Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Organizational Context

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), part of the UN Secretariat, brings together humanitarian actors for coherent emergency responses. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective, principled humanitarian action, advocate for those in need, and promote preparedness and sustainable solutions. This role is within the Crisis Response Division, based in Kabul, Afghanistan, reporting to the Head of Office.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer serves as a Special Assistant to the OCHA Head of Office and Humanitarian Coordinator. This role involves monitoring and analyzing humanitarian developments, disaster relief, and emergency situations in the assigned country. The officer will organize interagency meetings to support policy development and decision-making. Key contributions include partnering with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate programs, ensuring lessons learned and gender considerations are incorporated. The position also involves assisting in international aid appeals, managing donor contributions, liaising with various stakeholders, and preparing reports and policy briefs on humanitarian issues. The officer provides advice on humanitarian principles and effective aid delivery, and may supervise junior staff.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include acting as a Special Assistant to the OCHA Head of Office and Humanitarian Coordinator. The role involves monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on humanitarian developments and emergency situations. Organizing interagency technical review meetings to support policy development and decision-making is crucial. The officer will partner with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate assistance programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Responsibilities extend to assisting in international aid appeals, ensuring proper use of donor funds, and establishing contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and media. Field missions for reviews and preparing various reports, studies, and policy briefs are also required. The role includes serving as a focal point for specific issues, providing advice on humanitarian principles, and potentially supervising 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 in analysis, drafting official documents, and editing reports is essential. Experience with donor relations and partnerships at HQ level, and within the UN system or a comparable international organization, is desirable.

Skills

Proficiency in humanitarian affairs, emergency relief, and related issues. Strong analytical, conceptual, and evaluative skills for research and problem-solving. Ability to work under pressure and in stressful environments. Excellent planning, organizing, and time management skills. Client-oriented approach with strong partnership-building abilities. Commitment to incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation.

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