Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Head of Sub-Office

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 Sittwe, Myanmar, reporting to the Deputy Head of Office for Field Coordination.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Head of Sub-Office manages the day-to-day operations of OCHA Rakhine, monitoring and reporting on humanitarian developments and emergency situations. The role involves analyzing humanitarian issues, preparing reports and studies, and supporting policy development. It also includes assisting in the preparation and monitoring of the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), ensuring effective humanitarian assistance delivery, and advising on policy matters. The position requires fostering partnerships with humanitarian agencies, supporting cluster working groups, and facilitating cross-cutting issues. Additionally, the role supports advocacy initiatives and manages appeals for international assistance, ensuring proper use of donor funds.

Responsibilities

Manage daily operations of OCHA Rakhine, including monitoring, analysis, and reporting on humanitarian developments and emergency situations. Organize and prepare studies on humanitarian relief and related issues, facilitating interagency technical review meetings for policy development. Draft situation papers and reports highlighting operational factors affecting humanitarian response. Prepare various written documents, including studies, background papers, policy guidelines, and briefings. Assist in the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP). Ensure effective monitoring and reporting mechanisms, providing advice on humanitarian principles and assistance delivery. Collaborate with humanitarian agencies on program planning and evaluation, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Support sector/cluster working groups and facilitate discussions on cross-cutting issues. Establish and maintain contacts with authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, diplomatic missions, and media. Support advocacy initiatives by collecting information and liaising with stakeholders. Manage the production of international assistance appeals and ensure proper utilization of donor contributions. Undertake field missions for in-depth reviews and participate in relevant work groups and conferences.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, or development is required. Essential experience includes supervising a team in a humanitarian context, negotiating humanitarian access in complex emergencies, and field experience in emergency situations. Experience representing a UN agency or NGO at a sub-national level is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, teamwork, planning and organizing, analytical capacity, research and evaluation, ability to work under pressure, communication, negotiation, and team leadership.

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