Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Head of Coordination Unit
Organizational Context
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), part of the UN Secretariat, ensures coherent humanitarian responses to emergencies by bringing together humanitarian actors. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective, principled humanitarian action, advocate for the rights of those in need, and promote preparedness and sustainable solutions. This role is within the Crisis Response Division in Caracas, Venezuela, reporting to the Deputy Head of Office.
Job Purpose
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer/Head of Coordination Unit manages the team's daily activities, overseeing programmatic, logistical, administrative, and security matters in the field. The role involves monitoring and reporting on humanitarian response and emergency situations, leading complex projects, and coordinating international assistance. Key functions include preparing situation reports, assisting in fundraising appeals, ensuring proper fund utilization, and organizing inter-cluster meetings. The position also supports national government capacity-building for emergency handling, develops and monitors country-specific indicators, and collaborates with development actors to reduce risks while upholding humanitarian principles. The role contributes to effective humanitarian action by facilitating coordination, providing technical assistance, and ensuring alignment with OCHA's mission.
Responsibilities
Manage daily team activities, providing oversight for programmatic, logistical, administrative, and security issues. Monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian response, disaster relief, and emergency situations. Lead and participate in complex projects, including disaster assessments, and coordinate international humanitarian assistance, ensuring necessary support and reporting on gaps. Assist in producing international aid appeals and ensure proper use of donor contributions. Organize inter-cluster meetings and ensure workplan alignment with priorities. Support national government capacity-building for emergency handling, develop and monitor country-specific indicators, and recommend actions. Initiate and coordinate technical cooperation projects, formulate proposals, and provide technical support. Analyze and introduce new technologies for disaster management. Prepare studies on humanitarian issues and ensure implementation of recommendations. Assist in preparing OCHA reports and policy documents. Partner with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Establish and maintain contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and media to facilitate collaboration and information exchange. Serve as a focal point for humanitarian principles, access, and effective assistance delivery. Organize and participate in relevant meetings and consultations. Undertake field missions to review coordination mechanisms. Provide leadership, work direction, and mentorship to the team.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related fields is required. Experience leading teams in complex operational settings and supporting Humanitarian Needs Overview/Response Plan documents is essential. Field experience in emergency situations and experience within the UN Common System or comparable international organizations are desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, teamwork, client orientation, and performance management. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills. Ability to work under pressure and in stressful environments. Knowledge of humanitarian affairs, UN system mandates, and gender perspectives. Experience in team leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement.