Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer, P-2

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the External Relations and Partnerships Section, Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Branch (PRMB), Financing and Partnerships Division (FPD), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). 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 Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The incumbent reports to Head of Office, OCHA Office in Abu Dhabi.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Assists in the design and preparation of studies on humanitarian, disaster, emergency relief and related issues and in various follow-up activities.
• Supports the efforts of coordination and liaison with the objective of ensuring adequate operational support is provided to the host country, also attend coordination meetings to ensure that the office is adequately informed on key/critical issues associated to the office mandate.
• Assists in the negotiation with the UAE authorities in increasing their humanitarian support/Aid to other humanitarian crisis and emergencies.
• Assists in maintaining regular contact with relevant counterparts in the UAE and when requested represent the Head of Office in all events requires OCHA presence.
• Assists in formulating the Office mandate and activities relevant to support the implementation as well new areas of focus and any contingencies that need to be taken into account.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources on assigned topics/issues.
• Contributes to the preparation of various written documents, e.g. drafts sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents etc.
• Develops and maintains reference/resource information on specific topics or policy-related issues; responds to various inquiries and information requests internally and externally.
• Assists in the production of appeals for international assistance; ensures the proper use and spending of donor contributions channeled through OCHA.
• Assists in the organization of meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops, etc. with other agencies and partners to facilitate exchanges of professional expertise and views on specific humanitarian-related subjects/issues; serves as reporter to such events.
• Maintains awareness of current humanitarian affairs and related issues, to include relevant political, policy, gender considerations or other developments in specific subject area, country or region concerned.
• Participates in technical assistance, disaster assessment or other missions.
• Participates in project/programme formulation and mobilization of relevant resources.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian, emergency relief assistance and related human rights issues. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, work under pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery). 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.
• 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.

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. A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme Examination/United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Work Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP)/United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required.
• Working experience in external relations through developing and nurturing relationships and partnerships with Member States and partners in the last four (4) years is required.
• Humanitarian experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable.
• Relevant humanitarian experience in the UN Common System and/or comparable international organization is desirable.
• Relevant experience in the Middle East region is desirable.

Languages

• French and English are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic language is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on tendersglobal.net