Emergency Specialist Position at UNICEF in Turkey 2026

UNICEF is offering a temporary position titled Emergency Specialist, P-4 within the Regional Services Division (ECAR), based in Istanbul, Turkey, for a period of 6 months. The role aims to support UNICEF country offices across Europe and Central Asia in emergency preparedness and response by strengthening risk analysis, emergency planning, coordination mechanisms, capacity building, and resilience against shocks and crises.

Location and Duration

• Location: Istanbul, Turkey
• Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
• Duration: 6 months

Benefits and Advantages

• Opportunity to work with a leading international organization operating in more than 190 countries and territories.
• Six-month international professional-level contract at the P-4 level.
• Meaningful humanitarian work focused on protecting children's rights and well-being.
• Attractive salary and benefits package in accordance with UNICEF policies.
• Professional and personal development opportunities within an international work environment.
• Diverse and inclusive workplace that encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
• Reasonable accommodation and accessibility support for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and employment period.
• Visa support and facilitation for international hires when required.

• Lead and support emergency preparedness and response efforts across the Europe and Central Asia region.
• Provide strategic and technical support to country offices in emergency planning and response.
• Strengthen risk analysis, forecasting, and anticipatory planning.
• Support capacity-building initiatives in emergency preparedness and humanitarian response.
• Coordinate with country offices, the regional office, emergency teams, and centers of excellence.
• Support the development of high-quality emergency preparedness and contingency plans.
• Enhance the readiness of national and subnational systems to respond to shocks and crises.
• Support humanitarian responses to conflicts, displacement, climate-related risks, and natural disasters.
• Contribute to maintaining essential services for children and families during emergencies.
• Perform any other duties required within the scope of the position.

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields:
  • Social Sciences
  • Public Administration
  • Law
  • Public Health
  • Nutrition
  • International Relations
  • Business Administration
  • Or another relevant discipline
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience at both national and international levels.
• Experience in humanitarian programming, disaster management, program planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and management.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing preparedness, response, and resilience-building programs.
• Previous practical experience at the regional level in emergency preparedness and response management.
• Knowledge of UNICEF emergency policies and strategies.
• Understanding of global humanitarian issues, particularly those affecting children and women.
• Knowledge of humanitarian reform principles and international humanitarian law.
• Familiarity with United Nations security procedures and guidelines.
• Fluency in English is required.