Humanitarian Affairs Officer P-3

Date of issue: 06 September 2011

Post title and level: Humanitarian Affairs Officer P-3

Duty station: Multiple Duty Stations - Gedo, Galkayo, Hargeysa - OCHA Somalia

Duration: Three Months (possibility of extension)

Deadline for applications: 13 September 2011

Vacancy Notice number: OCHA/G/38/2011

Expected Entry on Duty: As soon as possible

United Nations Core Values: INTEGRITY / PROFESSIONALISM / RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY

Organizational Setting and Reporting line: The Humanitarian Affairs Officer directly reports to Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer in OCHA Somalia Office under the overall leadership of the Head of Office.

Responsibilities Within the delegated limits of authority, under the overall guidance of the Head of Office, the Humanitarian Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Provide substantial assistance in the implementation of inclusive, field-level humanitarian coordination mechanisms, including liaison with relevant UN operational agencies, NGOs, and local authorities; Assist in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the designated county’s humanitarian work plan, usually expressed through the Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP) / Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP); Assist in the regular monitoring and analysis of developments in the designated country and support the preparation of analytical reports highlighting social, political, humanitarian and other relevant factors affecting the overall humanitarian situation; Draft and prepare regular situation papers / reports highlighting relevant operational factors affecting the humanitarian situation and response efforts; Monitor humanitarian risks to ensure that the various contingency plans are consistent and well-coordinated including availability of resources; Support inter-agency contingency planning through; Support advocacy initiatives on issues impacting humanitarian needs and response efforts through the collection of information, liaison with humanitarian partners, government officials, and media, development of appropriate strategies, etc.; Provide substantial support to sector / cluster working groups as required and facilitate exchange on cross cutting issues; Facilitate substantive linkages between emergency response, preparedness / prevention, rehabilitation and ongoing recovery programmes as well as with other related areas such as peace building, human rights, etc.; Support the collection of field information to improve coordination activities and information products such as who does what where and inter-agency reports; Assist in matters related to natural disasters, including drafting situation reports and flash appeals, preparing costs plans for cash contributions made by / through OCHA and final reporting on their use; Participation in / support to UNDAC missions; Facilitate / participate in inter-agency assessment missions to build consensus on sector and geographic priorities; Liaise with humanitarian partners on the collection of information to effectively map areas of humanitarian needs and response activities in support of coordination efforts; and Track information required for early warning of potential conflict and conflict-related vulnerability; Support and participate in assessments, lessons learned and evaluations; Participate in the work planning process and assist in managing the daily operations of the Field / Sub-Office including support for resource mobilization as well as financial, administrative and security (MOSS / MORSS) management, as required; Support human resources planning and management in field and/or sub-offices including: Recruitment, supervision and support of junior and / or national staff; Perform other duties, as assigned by the Head of Office or his / her designate; Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian, emergency relief assistance and related human rights issues; Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues / problems; Familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; Ability to produce written reports in a clear and concise manner; Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; Ability to work under pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery); Basic knowledge of OCHA institutional mandates, policies, and good knowledge of core UN guidelines related to humanitarian affairs.

COMMITMENT TO CONTINOUS LEARNING: Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field.

PLANNING & ORAGANIZING: Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.

TECHNOLOGY AWARENESS: Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internal databases, Internet, etc.

TEAMWORK: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, sociology, international law/international studies / relations, pubic administration, or related area; A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with qualifying relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Work Experience: A minimum of five years (5) of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis / emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, inter-agency coordination, or in other related field; Relevant professional experience within the UN common system is desirable; Relevant professional field experience is required i.e. field setting where a mission and / or project is being implemented.

Language:
For this particular position English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

All posts are subject to availability of funds.

Applications from qualified female candidates and from nationals of non- and under-represented countries are particularly encouraged.

Diploma of completed University degree may be requested in due course.

Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions at the same level in other field duty stations. Candidates will be expected to move periodically to new functions throughout their careers and are subject to the assignment by the Secretary-General to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations.

*** IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR APPLICATION***

All applicants are requested to email the following documents to the OCHA Human Resources Section/AO at ochavacancies@un.org

Cover letter, explaining why you consider yourself qualified and motivated for this particular position; Completed Summarized Personnel Information Form; Completed P-11 and P-11 Supplementary Forms.

All Application Forms can be found by clicking on the following link: http://ocha.unog.ch/OCHAvacancies/

*** It would be appreciated your stating your full name and the OCHA vacancy notice number (OCHA/G/38/2011) as the subject in your e-mail application ***

Please send one email application for every vacancy announcement.

"The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees). Also, the United Nations does not concern itself with information on bank accounts".

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