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 effective responses to emergencies. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate principled humanitarian action, advocate for those in need, and promote preparedness. This role is situated within the Crisis Response Division in Damascus, Syria, reporting to the Head of the Coordination Unit.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer will monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian developments and emergency situations in the assigned area. This role involves organizing studies, supporting policy development, and coordinating international humanitarian assistance for complex emergencies. The officer will partner with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate programs, manage appeals for international assistance, and ensure the proper use of donor funds. Key functions include establishing and maintaining contacts with various stakeholders, providing technical assistance, preparing reports, and serving as a focal point for specific humanitarian policy issues. The position also involves advising on humanitarian principles and participating in inter-agency consultations, with potential to guide junior staff.

Responsibilities

Monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian developments and emergency situations. Organize studies and inter-agency meetings to support policy development and decision-making. Participate in complex projects, including disaster assessments, and coordinate international humanitarian assistance. Partner with agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Manage or assist in producing appeals for international assistance and ensure proper fund utilization. Establish and maintain contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, diplomatic missions, and media. Provide support for technical assistance and field missions, conducting in-depth reviews of coordination mechanisms. Prepare various reports, documents, and communications. Serve as a focal point for specific humanitarian policy issues, liaising with organizations and donors. Review and advise on policies related to humanitarian principles and effective assistance delivery. Organize and participate in work groups, meetings, 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 development is required. Field experience in emergency situations (complex emergencies or natural disasters) is essential. Experience managing Inter-Cluster and Humanitarian Country Team workstreams, working within the UN system or a comparable international organization, and in the Middle East region are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing, analytical skills, research and analysis, ability to work under pressure, communication, inter-agency coordination, reporting, policy advice, stakeholder engagement.

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