Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Organizational Context

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), part of the UN Secretariat, ensures coherent humanitarian responses to emergencies by bringing together humanitarian actors. This role is within the Crisis Response Division, located in Gaza, Occupied Palestinian Territory, reporting to the Humanitarian Affairs Officer Team Leader.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer/Coordination role is crucial for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on humanitarian developments and emergency situations in Gaza. The incumbent will organize studies, facilitate interagency meetings, and support policy development. This position involves participating in complex projects, coordinating international humanitarian assistance, and ensuring necessary resources are available. A key aspect is drafting situation reports for the international community, detailing needs and requirements. The role also involves partnering with agencies to plan and evaluate assistance programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations, and assisting in appeals for international aid while ensuring proper fund utilization.

Responsibilities

Monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian developments and emergency situations. Organize studies and interagency meetings to support policy development and decision-making. Participate in disaster assessment missions and coordinate international humanitarian assistance, ensuring adequate resources are provided. Draft situation reports for the international community, specifying unmet needs. Partner with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate assistance programs, integrating 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, diplomatic missions, and media. Undertake field missions to review coordination mechanisms. Prepare various written reports, documents, and communications. Serve as a focal point on specific topics, providing information and advice. Review policy issues related to humanitarian principles and aid delivery. Organize and participate in work groups and conferences. Provide guidance and potentially supervise junior staff.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related fields is required. Experience with the Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HNO and HRP) or Humanitarian Access is essential. Field experience in emergency situations is desirable, as is experience within the UN common system or a comparable international organization, including humanitarian access and civil-military coordination. Experience in the Middle East region is also desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, teamwork, planning, and organizing. Ability to identify and resolve issues, conduct research and analysis, and work under pressure. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency relief, and policy development. Familiarity with humanitarian coordination mechanisms and reporting. Ability to work collaboratively and manage time effectively.

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