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UNFPA-Emergency Response and RH Coordinator-P4-Bangui, CAR
Bangui, CARPosition Title: Emergency Response and Reproductive Health Coordinator
Receiving Agency: UNFPA
P Level: P4
Location: Bangui, CAR
Duration: 6 months
Language: Fluency in French and English is required.
Background Description of Emergency / Justification for Request (Please provide a short paragraph outlining the prevailing humanitarian situation and context and why this justifies the role.)
Security Situation Summary in country and main threats: (i.e armed conflict, terrorism, crime, social unrest, hazard)
The evolving security landscape and tensions in neighboring countries continue to generate critical vulnerabilities and urgent needs in 2024. Despite an improvement in the security situation in several areas, it remains volatile and marked by sporadic clashes between groups. Armed forces and the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) supported by other security personnel. There remain three hotbeds of tension in 2024, namely in the northeast, the northwest and the southeast. The number of people affected by conflicts and violence fell by 13% (184,381 people between September 2022 and October 2023 compared to 161,049 for the same period in 2024). The rise in insecurity in Sudan and tensions in southern Chad have led to the arrival of refugees, asylum seekers and returnees to already fragile and vulnerable areas.
The increased use of explosive devices is restricting humanitarian access and the movement of civilians in several areas. Accidents involving landmines and other explosive devices have taken on increasingly significant proportions in CAR since 2021, particularly in the west of the country. Over the period October 2023 - September 2024, 79 incidents linked to explosive devices were recorded and civilians were the main victims. From January to September 2024, 12 people, including 11 civilians, were killed in 38 incidents and accidents involving explosive devices. In 2023, 27 people, including 19 civilians, were killed in 82 incidents and accidents involving explosive devices. The latter significantly limits humanitarian access in a context already marked by access restrictions.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: We ask Country offices to review the list of duties and responsibilities and make appropriate amendments where necessary,
Emergency Response Planning
MISP Rollout and Programme Implementation:
Partnership:
Rapid Assessments/field visits
Orientation / Training
Coordination
Communication/ Reporting
Resource Mobilization/Humanitarian funding
Capacity Development
Any Other Duties
Qualifications and Skills Required:
Receiving Agency: UNFPA
P Level: P4
Location: Bangui, CAR
Duration: 6 months
Language: Fluency in French and English is required.
Background Description of Emergency / Justification for Request (Please provide a short paragraph outlining the prevailing humanitarian situation and context and why this justifies the role.)
The socio-economic and political crisis in the Central African Republic is at the root of a protracted humanitarian and protection crisis of great magnitude. It is marked by population movements and increasingly important needs to be covered in order to help save lives and restore the dignity of those affected. The combination of persistent structural and economic factors, and the upsurge in areas of armed conflict contribute to the aggravation of the level of vulnerability of the populations. At the same time, the country is dealing with the consequences of climate change and the health pandemic such as monkey Pox.
More than half of these IDPs are women and children living in an environment and living conditions that are not conducive to the protection of their human rights. This situation is reinforced by socio-cultural norms that are unfavorable to women and girls, despite the existence of policies and normative texts in this area.
The Central African Republic (CAR) is experiencing prolonged instability due to several years of political, security and humanitarian crises (linked to insecurity, prolonged displacement and flooding among others). In 2025, 2.3 million people – 38 percent of the Central African population – will be extremely vulnerable, to the point that humanitarian assistance alone will not be enough for their well-being. Over the projected period 2023-2025, around 70 percent of Central Africans live below the poverty line (less than US$2.15) making the CAR one of the 10 poorest countries in the world. However, poverty levels vary considerably between regions (74% of the population in rural areas compared to 61% in urban areas). This situation not only contributes to amplifying the consequences of even small-scale shocks on the experiences of populations, but also to exacerbating the vulnerability of households with limited resilience capacities. In addition, the realities of structural needs inherent to the context continue to negatively impact the lives of populations accumulating multiple levels of vulnerability.
Discrimination against women/girls and people with disabilities, reinforced by socio-cultural norms, represents a considerable obstacle to the full participation of women and girls in social and economic life and exacerbates their vulnerabilities, their needs and their resilience to shocks. Gender gaps contribute to high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) including 34% of cases reported as rape. 96% of GBV survivors are mainly women and girls according to data from the GBV information management system (GBVIMS).
