Humanitarian Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer position is within the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Secretariat, hosted by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva. OCHA's mandate is to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action, advocate for those in need, and promote preparedness and sustainable solutions.
Job Purpose
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer will monitor and report on humanitarian developments, support inter-agency coordination among the IASC's Emergency Directors Group (EDG) on key humanitarian issues, and facilitate EDG meetings and missions. The role involves organizing studies, strategic outreach, and technical review meetings to support policy development and decision-making. The incumbent will partner with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate programs, ensuring lessons learned and policy guidelines are incorporated, including gender considerations. This position requires establishing and maintaining contacts with various stakeholders, undertaking field missions for reviews, and preparing comprehensive reports and communications.
Responsibilities
Monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian developments, disaster relief, and emergency situations. Facilitate inter-agency coordination among EDG members by organizing virtual and in-person meetings and missions. Prepare studies and strategic outreach on humanitarian issues, and organize technical review meetings for policy development. Partner with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate assistance programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Maintain contact with EDG members, government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and media. Undertake field missions for in-depth reviews of coordination mechanisms and EDG missions. Prepare various reports, documents, and communications, including studies, meeting reports, and policy guidelines. Serve as a focal point on specific topics, monitor workstreams, and provide advice on humanitarian principles and effective assistance delivery. Organize and participate in work groups and conferences. 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. Experience in preparing written reports and communications is also required. International field experience in aid operations (complex emergencies or natural disasters) and experience managing field teams are desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, analytical capacity, research, ability to work under pressure, communication, planning, and organizing.