HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OFFICER / REPORTING

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 those in need, and promote preparedness. This role is based in Bamako, Mali, within the Crisis Response Division, reporting to the Chief of the Coordination Unit.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Reporting role is crucial for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on humanitarian developments and emergency situations in a designated area. The incumbent will contribute to policy development by organizing studies and interagency meetings, and will support complex projects, including disaster assessments and coordination of international aid. This involves drafting situation reports for the international community, specifying unmet needs, and ensuring effective program planning and evaluation in partnership with other humanitarian agencies. The role also involves managing appeals for assistance, overseeing donor contributions, and maintaining key stakeholder relationships. The position requires proactive engagement in policy discussions and coordination efforts to ensure principled and effective humanitarian assistance delivery.

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 assessments and coordinate international humanitarian assistance, ensuring necessary support is secured. Draft situation reports for the international community, detailing current conditions and unmet requirements. Collaborate with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate assistance programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Manage or 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 for specific topics, staying updated on developments and liaising with stakeholders. Provide advice on policy issues related to humanitarian principles and effective aid delivery. Organize and participate in coordination meetings and consultations. Provide guidance and supervision to junior staff.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related fields is required. Field experience in emergency situations (complex emergencies or natural disasters) is essential. Experience in humanitarian financing, grant management, fundraising, and donor relations is also required. Experience in report drafting and managing humanitarian funding allocation meetings is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, analytical capacity, problem-solving, research, ability to work under pressure, communication (written and verbal), teamwork, and incorporating gender perspectives.

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