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 the rights of people in need, and promote preparedness. This role is based in Jerusalem, occupied Palestinian Territory, reporting to the Deputy Head of Office.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer serves as a senior policy advisor, contributing to the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and safeguarding humanitarian principles. The role involves monitoring and analyzing humanitarian developments, coordinating international assistance for complex emergencies, and preparing situation reports. The incumbent will also assist in producing appeals for international aid, support member states in capacity-building, and facilitate collaboration among humanitarian agencies. This position requires developing and implementing policy recommendations, managing projects, and ensuring that humanitarian efforts align with best practices and gender considerations. The officer will also engage with various stakeholders and contribute to early warning and contingency planning.

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior policy officer, advising on policy direction and reviewing issues related to humanitarian principles and assistance delivery. Monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian developments and emergency situations, maintaining a watchlist for potential crises. Lead or participate in complex projects, including disaster assessments, and coordinate international humanitarian assistance. Prepare situation reports for the international community, detailing unmet needs. Assist in producing appeals for international assistance and ensure proper use of donor funds. Support member states in capacity-building for emergency handling and monitor country-specific indicators. Organize studies on humanitarian issues and facilitate interagency meetings for policy development. Prepare OCHA reports, studies, and policy guidelines, providing support to relevant UN bodies. Partner with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Establish and maintain contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and media to facilitate collaboration and information exchange. Act as a focal point on specific policy issues, staying updated on developments and liaising with organizations and donors. Organize and participate in work groups and conferences on humanitarian matters. Provide leadership and mentorship to work teams. Collect and analyze data for planning, decision-making, and reporting using data visualization methods.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related fields is required. Experience in humanitarian inter-agency coordination and in field-level emergency situations is essential. Experience managing field teams and drafting humanitarian action reports is also required. Experience within the UN system or comparable international organizations and in the Middle East region is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning & Organizing, Building Trust, policy analysis, problem-solving, negotiation, communication, data analysis, leadership, inter-agency coordination, report writing, project management, gender mainstreaming.

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