Added to this are human rights violations linked to conflicts with nearly 2,900 incidents of violations affecting 4,390 victims recorded nationally between October 2023 and September 2024 (i.e. an increase of 36% in violation cases and 4 % of victims), including cases of conflict-related sexual violence (CSV), an increase of 66% of cases recorded during the above period mentioned, impacting only women and girls according to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). In addition, in remote areas that are difficult to access and marked by the presence of armed groups, the illiteracy rate of women and girls is estimated at 90 percent.
The maternal mortality in CAR is among the highest in the world at 835 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The risk of contracting HIV and AIDS is also a big concern, especially among young people and adolescents due to unprotected and high-risk sexual activities (2.7% among all population and 1.2% among youth (15-24).
More than half of these IDPs are women and children living in an environment and living conditions that are not conducive to the protection of their human rights. This situation is reinforced by socio-cultural norms that are unfavorable to women and girls, despite the existence of policies and normative texts in this area.
The Central African Republic (CAR) is experiencing prolonged instability due to several years of political, security and humanitarian crises (linked to insecurity, prolonged displacement and flooding among others). In 2025, 2.3 million people – 38 percent of the Central African population – will be extremely vulnerable, to the point that humanitarian assistance alone will not be enough for their well-being. Over the projected period 2023-2025, around 70 percent of Central Africans live below the poverty line (less than US$2.15) making the CAR one of the 10 poorest countries in the world. However, poverty levels vary considerably between regions (74% of the population in rural areas compared to 61% in urban areas). This situation not only contributes to amplifying the consequences of even small-scale shocks on the experiences of populations, but also to exacerbating the vulnerability of households with limited resilience capacities. In addition, the realities of structural needs inherent to the context continue to negatively impact the lives of populations accumulating multiple levels of vulnerability.
Discrimination against women/girls and people with disabilities, reinforced by socio-cultural norms, represents a considerable obstacle to the full participation of women and girls in social and economic life and exacerbates their vulnerabilities, their needs and their resilience to shocks. Gender gaps contribute to high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) including 34% of cases reported as rape. 96% of GBV survivors are mainly women and girls according to data from the GBV information management system (GBVIMS).
Added to this are human rights violations linked to conflicts with nearly 2,900 incidents of violations affecting 4,390 victims recorded nationally between October 2023 and September 2024 (i.e. an increase of 36% in violation cases and 4 % of victims), including cases of conflict-related sexual violence (CSV), an increase of 66% of cases recorded during the above period mentioned, impacting only women and girls according to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). In addition, in remote areas that are difficult to access and marked by the presence of armed groups, the illiteracy rate of women and girls is estimated at 90 percent.
The maternal mortality in CAR is among the highest in the world at 835 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The risk of contracting HIV and AIDS is also a big concern, especially among young people and adolescents due to unprotected and high-risk sexual activities (2.7% among all population and 1.2% among youth (15-24).
Security Situation Summary in country and main threats: (i.e armed conflict, terrorism, crime, social unrest, hazard)
The evolving security landscape and tensions in neighboring countries continue to generate critical vulnerabilities and urgent needs in 2024. Despite an improvement in the security situation in several areas, it remains volatile and marked by sporadic clashes between groups. Armed forces and the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) supported by other security personnel. There remain three hotbeds of tension in 2024, namely in the northeast, the northwest and the southeast. The number of people affected by conflicts and violence fell by 13% (184,381 people between September 2022 and October 2023 compared to 161,049 for the same period in 2024). The rise in insecurity in Sudan and tensions in southern Chad have led to the arrival of refugees, asylum seekers and returnees to already fragile and vulnerable areas.
The increased use of explosive devices is restricting humanitarian access and the movement of civilians in several areas. Accidents involving landmines and other explosive devices have taken on increasingly significant proportions in CAR since 2021, particularly in the west of the country. Over the period October 2023 - September 2024, 79 incidents linked to explosive devices were recorded and civilians were the main victims. From January to September 2024, 12 people, including 11 civilians, were killed in 38 incidents and accidents involving explosive devices. In 2023, 27 people, including 19 civilians, were killed in 82 incidents and accidents involving explosive devices. The latter significantly limits humanitarian access in a context already marked by access restrictions.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: We ask Country offices to review the list of duties and responsibilities and make appropriate amendments where necessary,
Emergency Response Planning
- Utilizing the EPP tools, the incumbent is expected to develop the UNFPA strategic and functional response plan as well monitoring and coordinating the implementation
- Ensure inclusion of SRH, GBV, and gender concerns in joint missions and other rapid assessments in close collaboration with SRH and GBV officers.
