Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Analysis and Operations) [temporary] at United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of a wide range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related humanitarian issues, including humanitarian principles and humanitarian coordination architecture and processes. Ability to work under extreme pressure, including during deployment in a highly stressful environment (e.g. to coordinate humanitarian response to civil strife, natural disasters and human misery). Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, to include ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated UN response and ability to provide analysis of complex crises to inform strategic and operational humanitarian decision-making. Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems, including under difficult conditions and/or when deployed to remote locations. Knowledge of region or country of assignment, including the humanitarian, political, economic and social dimensions. Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and knowledge of the institutions of the UN system. 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 and 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 honours 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.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or other related area is required.
• At least three (3) years in the past seven (7) years of international field experience (actual setting where a mission or project is being implemented) in aid operations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable.
• Experience in emergency response in the Southern and/or Eastern Africa region is desirable.
• Experience in a humanitarian context within the UN common system or other comparable international organization is desirable.

Languages

French and English are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Portuguese or Swahili is desirable. Knowledge of another UN Official language is an advantage.