Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Head of Strategy and Coordination Unit

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 those in need, and promote preparedness. This role is situated within the Crisis Response Division in Kabul, Afghanistan, reporting to the Deputy Head of Office.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Head of Strategy and Coordination Unit serves as a senior policy advisor, contributing to the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and safeguarding humanitarian principles. The role involves monitoring and analyzing humanitarian developments, preparing policy papers, and coordinating international assistance for complex emergencies. The incumbent will also support capacity-building for member states, manage technical cooperation projects, and facilitate collaboration among humanitarian partners. This position plays a key role in ensuring a coordinated and principled response to humanitarian crises, including early warning and contingency planning, and contributes to policy development and decision-making within OCHA.

Responsibilities

The role involves serving as a senior policy officer, advising on policy direction, and reviewing issues related to humanitarian principles and assistance delivery. Key duties include preparing policy papers, monitoring and reporting on humanitarian developments, and maintaining a watch list for potential crises. The incumbent will lead or participate in complex projects, coordinate international humanitarian assistance, and ensure necessary support is provided. Responsibilities also include assisting in fundraising appeals, ensuring proper use of donor funds, and supporting member states in emergency preparedness. The role entails initiating and coordinating technical cooperation projects, analyzing new technologies for disaster management, and preparing studies on humanitarian issues. Furthermore, the position involves collaborating with other humanitarian agencies, establishing contacts with various stakeholders, serving as a focal point for specific issues, and organizing meetings. Leadership and supervision of a work team are also expected.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related fields is required. This includes direct experience with the humanitarian program cycle, monitoring and reporting in the field, and emergency response preparedness. Experience in actual field settings during complex emergencies or natural disasters is essential. Experience within the UN Common System or a comparable international organization, particularly in the Asia and Pacific region, is desirable.

Skills

• Professionalism: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, knowledge of humanitarian affairs, ability to negotiate and influence, capacity to work under pressure, understanding of UN mandates and policies, ability to conduct studies, and incorporate gender perspectives. • Communication: Effective speaking and writing, active listening, and information sharing. • Planning & Organizing: Goal setting, prioritization, resource allocation, risk assessment, and time management. • Empowering Others: Delegation, setting expectations, accountability, valuing input, and involving others in decision-making.

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