HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OFFICER

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 within the Crisis Response Division in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reporting to the Head of the Coordination Unit.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer will monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian developments and emergency situations in the assigned area. This role involves organizing studies, supporting policy development, and coordinating international humanitarian assistance for complex emergencies. The officer will draft situation reports, partner with humanitarian agencies on program planning and evaluation, and assist in producing appeals for international assistance. A key aspect is maintaining contact with various stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and media, to ensure effective coordination and delivery of humanitarian aid. The position also involves providing support for field missions and contributing to contingency and response plans.

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 assessment missions and coordinate international humanitarian assistance, ensuring necessary support is secured. Draft situation reports for the international community, detailing needs and requirements. Collaborate with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate assistance programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Assist in producing appeals for international assistance and ensure proper use of donor funds. Maintain contact with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, diplomatic missions, and media. Support technical assistance and field missions, conducting in-depth reviews of coordination mechanisms. Prepare various reports, documents, and communications. Serve as a focal point on specific topics, providing information and advice on humanitarian principles and aid delivery. Organize and participate in work groups and conferences. Support sub-offices in crisis evaluation, needs identification, and contingency planning. Provide guidance and supervision to junior staff.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive 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 health emergencies, cash-based programming, within the UN system, or in the West and Central Africa region is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, communication, client orientation, analytical skills, research, problem-solving, ability to work under pressure, gender mainstreaming, effective reporting, stakeholder engagement, coordination, policy advice, and supervision.

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