Humanitarian Affairs Officer
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 actors and providing a framework for their contributions. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective, principled humanitarian action, advocate for those in need, promote preparedness, and facilitate sustainable solutions. This role is within the Evaluation and Oversight Unit in New York.
Job Purpose
This Humanitarian Affairs Officer position, located in the Evaluation and Oversight Unit in New York, supports OCHA's mission by monitoring and analyzing humanitarian developments, disaster relief, and emergency situations. The role is crucial for ensuring effective and principled humanitarian action, advocating for the rights of affected populations, and promoting preparedness and sustainable solutions. The incumbent will contribute to policy development, coordinate international assistance, and support the planning and evaluation of humanitarian programs. This position plays a key role in facilitating coherent responses to emergencies by ensuring that lessons learned and best practices are incorporated into ongoing and future humanitarian efforts, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness and impact of OCHA's work.
Responsibilities
Monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian developments, disaster relief, and emergency situations, including supporting unit evaluative and monitoring activities. Organize studies on humanitarian issues and facilitate interagency meetings for policy development. Support the Head of Unit in managing the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Evaluation Steering Group by developing workplans, reports, and coordinating events. Participate in complex projects, disaster assessments, and coordinate international humanitarian assistance, drafting situation reports. Partner with agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Maintain contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and media. Undertake field missions for in-depth reviews and provide technical and management support for humanitarian evaluations. Prepare written outputs such as background papers and reports. Serve as a focal point on specific topics, liaising with organizations and donors, and providing advice on policy issues related to humanitarian principles and effective delivery of assistance. Support consultative meetings and provide project coordination for disseminating evaluation findings.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related fields is required. Additionally, at least two years of experience within the last five years supporting the design, conceptualization, and implementation of evaluations or performance monitoring is necessary. International field experience in aid operations is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, analytical capacity, problem-solving, research, ability to work under pressure, communication (written and verbal), teamwork, and ability to provide guidance to junior staff.