Background
This position is located in the Operations and Advocacy Division (OAD), in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA is 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 published for a position as Assistant Humanitarian Affairs Officer in Dnipro, Ukraine (the duty station may be subject to change, as the operational situation in the country evolves). Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Head of Office, the incumbents report to the HAO/Head of East Hub.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions:
- Supports accurate humanitarian data collection to analyze humanitarian needs and responses.
- Assists in the development of coordination and cooperation mechanisms among humanitarian actors and key stakeholders.
- Contributes to proper monitoring and reporting of the humanitarian situation and response.
Within the limits of delegated authority and depending on location, the Assistant Humanitarian Affairs Officer at this level may be responsible for the following duties:
Supports accurate humanitarian data collection to analyze humanitarian needs and response:
- Reviews incoming field reports, prepares summaries of field activities and flags important issues to Sub Office/Hub management.
- Contributes to maintaining reference/resource information on issues affecting the humanitarian situation and partners’ capacity, emphasizing opportunities and challenges for response.
- Assists in the organization of field missions, including Inter-Agency Convoys to hard-to-reach areas.
- Identifies key pieces of information that will assist with organizational decision-making, with a particular focus on improving gap analysis and humanitarian response.
Assists in the development of coordination and cooperation mechanisms among humanitarian actors and key stakeholders:
- Supports the organization of meetings, workshops, etc., within existing humanitarian coordination structures to facilitate joint analysis, gaps and priority identification and monitoring of the humanitarian response, including through notetaking and interpretation support.
- Contributes to establishing relationships with key stakeholders (government, UN agencies, NGOs, and other relevant actors), in areas of operation to facilitate information exchanges and engagement as relevant.
- Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as the identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables, and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation, and reporting.
Contributes to monitoring and reporting of the humanitarian situation and response:
- Supports the collection of field information to monitor and improve ongoing response, coordination activities, and information products.
- Assists in the preparation of succinct reports on the key humanitarian issues in the districts, and working with state level partners, provide analysis on response gaps and advocacy issues.
- Monitor the humanitarian landscape and report on access constraints and the progress of other cross-cutting issues.
Supports Emergency Preparedness and Response:
- Participates in contingency planning and emergency preparedness activities.
- Assists in the rapid assessment of emergency situations and the formulation of response plans in coordination with humanitarian partners.
- Provides support in the mobilization and coordination of emergency response teams during sudden-onset crises. Performs other duties as required.
Impact of Results
The key results have an impact on the efficiency of the coordination effort in the respective field office location and UNOCHA office operations in Ukraine. Key results have impact on success of communication, advocacy and collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the region by the means of efficient resource mobilization and information sharing. Accurate analysis and presentation of information thoroughly researched and fully documented work strengthens the capacity of the office and facilitates subsequent action by the supervisor. Incumbent’s own initiative is decisive in results of work and timely finalization.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
- Professionalism: applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position; possesses knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks; strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning; demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;
- 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; Demonstrating integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Client Orientation: Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients; 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.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a related field is required. Bachelor’s degree with additional 2 years of relevant experience can be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree.
Experience:
- Up to two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, or other related area is required;
- Experience in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable;
- Experience in a humanitarian context within the UN Common System or other comparable international organization is desirable.
Languages:
Fluency in English and Ukrainian (written and spoken) is required. Fluency in Russian is desirable.
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about OCHA rosters
Note: OCHA 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 OCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
OCHA 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.
OCHA 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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