Humanitarian Affairs Specialist

This position is located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Somalia. The Humanitarian Affairs Specialist typically reports to the head of a unit or a senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer. 

The IASC-endorsed “cluster approach” operates at two levels. At the global level, the aim is to strengthen system-wide preparedness and technical capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies by designating Global Cluster Lead Agencies who are accountable for ensuring predictable and effective inter-agency responses within the particular sectors or areas of activity concerned. At the country level, the aim is to strengthen the coordination framework and response capacity by mobilizing clusters of agencies/organizations/NGOs to respond in particular sectors or areas of activity, each cluster having a clearly designated lead, as agreed by the HC and the UNCT. To enhance predictability, where possible, this should be in line with the cluster lead arrangements at the global level. The Cluster Approach was rolled out in Somalia in 2006.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of the Inter-Cluster Coordination Unit, the Humanitarian Affairs Specialist supports the Inter-Cluster Coordinator in leading key strategic and operational priorities and ensuring high quality of work in the unit and will play a key role in ensuring the primary objectives of OCHA Somalia are met.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

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

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in assigned country/area.
• Organizes and prepares studies on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues;
• Support inter-cluster emergency preparedness and contingency planning; support Clusters’ efforts geared to enhancing national and community-level early warning preparedness.
• Participates in large, complex projects, to include multi-sectoral needs assessments, disaster assessment or other missions; assists in the coordination of international humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations and in ensuring the necessary support.
• Partners with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian and emergency assistance programmes and help ensure that latest findings, lessons learned, policy guidelines, etc. are incorporated into these activities, including gender-related considerations. 
• Assists in the production of appeals for international assistance; ensures the proper use and spending of donor contributions channeled through OCHA.
• Establishes and maintains contacts with government officials and serve as a technical liaison focal person.
• Undertakes and provides support to technical assistance and other field missions, e.g. participates in field trips to undertake in-depth reviews of specific country coordination mechanisms. 
• 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, etc.
• Serves as the primary focal point on specific topics or policy-related issues; 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, consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education:  

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, public administration, international studies, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a related field in combination with five (5) years of relevant work experience is required.

OR  

• A first-level university degree in combination with seven (7) years of qualifying experience, preferably in the humanitarian context and response may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years with a master’s degree or 7 years with a Bachelor’s Degree of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management is required.
• Experience in Somalia, including a thorough understanding of the relief, social, economic, and political situation, as well as excellent communication, report writing, and analytical skills, are required;
• Experience in using computers and office software packages (MS Access, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Word) is required.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in humanitarian coordination is desirable.
• Experience in working effectively in a multicultural environment, under pressure, and sometimes in arduous circumstances, along with preferred personal qualities such as diplomacy, tact, and integrity, is desirable;
• Familiarity with UN policies, rules and procedures, particularly in relation to humanitarian response and coordination, and Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian assistance, especially the humanitarian reform agenda, is desirable;
• Ability to research, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information is desirable;
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form is desirable;
• Work experience within the UN system or an International Organization is desirable.
• Knowledge/working experience in UNOCHA is an asset

Language requirements

• Fluency in English and Somali is required;
• knowledge of the other working languages of the UN Secretariat is an advantage.

Source: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions/job/18319