Humanitarian Affairs Officer, P-3

UN OCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

New York, United States

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the Director, Coordination Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in New York. OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall 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 the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions. This position-specific job opening is being advertised for the position of Humanitarian Affairs Officer in New York at UNHQ. The incumbent will report to the Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer/Advisor.

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; supports the Director on information flow and preparations of missions in response to the crisis;
Organizes and prepares studies on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues; organizes follow-up work, including interagency technical review meetings to support policy development work and decision-making on important issues such as documenting best practices related to humanitarian-development collaboration and support the leading role of the Director in the Joint Steering Committee;
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, and supports Director in his role in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Operational Policy and Advocacy Group etc.;
Keeps abreast of latest developments, liaises with other humanitarian organizations, donors, etc., ensures appropriate monitoring and reporting mechanisms; provides information and advice on a range of related issues;
Organizes and participates in work groups, meetings, conferences;
Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of a range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address difficult problems. Analytical capacity and in particular the ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of issues which require a coordinated UN response. 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 rights situation in assigned country/area. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery); ability to provide guidance to new/junior staff. 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;
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;
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.

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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or other related area is required;
Experience working in a Front Office is required;
Experience with programme planning and budget performance monitoring and reporting for an international organization is required;
Experience in producing analysis and drafting documents related to humanitarian assistance to support engagement in intergovernmental forums is desirable;
Experience with corporate risk management for the UN common system organization and/or comparable international organization is desirable;
Experience working across humanitarian, development and peace sectors is desirable;
At least two (2) years within the last five (5) years of international field experience within the context of humanitarian or development affairs 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 another UN official language is desirable.

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