HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), part of the UN Secretariat, is 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 Humanitarian Affairs Officer position is based in San Cristobal, Venezuela, reporting to the Head of Coordination Unit.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer monitors, analyzes, and reports on humanitarian developments and emergency situations in their assigned area. They prepare studies and organize interagency meetings to support policy development and decision-making. The role involves drafting situation papers, participating in complex projects like needs assessments, and coordinating international humanitarian assistance. This includes ensuring necessary support is available and partnering with agencies to plan and evaluate programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. The officer also establishes and maintains contacts with various stakeholders, provides technical assistance, and supports advocacy initiatives to address humanitarian needs and ensure effective delivery of aid.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on humanitarian developments and emergency situations. The role involves preparing studies on humanitarian relief issues and organizing interagency meetings for policy development. The officer will draft situation papers, participate in needs assessments and complex projects, and coordinate international humanitarian assistance, ensuring adequate support. Collaboration with humanitarian agencies for program planning and evaluation, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations, is crucial. Establishing and maintaining contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and media is also a core duty. The position requires supporting field missions, preparing various reports and documents, and advocating for humanitarian needs. Additionally, the officer will advise on policy issues, organize and participate in relevant meetings, and supervise OCHA staff in the San Cristobal sub-office.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related fields is required. Direct field experience in emergency situations (complex emergencies or natural disasters) is essential. Experience within the Latin America region is also required. Experience supervising a team in a humanitarian context is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, analytical capacity, research skills, ability to work under pressure, teamwork, client orientation, knowledge of humanitarian assistance and emergency relief issues, ability to conduct research and integrate information, judgment, and leadership.

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