proportionate to the office capacity and usable after completion of the assignment.

5. Expected Results and Key Deliverables

· Rapid MISP and humanitarian coordination readiness review completed.

· Prioritized MISP operationalization and capacity-development plan agreed with the Country Office.

· Practical coordination toolkit developed and transferred to the designated focal point.

· Relevant staff oriented and coached through short learning sessions and at least one practical simulation or tabletop exercise.

· Preparedness action tracker and supporting evidence maintained and updated.

· Final handover note and sustainability plan completed before the end of the assignment.

Skills and experience

• At least five years of relevant experience in humanitarian preparedness, emergency programme coordination, sexual and reproductive health in emergencies or related areas.

• Demonstrated experience in MISP implementation, coordination tools, capacity development and knowledge transfer.

• Experience working with government institutions, United Nations entities, humanitarian actors or implementing partners.

• Strong ability to translate technical guidance into simple, practical and sustainable office arrangements.

• Demonstrated knowledge of PSEA/PSEAH, Accountability to Affected Populations, survivor-centred approaches and safe referral mechanisms in humanitarian settings.

*Experience with UNFPA is required.

Competencies and values

· Accountability

· Adaptability and flexibility

· Creativity

· Judgement and decision-making

· Planning and organising

· Professionalism

· Self-management

Living conditions

Djibouti is located in the Horn of Africa, at the crossroads of East Africa and the Middle East. Djibouti City is the capital and the main administrative, economic and port hub. 

Climate: hot arid desert climate. Temperatures are high throughout the year, often between 30 and 45 degrees Celsius, in particular from May to September. The cooler season runs from November to February. Rainfall is scarce and irregular. 

Population and society: the population is about 1.1 million. The vast majority is Muslim. French and Arabic are the official languages; Somali and Afar are widely spoken. 

Safety: Djibouti is generally stable and relatively safe. Petty crime can occur in urban areas. Security guidelines are issued and updated by UNDSS, and UN Volunteers are fully included in the UN security framework. 

Operating environment: Djibouti is classified as a hardship duty station. The country is exposed to recurrent drought, climate shocks and population movements, and hosts refugees and migrants from neighbouring countries. The assignment offers an enriching professional environment and requires cultural awareness, flexibility, and the willingness to live and work in demanding conditions. 

Currency: the Djiboutian Franc (DJF), with a fixed exchange rate of about 177 DJF to 1 USD. Banking and communications infrastructure are available in Djibouti City. 

Candidates are encouraged to review the full benefits and allowances for the duty station using the UVP calculator, and to consult the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers. 



You may check the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator https://app.unv.org/calculator. Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information and details.

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