Associae Humanitarian Affairs Officer, P2 at United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, and in consultation with the Head of Emergency, Preparedness and Response (EPR) for ROSEA, the Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Undertakes travel for humanitarian surge in Southern and Eastern Africa as requested, including to support: humanitarian operational coordination; humanitarian financing proposals (e.g. CERF applications); preparedness actions (e.g. contingency plans); development of humanitarian needs overviews and appeals; and needs assessments.
• Assists in the design and preparation of updates on humanitarian, disaster, emergency relief and related issues and in various follow-up activities related to humanitarian action in Southern and Eastern Africa.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources on assigned topics/issues trends that may affect the humanitarian situation and related operations, disaster relief/management programmes or emergency situations in Southern and Eastern Africa.
• Contributes to the preparation of various written documents and supports meetings convened by ROSEA, e.g. drafts sections of reports, background papers, agendas, meeting minutes, etc.
• Develops and maintains reference/resource information on specific topics or policy-related issues; responds to various inquiries and information requests internally and externally.
• Assists in the production of appeals for international assistance; ensures the proper use and spending of donor contributions channeled through OCHA.
• Assists in the organization of meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops, etc. with other agencies and partners to facilitate exchanges of professional expertise and views on specific humanitarian-related subjects/issues; serves as reporter to such events.
• Maintains awareness of current humanitarian affairs and related issues, to include relevant political, policy, gender considerations or other developments in Southern and Eastern Africa.
• Participates in technical assistance, disaster assessment or other missions.
• Participates in project/programme formulation and mobilization of relevant resources.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian, emergency relief assistance and related humanitarian issues, particularly in the Southern and Eastern Africa region. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, work under pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery). 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.

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.

Client Orientation:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP)/United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP)/United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required.
• Experience in the Southern and/or Eastern Africa region is required.
• Experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is required.
• Experience in a humanitarian context in the UN Common System or other comparable international organization is desirable