- Advise the UNFPA RO, COs 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.
- Liaise with UNFPA ROs, SROs and HQ units to share information, provide necessary updates and seek guidance as necessary.
- Participate in RO and COs’ and other cluster/ inter-agency meetings as needed.
MISP Rollout and Programme Implementation:
- Conduct/Lead rapid assessment/s of SRH needs of the affected population
- Co-lead with national partners the RH technical working group under the Health Cluster that has been established for the response
- In coordination with the Logistics/Procurement officer, S/he needs to ensure the availability of emergency RH kits, equipment and medical supplies; and support the development of a distribution plan to meet the needs of implementing partners of other identified NGOs for RH services, monitor distribution and ensure utilization reporting.
- Based on MISP projection and rapid assessment findings, implement the MISP (Minimum
- Initial Service Package) through RH working group implementing partners
- Oversee (with the M&E officer) the monitoring of MISP implementation.
- Initiate and coordinate training sessions on SRH in emergencies (for health care providers, community services officers, security personnel, refugee/IDP population, host population, etc.).
- Assist in developing/adapting protocols in coordination with the RH specialist for selected areas in programme coordination (such as syndromic case management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), referral for emergency obstetric care, midwifery, fistula repair, medical response to survivors of rape, counselling and family planning services, etc.).
- Coach and support CO staff and partners to strengthen the implementation of MISP – sexual and reproductive health priorities and to assess progress towards achievement with technical tools and approaches, and to accelerate implementation of activities funded through CERF and UNFPA Emergency Response Fund.
- Provide inputs for SitReps and other communication products, as required.
- Ensure an effective response that integrates SRH (including ASRH), GBV and data interventions.
- Develop an exit strategy, which includes the transition to evidence-based, comprehensive SRH programmes with the support of the SRH Coordinator.
Partnership:
- Ensure with the SRH Coordinator that theSRH needs are addressed within the Health cluster and within OCHA Situation Reports.
- Maintain working relationship and share relevant information with UN Health Cluster
- Liaise with UNHCR to provide SRH services and commodities (MH lifesaving medicines, contraceptives, male and female condoms under the existing UNHCR condom partnership, etc.) for IDP, refugee populations.
- Support the SRH Coordinator and the GBV Specialist to establish strong linkages between existing SRH and GBV programmes with regard to the health sector response for survivors of sexual violence.
Rapid Assessments/field visits
- 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 SRH, gender, GBV, mental health and psychosocial issues, data and young people.
Orientation / Training
- Orient Country Office staff on the Humanitarian Reset 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 EPP timeline deliverables.
- Familiarize/orient the Country Office with existing rapid needs assessment tools.
- Familiarize/ Orient the Country Offices 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 SRH, 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 RO and 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
- SupportUNFPA in resource mobilization efforts, including humanitarian funding mechanisms such as Flash Appeal/ CERF).
- As necessary, identify and organize meetings with in-country donors to advocate for resource mobilization.
- Coordinate the implementation of EF/HTF funding allocated for the emergency response.
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 crises, 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 public health, social sciences, humanitarian response, international relations or related field.
- At least seven years of experience in coordinating, developing and implementing humanitarian interventions in crisis settings.
- Strong SRH in the Emergency background is an advantage.
- Knowledge of the humanitarian architecture and systems, and roles/responsibilities of humanitarian actors.
- Strong analytical, coordination and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in French with strong knowledge of English
CANADEM and its partners have a no-tolerance policy for inaction to prevent, respond to and follow up on alleged cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). For this reason, we adhere to all policies, procedures and training of the United Nations on The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). CANADEM mandates all deployees successfully complete the PSEA online course. This e-learning course is composed of a set of lessons designed to raise awareness about SEAH, become familiar with a range of measures to combat SEAH, understand the impact on victims and the consequences for UN Personnel who commit Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.