Job Title: HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OFFICER, P3
Department/ Office: OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
Duty Station: GENEVA
Posting Period: 21 July 2011-19 September 2011
Job Opening number: 11-HRA-OCHA-20286-R-GENEVA
This position is located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The post is located in Office of the Director, Coordination and Response Division (CRD) OCHA New York, under the supervision of the Chief of Humanitarian Coordination Support Section (HCSS) based in Geneva.
Note that while the incumbent will for a period serve in New York the position may in the future be transferred to Geneva.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Humanitarian Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties :
Monitors, analyzes and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in assigned country/area, with a particular focus on humanitarian coordination mechanism; Organizes and prepares studies on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues; Organizes follow-up work, including interagency meetings to support coordination policy development work and decision-making on related issues; Participates in assessment or other inter-agency missions; Assists in the coordination of international humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations and in ensuring the necessary support; drafts situation reports to the international community, apprising of situation to date and specifying unmet requirements of stricken countries; Partners with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian and emergency coordination mechanism and assistance programmes and help ensure that latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc. are incorporated into these activities, including gender-related considerations; Ensures that field practice informs policy development; Assists in the production of appeals for international assistance; Ensures the proper use and spending of donor contributions channeled through OCHA; Supports contacts with government officials, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, media, etc.; Undertakes and provides support through technical assistance and other field missions to strengthen humanitarian coordination and clusters in the field, undertakes training workshops, undertakes in-depth reviews of specific country coordination mechanisms, formulates related response plans and recommendations; Prepares or contributes to the preparation of various written reports, documents and communications, e.g. drafts sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents, briefings, case studies, presentations, correspondence, etc.; Serves as the primary focal point on specific topics or policy-related issues (as identified by Supervisor), keeps abreast of latest developments, liaises with other humanitarian organizations, global and field cluster representatives and partners, donors, etc., ensures appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms; Provides information and advice on a range of related issues; Reviews and provides advice on policy issues related to humanitarian coordination and ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance; Organizes and participates in work groups, training events, meetings, and conferences, consultations with other agencies, partners and donors on humanitarian coordination, and emergency relief-related matters; Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff; Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of a range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues; Comprehensive knowledge of humanitarian reform and in particular, the cluster approach; comprehensive knowledge of current humanitarian coordination issues at the global and country level; Analytical capacity and in particular the ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of issues which require a coordinated response humanitarian actors; Ability to identify issues and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of problems. Ability to conduct research, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the humanitarian situation and coordination mechanisms in assigned country/area; Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; 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.
COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international studies/ relations or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively professional experience in humanitarian affairs including in field-level emergency response and inter-agency coordination at the global level. A minimum of 2 years field experience in a complex emergency/disaster context. Relevant professional experience within the UN common system would be desirable.
Languages
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; Working knowledge of French would be an asset.
Assessment Method
Short-listed candidates may be required to take an exam before being considered for a competency based interview.
Special Notice
Priority consideration for vacancies at the P3 level will be given to internal candidates and candidates who have passed a competitive examination. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures. Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
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