Humanitarian Affairs Officer-UNOCHA-(Nationals Only)

This position is open to Sudan Nationals Only

BACKGROUND

OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies.

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
• Facilitate sustainable solutions.

Four divisions comprise OCHA-Sudan, one of which is the Financing and Partnership Section (FPS). It is in charge of coordinating all humanitarian financing in Sudan through the Country Based Pooled Funds (CBPF) and the, Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), together known as the Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF).

The  FPS team works in four main areas:

(a) Managing the day-to-day CBPF  allocation process in support of the HC, including to ensure transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability with humanitarian partners in the selection and recommendation of funding priorities to the HC. 

(b) Providing secretariat services to the CBPF Advisory Group and Working Group in support of the HC.

(c) Donor relations and resources mobilization with CBPF and bilateral donors to strengthen humanitarian financing across Sudan.

(d) Support to humanitarian partners in formulating CERF requests and liaison with OCHA CERF HQ in New York.

The SHF was established in Sudan in 2006 and allocates about US$ 40 to 80 million annually to humanitarian projects across the country. It was established to support the timely allocation and disbursement of donor resources to the most critical humanitarian needs in Sudan under the direction the Humanitarian Coordinator. It ensures the provision of more predictable, timely, and effective assistance and strengthens humanitarian leadership and coordination. The SHF is also in line with the principles of Good Humanitarian Donorship including flexibility, timeliness, and needs-based approach.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1.  Support the SHF allocation process through:

• Supporting and guiding sectors during the allocation process through providing information on procedures and good practices. This includes taking part in sector meetings to ensure that the project selection process meets the criteria of transparency, inclusiveness, and objectivity.
• Working with sector leads, and implementing partners to ensure a high-level quality of all funded project proposals to the SHF.
• Supporting sector leads and implementing partners ensure the appropriate use of the Grant Management System (GMS), maintaining all relevant information and data in a timely and accurate manner and performing data analyses as required.
• Ensuring closely aligned Project Monitoring on all SHF projects and follow-up on findings. 
• Processing no-cost extension and revision requests from implementing partners, including undertaking quality control of requests and justifications and ensure timely submission to the HC for approval and signature.
• Contributing to the continual improvement of SHF policies, procedures and tools.
• Based on the analysis of the allocation process, make pertinent recommendations for improvements in the NCE process and timelines of the allocation.
• Monitor projects to ensure the appropriate use of resources, promote learning and best practices, and ensure the implementation of projects in compliance with SHF policies and guidelines.
• Support the timely submission of SHF projects and review and clear project reports

2. Support the CERF allocation process through support the management of CERF application process (coordination with stakeholders and CERF secretariat, application submission, reprogramming, etc.)

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of different aspects of humanitarian response, public information, and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to conceptualize, design, and implement major information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. 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.
• 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.
• Planning & Organizing: Develop 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
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Humanitarian Sectors/Clusters
• UN Agencies
• International and national NGOs;
• Government entities and authorities at different levels

Qualifications:

Education:  

• An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or related field is required. 

OR 

• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years with a master’s degree or 4 years with a Bachelor’s degree of relevant experience in finance and accounting/administration, crisis/emergency program management, or another related area, preferably with at least two years with a UN organization or an NGO.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills are required.
• Experience with project budgeting and proposal writing is required.
• Experience with auditing and/or financial spot-checking of partners is desirable.
• Experience and knowledge of accounting systems, procurement, and human resources management is desirable.

Language requirements

• Fluency in English and Arabic

Note:

• “Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable)”

Applicant information about rosters

UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

• UNOCHA has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 
• UNOCHA  is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

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