Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Programme 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. This role is within the Crisis Response Division in Kabul, Afghanistan, reporting to the Head of Humanitarian Finance / Country-Based Pooled Fund (CBPF) Manager.

Job Purpose

This role supports the overall management of the Country-Based Pooled Fund (CBPF) and Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in Afghanistan, aligning with humanitarian priorities and critical needs. The incumbent will administer the fund, liaise with HQ sections, implement standardized policies, and manage fund allocation processes. Key contributions include advising on operational risks, ensuring compliance with financial rules, and fostering coordination among humanitarian partners to promote effective and principled humanitarian action, alleviate suffering, and facilitate sustainable solutions.

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate the Country-Based Pooled Fund (CBPF) and Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), advising on humanitarian context, priorities, and needs. Administer the fund, liaise with OCHA HQ, and implement standardized policies. Oversee fund allocation processes, ensuring coordination with relevant stakeholders including review boards, cluster leads, and humanitarian organizations. Conduct field visits to promote fund utilization and support recipient organizations throughout project lifecycles. Mitigate operational risks and ensure compliance with financial rules. Monitor and report on project status and fund performance, leading the annual report exercise. Analyze humanitarian financing trends and assist in policy development. Document and disseminate best practices and results of fund activities.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis relief management, or project/budget management is required. Specific experience in managing Humanitarian Country-Based Pooled Funds (CBPF) and in field-based humanitarian work during emergencies is essential. Experience within the UN system or a comparable international organization is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, teamwork, client orientation, knowledge of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, analytical and research skills, ability to work under pressure, project management, fund management, monitoring and reporting, communication, and coordination.

Explore related opportunities