Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer-UNOCHA-(Nationals Only)

This position is open to Syrian Nationals Only

BACKGROUND

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has responsibility for inter-agency coordination in complex emergencies and natural disasters. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall humanitarian response efforts. OCHA’s mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate for the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

Position Purpose: 

This position is based within the Coordination Unit. The incumbent will as part of the Coordination team support the OCHA Syria office to ensure;

• An effective functioning humanitarian coordination system.
• Humanitarian planning is based on evidence, common situational awareness and coordinated mechanisms.
• Analysis and verification of response is made using context-appropriate corporate tools and methodologies.
• Centrality of Protection is reinforced.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of the Head of the Coordination Unit, within delegated authority, the National Humanitarian Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Support effective, timely and efficient coordination efforts. 

• Organizes and actively participates in inter-agency coordination forums, working groups, internal and external meetings, conferences, workshops, and training events, as well as consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters.
• Provides secretariat and logistical support to OCHA-organised meetings, events, and workshops, including preparing agenda, presentations, drafting meeting minutes, writing summary reports, and ensuring action points are followed up and completed.
• In line with the OCHA Syria country office priorities, provide strategic or operational coordination support and efforts to strengthen coordination efforts at both the national and sub national level,
• Support/ coordinate country-level processes or development of strategic documents, etc).
• Establishes and maintains contacts with humanitarian clusters, government officials, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions in country or at regional level as required.
• Partners with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian and emergency assistance programmes and help ensure that latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc. are captured and incorporated into future response activities, including cash-, gender-, disability- and accountability related considerations.
• Liaises with the local offices of the relevant authorities on behalf of the OCHA Field Office.

Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC)

• Supports the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) and Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP).
• Provide HPC coordination support, including coordination of sector contributions or processes; HPC drafting capacity; and other technical assistance (e.g. gender, assessments)
• In collaboration with other units, contribute to the preparation of inter-agency emergency preparedness/contingency plans, simulation exercises, and capacity building.
• Act as OCHA focal point for specific sectors.  Provides substantial support to assigned sectors and working groups as required. 
• Brief OCHA colleagues of sector developments and issues and attend sector/working group meetings. 
• Facilitate exchange on cross cutting issues, including consideration for diversity (i.e. gender, age, disability) and accountability to affected populations.
• Stay up to date with relevant Inter-agency Standing Committee (IASC) and other global guidance and actively seek to gain new skills by attending or supporting training events, webinars, briefings and seminars on humanitarian structure, tools, and services.
• Keep abreast of new developments in headquarters and in the field, including on HPC and related thematic domains (e.g. cash, gender, disability, accountability to affected people) and facilitate information exchange and learning across OCHA.

Monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the humanitarian response.

• Monitors, analyses and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situation. Assists in the development of trend analysis and provides recommendations on humanitarian action.
• Drafts and prepares regular situation reports highlighting relevant operational factors affecting the humanitarian situation and response efforts.
• Organises, prepares, or contributes to studies, written reports, documents and other communications on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues (e.g. draft sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, briefing documents including talking points, case studies, presentations, correspondence, training materials etc.)
• Reviews and provides advice on policy issues related to safeguarding humanitarian principles and ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance.
• Supports advocacy initiatives on issues impacting humanitarian needs and response efforts through the collection of information, liaison with humanitarian partners, sectors, government officials, etc.
• Supports the preparation and follow up on reporting requirements that fall within the jurisdiction of the Coordination unit as needed.
• Supports other humanitarian agencies and OCHA sub-offices to plan and evaluate humanitarian emergency and assistance programmes, and ensures that the findings, lessons learned, and recommendations are incorporated in policy guidelines and future responses.
• Performs other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Humanitarian Country Team.
• Inter-Sector Coordination Group.
• Technical/thematic working groups. 
• United National Agencies, Funds and Programmes. 
• International and national aid organizations.
• Relevant government authorities.
• Community leaders and local communities.

COMPETENCIES

Functional Competencies: 

• Professionalism:

A wide range of knowledge on humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, to include ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated UN response. Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems. Knowledge of region or country of assignment, including the political, economic, and social dimensions. Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters, and human misery). Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. Demonstrated ability to complete in-depth studies and to formulate conclusions/recommendations.  Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender issues, to political, economic, social, and human rights programmes in affected country/region.  Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

• Teamwork: 

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 

• Planning& Organizing:

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

• Accountability:

Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost, and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Qualifications:

Education:  

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in economics, social sciences, international relations, political Sciences, or related field is required. 

OR

• First-level university degree in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years (master’s degree) or 7 years (First-level university degree) of progressively responsible experience in economics, social sciences, international relations, political Sciences, or related field is required. 
• A good experience at the national or international level in management of natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, and development, and human rights are required.
• Experience in a humanitarian context within the UN common system or other comparable international organization is desirable. 
• Experience in leading/managing interagency coordination efforts and management experience are an asset.
• Proven skills in facilitating meetings, needs assessments, and reporting are highly desirable.
• Experience in facilitating the Humanitarian Programme cycle processes is highly desirable.
• Competence in needs assessments including data collection, compilation, analysis, and reporting would be an asset is desirable. 
• Experience in working with international agencies including with the United Nations, International Organizations, and in the field of humanitarian action and protection is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the cluster system will be an asset.
• Experience developing and overseeing implementation of strategic plans is an asset.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with a wide variety of governments, United Nations, and Non-government Organizations (NGO) stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Knowledge about the UN and humanitarian coordination structures would be an advantage is desirable. 
• Experience in coordinating information in a disaster response or complex emergencies is desirable. 
• Familiarity and good knowledge of social, political, and economic conditions in the country is asset.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages is an asset.

Language requirements

• Fluency in Written and Spoken Arabic and English are required.

Note:

“Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable)”

Applicant information about rosters

UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

• UNOCHA has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 
• UNOCHA is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fees in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.