HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OFFICER (2 positions)

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. These two Humanitarian Affairs Officer positions are based in Bunia and Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo, reporting to the Head of Office, OCHA DR Congo.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer role is crucial for coordinating international humanitarian assistance and ensuring effective response to emergencies. The incumbent will advise on policy, monitor and analyze humanitarian developments, and report on situations in assigned areas. This includes leading or participating in complex projects, coordinating emergency assistance, and preparing situation reports for the international community. The role involves producing appeals for assistance, managing donor contributions, and conducting studies on humanitarian issues. Collaboration with other agencies, government officials, NGOs, and media is essential for effective information exchange, early warning, and contingency planning. The officer will also serve as a focal point for specific policy issues and may lead work groups or mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include advising on humanitarian policy and ensuring effective delivery of assistance, including linkages with human rights. The role involves monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on humanitarian developments and emergency situations, and maintaining a watch list for potential crises. Officers will lead or participate in complex projects, disaster assessments, and coordinate international humanitarian/emergency assistance, ensuring necessary support is in place. They will prepare situation reports for the international community, specifying unmet needs. Responsibilities also include assisting in producing appeals for international assistance, ensuring proper use of donor funds, and organizing studies on humanitarian issues. The role requires partnering with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Establishing and maintaining contacts with various stakeholders, serving as a focal point for policy issues, and participating in work groups and conferences are also key duties. Additionally, officers may assist in budget and work program planning, provide leadership and mentorship, and utilize data visualization for reporting and decision-making.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related fields is required. This includes experience in humanitarian inter-agency work and two years of field experience in emergency situations. Experience managing field teams, drafting humanitarian reports, working within the UN system, and in health emergencies or the West/Central Africa region are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, analytical capacity, problem-solving, judgment, negotiation, ability to work under pressure, knowledge of humanitarian mandates and policies, communication (written and verbal), client orientation, and decision-making are essential skills for this role.

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