Burkina Faso: Humanitarian Coordinator

According to a recent report released by the Norwegian Refugee Council, Burkina Faso had the fastest growing displacement crisis in 2019 with over 560,000 internally displaced persons. It is estimated that this number will jump to over 900,000 by April 2020.

Armed groups clashes have resulted in the stigmatization of some ethnic groups. This situation is a source of mistrust, tensions, inter-ethnic incidents and psychosis that also generate displacement. This situation is mostly affecting women and children and is expected to worsen. As of September 2019, 85% of IDPs are women and girls; 53% are children.The Sahel and North Central regions are the most affected with 88.4% of IDPs. Women and girls among IDPs and migrants are exposed to the risks of sexual violence, human trafficking and the adoption of negative coping mechanisms such as sex for survival as well as early and forced marriage to contribute to the economic needs of households. Considering the approach based on access to services, GBV cases are reported.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Burkina Faso Country Office (CO) Representative and /or Head of Office, and the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative, the incumbent will assist the Burkina Faso CO in the planning, coordination and implementation of humanitarian interventions, including rapid assessments, programme development and implementation. The incumbent will provide direct support to the CO and affected populations by the ongoing conflict in the acute response phase and, in consultation with the Representative and the Deputy Representative, will closely work with national authorities, humanitarian agencies, civil society and local counterparts to provide humanitarian assistance to the crisis affected communities in a manner consistent with the methodology outlined in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Cluster system and Humanitarian Programme Cycle (https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/programme-cycle)

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The scope of the activities listed below may vary depending on the length of assignment and phase of the crisis.

Programme Development and Implementation

• Ensure inclusion of RH, GBV, and gender concerns in joint UNCT/UNDAC missions and other rapid assessments in close collaboration with RH and GBV officers.
• Advise the UNFPA CO and sub-Office Coordinator (when applicable); assist in the preparation for and participate in coordination meetings relating to emergency response, and ensure follow up.
• Support the development of CERF, Flash Appeal proposals and ensure quality review.
• Coordinate the implementation of the UNFPA Standards Operating Procedures for humanitarian settings.
• Liaise with UNFPA ROs, SROs and HQ units to share information, provide necessary updates and seek guidance as necessary.
• Identify areas of collaboration with humanitarian agencies and national counterparts to address RH, HIV/AIDS, youth, gender and GBV issues in their plans, and programmes.
• Liaise with community organizations, faith-based organizations, and community leaders to increase their participation in the process of planning, monitoring and evaluating activities.
• Participate in CO and other cluster/ inter-agency meetings as needed.

Rapid Assessments/field visits

• As appropriate, participate in /ensure inclusion of UNFPA’s core Areas of Responsibility in rapid field/needs assessments of the crisis-affected populations.
• If applicable, visit IDPs and host communities and conduct in-depth interviews with community leaders, and other agencies present on the ground to gather information on the immediate needs of the people and the services to be provided.
• Undertake missions and assessments as appropriate to recommend strategic approaches and to address issues, such as RH, HIV/AIDS, gender, GBV, mental health and psychosocial issues, data and young people.

Orientation / Training

• Orient Country Office on Humanitarian Reform and UNFPA’s role within the reform, especially as it relates to the Cluster Approach and the contents CERF Life-Saving Criteria and provide overall orientation on UNFPA’s humanitarian mandate and Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Familiarize/orient the CO with existing rapid needs assessment tools.
• Familiarize/ Orient the CO staff with existing UNFPA emergency procedures.

Coordination

• As requested, coordinate CO’s various interventions and represent UNFPA at Cluster / Working Group coordination meetings to share knowledge and ensure comprehensive understanding.
• Ensure inclusion of UNFPA mandate through participation in existing Clusters, and/or, if appropriate, assist in the establishment of working groups to address RH, GBV and gender.
• Liaise with other sectors/Clusters (such as health, protection, WASH, camp management, education, logistics, early recovery) to ensure inclusion of UNFPA’s mandate.

Communication/ Reporting

• Assist the CO in preparing relevant advocacy material and updates for relevant stakeholders and partners including donors.
• Assist in providing regular updates to OCHA and/or Cluster leads on UNFPA’s humanitarian interventions to be included in situation reports (i.e.: OCHA SitRep).
• Track and regularly update supported humanitarian interventions (i.e. status of funding proposals, distribution of supplies, training).

Resource Mobilization/Humanitarian funding

• Advocate for inclusion of ICPD PoA in emergency response and ensure UNFPA is well positioned in resource mobilization efforts, including humanitarian funding mechanisms such as Flash Appeal/ CERF).
• As necessary, identify and organize meetings with in-country donors to discuss resource mobilization.

Capacity Development

• Provide coaching to newly recruited staff and consultants, where appropriate.
• Coach and build capacity of staff members and staff of implementing partners responding to emergency/humanitarian crisis, as needed.

Any Other Duties

• Perform any other duties as required by the Representative and/or Head of Office, RO/SRO, and HQ.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Advanced technical degree preferably in medicine, public health, social sciences, humanitarian response, international relations or related field.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in coordinating, developing and implementing humanitarian interventions in crisis settings.
• Knowledge of the humanitarian reform process and roles/responsibilities of humanitarian actors.
• Strong analytical, coordination and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in French and English required.

All interested candidates, please send your CV and a brief motivational statement to UNFPA at surge@unfpa.org. Include the date of your earliest availability. In the subject line be sure to write: Burkina Faso Humanitarian Coordinator Vacancy / Relief Web