Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Organizational Context

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is part of the UN Secretariat, responsible for coordinating humanitarian actors to ensure coherent responses to emergencies. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action, advocate for those in need, and promote preparedness. This role is within the Strategic Analysis and Innovation Unit of the Policy Branch in New York, reporting to a unit head or Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer will monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian developments and emergency situations. This role involves organizing studies, supporting policy development, and contributing to interagency technical review meetings on humanitarian action, international humanitarian law, and human rights law. The incumbent will participate in complex projects and missions, assist in coordinating international humanitarian assistance, and draft situation reports for the international community. Key functions include partnering with agencies on program evaluation, assisting in appeals, managing donor contributions, liaising with stakeholders, and providing policy advice to ensure effective humanitarian assistance delivery and uphold humanitarian principles. The role also involves data analysis for planning and reporting, and potentially supervising junior staff.

Responsibilities

Monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian developments and emergency situations. Organize and prepare studies on humanitarian relief issues, supporting policy development through interagency meetings. Participate in disaster assessment missions and coordinate international humanitarian assistance, drafting situation reports. Partner with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Assist in producing appeals for international assistance and ensure proper use of donor funds. Establish and maintain contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and media. Provide support for technical assistance and field missions, reviewing country coordination mechanisms. Prepare various reports, documents, and communications related to OCHA’s mandate. Serve as a focal point on specific policy issues, liaising with organizations and donors. Review and advise on policy issues concerning humanitarian principles and effective assistance delivery. Organize and participate in meetings and consultations on humanitarian matters, assisting with preparation for UN legislative bodies. Provide guidance and supervision to junior staff. Collect and analyze data using visualization methods for planning, decision-making, and reporting.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related fields is required. Experience in analyzing, consulting on, and drafting humanitarian policies and reports is essential. Experience with multi-year organizational strategic plans, inter-agency coordination, and building partnerships with Member States or regional organizations is also required. International field experience and experience across humanitarian, development, and peace sectors are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning & Organizing, analytical capacity, research, problem-solving, ability to work under pressure, communication, data analysis, and leadership.

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