UNFPA-Emergency Response Coordinator-P4-Home Based for Iran (with potential deployment)

Tehran (remote start), Iran

Position Title: Emergency Response Coordinator
Receiving Agency: UNFPA
P Level: P4
Location: Tehran, Iran (Remote start, possible for entire duration)
Duration: 3 months
Language: English required.

Background Description of Emergency / Justification for Request

The humanitarian situation in Iran has reached a critical turning point following the eruption of large-scale military actions from the United States and Israel in late February 2026. This conflict, compounded by nationwide domestic protests and an economic collapse beginning in late 2025, has created a massive crisis characterized by the mass displacement of people and significant collateral damage to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, educational establishments and strategic public sites. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the destruction of energy depots have paralyzed essential supply chains, impacting life-saving maternal and reproductive health areas. Given the near-total internet blackout and intensified domestic securitization, there is an urgent need for this role to navigate complex emergency response, ensuring that the rights and health of vulnerable populations, including Afghan women and girls, are protected amidst the paralysis of the humanitarian and development landscape within the framework ongoing UN collective emergency response efforts under the Country Refugee Response Plan/Flash Appeal, Humanitarian Response Plan and Emergency Fund.

Security Situation Summary in country and main threats: (i.e armed conflict, terrorism, crime, social unrest, hazard)

Role Description: Under the supervision of the UNFPA CO Representative the incumbent will assist the Country Office in the planning, coordination and implementation of humanitarian interventions, including rapid assessments, programme development and implementation. The incumbent will provide direct support to UNFPA Iran in the acute response phase and, in consultation with the Representative and the Programme Team, 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.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programme Development and Implementation

Ensure inclusion of SRH and GBV concerns in joint UNCT missions and other rapid assessments in close collaboration with UNFPA programme team and Government stakeholders and ensuring context specificity.
Advise the UNFPA CO; assist in the preparation for and participate in coordination meetings relating to emergency response, and ensure follow up.
Support the development of humanitarian appeals and proposals, including the Emergency Fund, Flash Appeal proposals and ensure quality review.
Coordinate the implementation of the UNFPA Standards Operating Procedures for humanitarian programming.
Liaise with UNFPA ROs 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 SRH, youth, gender and GBV issues in their plans, and programmes.
Liaise with community organizations, and community leaders to increase their participation in the process of planning, monitoring and evaluating activities.
Participate in CO and other sector/ inter-agency meetings as needed.
Liaise with the Regional CVA Specialist in order to understand and support the CVA-based response

Rapid Assessments/field visits

Support the CO to ensure inclusion of UNFPA’s core Areas of Responsibility in rapid field/needs assessments of the crisis-affected populations

Orientation / Training

Ensure that the Country Office adheres to UNFPA Humanitarian Policies and Procedures, and EPPs where relevant
Familiarize/orient the CO with existing rapid needs assessment tools.
Familiarize/ Orient the CO staff with existing UNFPA emergency procedures.

Coordination

Coordinate and Represent: Where online platforms remain functional, represent UNFPA at sector and Working Group coordination meetings to share knowledge and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the crisis context.
Mandate Inclusion: Ensure the inclusion of the UNFPA mandate through active participation in existing sectors. If online platforms are unavailable, the ERC will support and coach the CO team to advocate for the inclusion of SRH, GBV, and gender within these spaces.
Cross-Sector Liaison: Liaise with other sectors (Health, Protection, WASH, Education, Logistics, Early Recovery) to ensure UNFPA’s mandate is integrated across all pillars of the response.

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 sector leads on UNFPA’s humanitarian interventions to be included in situation reports (i.e.: OCHA SitRep, UNFPA Sitrep and CRT Sitrep).
Track and regularly update supported humanitarian interventions (i.e. status of funding proposals, distribution of supplies, training).

Resource Mobilization/Humanitarian funding

ensure UNFPA is well positioned in resource mobilization efforts, including humanitarian funding mechanisms such as Flash Appeal/ CERF, Emergency Fund).
As necessary, support and coach in identifying and organizing on-line 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 crises, as needed.

Any Other Duties

Perform any other duties as required by the Representative and, RO, 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.
Knowledge of the humanitarian architecture and systems, and roles/responsibilities of humanitarian actors.
CVA knowledge and/or experience is an advantage
Strong analytical, coordination and organizational skills.
Proficiency in English and any other relevant language pertaining to the country of TOR.

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.

UNFPA-Emergency Response Coordinator-P4-Home Based for Iran (with potential deployment)

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