Organization Mission

UNICEF works in some of the world”s most challenging places to reach the most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them realize their potential. In 190 countries and territories, we work every day for all children, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.

UNICEF”s fundamental mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere in the world, in all of the organization”s activities, whether they be programs, advocacy, or operations. The equity strategy, which focuses on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children”s rights into concrete action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, prejudice or favoritism. To the extent that any child has an unequal chance in life, they are victims of a violation. It is increasingly clear that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society”s most disadvantaged citizens—that is, fighting inequality—will not only enable all children to reach their potential, but also ensure sustainable growth and stability for countries. This is why it is so important to focus on equity. It accelerates progress towards the realization of the human rights of all children, which is UNICEF”s universal mission as defined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while supporting the equitable development of nations.

Context

The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo officially declared a new outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) affecting the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, including the health zones of Mongbwalu, Rwampara, Bunia, and additional areas in North Kivu. National authorities, with the support of humanitarian partners, have activated emergency coordination and response mechanisms to contain the outbreak.
The epidemic is unfolding in a highly complex humanitarian context marked by insecurity, armed conflict, population displacement, and limited access to essential services. High population mobility, overcrowded living conditions, and weak WASH infrastructure significantly increase the risk of healthcare-associated and community transmission.
The current outbreak involves a strain of Ebola virus, for which no approved vaccine is currently available. As a result, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) interventions represent one of the most critical pillars of the response, requiring rapid operational scale-up, strong coordination, and robust monitoring systems across all affected provinces.

In this context, UNICEF is supporting the Ministry of Health and the national IPC coordination mechanisms to strengthen the overall response.

UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to:
– Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment;
– Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity;
– Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal;
– Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address;
– Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning;
– Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations;
– Leave management;
– DSA for official travel, when applicable;
– All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) manager based in Bunia, the International UN Volunteer (IUNV) PSEA specialist shall support the integration of PSEA measures in response to the 17th Ebola epidemic in the Beni-Butembo axes. He/she shall participate in PSEA-related coordination meetings locally on behalf of UNICEF. He/she shall ensure the functioning of community-based complaint mechanisms, community engagement in collaboration with the Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) section, and support assistance to victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).

1. Capacity building and risk mitigation:
– Be in charge of capacity building on subjects relating to PSEA for staff and partners.
– Support the dissemination of messages on PSEA through various channels and using contextualized communication material.
– Support implementing partners to integrate PSEA in their activities.
– Oversee the implementation of partnership program documents for UNICEF implementing partners in the Beni-Butembo axes.

2. Inter-agency collaboration and coordination:
– Represent UNICEF at all inter-agency coordination meetings as well as meetings with the government and other stakeholders in the locality.

3. Victim assistance:
– Refer all identified victims for adequate services using existing mechanisms.
– Support the functioning of mechanisms for reporting sexual exploitation and abuse.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
– Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UN Volunteers (UNV) and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
– Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
– Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities;
– Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
– Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers;
– Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs
– As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of his/her functions, including:
o Capacity building and risk mitigation
o Inter-agency collaboration and coordination
o Victim assistance
– Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.
– A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed.

Required Skills and Experience

– Experience gained in a humanitarian, emergency, or public health emergency setting.
– Experience supporting an active outbreak or emergency response (e.g., Ebola, cholera, measles, mpox, displacement, or a declared Level 2/Level 3 emergency), preferably in the Democratic Republic of the Congo or comparable fragile, conflict-affected, and resource-constrained environments.
– Experience working with and/or through counterparts (government and decentralized authorities, United Nations (UN ) agencies, cluster and coordination mechanisms, implementing partners) to deliver measurable results in insecure or hard-to-reach areas.

Core Competencies

– Accountability
– Adaptability and flexibility
– Creativity
– Judgement and decision-making
– Planning and organising
– Professionalism
– Self-management
– Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
– Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
– Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
– Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
– Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
– Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
– Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods.

Living Conditions

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is responding to its 17th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak, confirmed in May 2026 and affecting Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. The situation remains complex and evolving, with transmission occurring in both community and health-care settings. Response efforts are led by national authorities in a context shaped by health system limitations, logistical constraints, insecurity, displacement, and diverse community perceptions influencing health-seeking behaviors.

UNICEF supports the Government through a multi-sectoral approach, focusing on community engagement, surveillance, infection prevention, and the continuity of essential services for vulnerable populations.

This context requires strong coordination, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity to support effective and equitable response efforts, particularly for children and at-risk communities.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a unique country and a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.