Associate 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 coherent responses to emergencies. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action, advocate for the rights of those in need, and promote preparedness. This Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer role is based in Beirut, Lebanon, reporting to the Deputy Head of Office under the overall supervision of the Head of Office Lebanon.

Job Purpose

The Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer supports humanitarian efforts by assisting in the design and preparation of studies on humanitarian issues, disaster relief, and emergency response. The role involves researching, analyzing, and presenting information from diverse sources, and contributing to various written documents such as background papers and policy guidelines. Responsibilities include maintaining reference information, responding to inquiries, assisting in the production of appeals for international assistance, and ensuring the proper use of donor contributions. The officer will also help organize meetings and events with partners to facilitate professional exchange and maintain awareness of current humanitarian affairs, policy developments, and relevant political or gender considerations in the assigned region. Participation in missions and project formulation is also expected.

Responsibilities

The Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer assists in designing and preparing studies on humanitarian affairs, disaster relief, and emergency issues, including follow-up activities. Key duties involve researching, analyzing, and presenting information from various sources on assigned topics. The role includes contributing to the preparation of written documents like studies, background papers, and policy guidelines. Responsibilities also encompass developing and maintaining reference materials, responding to internal and external inquiries, and assisting in the production of international assistance appeals while ensuring proper fund utilization. Additionally, the officer will help organize meetings and events with partners for professional exchange, stay informed on current humanitarian affairs and related developments, participate in disaster assessment missions, and contribute to project formulation and resource mobilization.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, relief, or development is required. Experience in research, analytical work, and data management is desirable. Experience within the UN system or a comparable international organization, particularly in a humanitarian context or the Middle East and North Africa region, is also desirable.

Skills

• Professionalism: Knowledge of humanitarian affairs, research, analysis, problem-solving, and working under pressure. • Communication: Effective verbal and written communication, active listening, and tailoring messages to audiences. • Teamwork: Collaborative work, valuing diverse input, supporting team decisions, and sharing credit.

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