Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Ebola Lead

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 based in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, reporting to the Head of Office.

Job Purpose

The Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Ebola Lead serves as a senior policy advisor, contributing to the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and safeguarding humanitarian principles. This role involves developing and implementing response strategies, monitoring humanitarian developments, and coordinating emergency assistance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The incumbent will prepare policy papers, conduct assessments, support appeals, and facilitate capacity-building with local authorities. Additionally, the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, serving as a focal point for specific issues, and participating in interagency coordination meetings to ensure effective humanitarian action and planning.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include serving as a senior policy officer, advising on policy direction, and reviewing issues related to humanitarian principles and assistance delivery. The role involves preparing policy papers, developing and implementing humanitarian response strategies, and monitoring/reporting on humanitarian developments. The incumbent will lead or participate in complex projects, coordinate humanitarian assistance, ensure necessary support, and prepare situation reports. Responsibilities also include assisting in producing appeals, managing donor contributions, supporting capacity-building with Congolese authorities, and developing/monitoring country-specific indicators. The role entails organizing studies, facilitating interagency meetings, preparing OCHA reports, partnering with agencies on program planning and evaluation, and establishing/maintaining contacts with government officials and other stakeholders. Additionally, the incumbent will serve as a focal point on specific topics, participate in work groups and conferences, potentially assist with budget planning, and provide leadership and mentorship to junior staff.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, or crisis management is required. Field experience in aid operations during complex emergencies or natural disasters is essential. Senior-level management experience is also required. Experience within the UN Common System or a comparable international organization, in health emergencies, and in the West and Central Africa Region are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, planning and organizing, accountability, leadership, and judgment/decision-making are core competencies. Specific skills include knowledge of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, analytical and research capabilities, ability to work under pressure, and effective time management. Leadership involves empowering others, proactive strategy development, relationship building, conflict resolution, and driving change. Judgment/decision-making requires identifying key issues, gathering information, considering impacts, and making informed decisions.

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