Humanitarian Affairs Officer
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. This role sits within the Crisis Response Division (CRD) in East Jerusalem, reporting to the Head of the Access and Civil-Military Coordination Unit, under the Deputy Head of Office.
Job Purpose
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer will monitor, analyze, and report on access and civil-military coordination issues, humanitarian developments, and emergency situations. The role involves drafting and maintaining coordination tools, supporting coordination mechanisms, and preparing studies on humanitarian relief. The officer will participate in complex projects, assist in coordinating international humanitarian assistance, and draft situation reports for the international community. This includes planning and evaluating humanitarian programs with partners, managing appeals for international assistance, and ensuring the proper use of donor funds. The position requires establishing and maintaining contacts with various stakeholders and providing advice on humanitarian principles and effective aid delivery.
Responsibilities
Monitor, analyze, and report on access and civil-military coordination, humanitarian developments, and emergency situations. Draft and maintain coordination tools (HNS, AMRF, JOPs). Support access and civil-military coordination mechanisms. Prepare studies and organize interagency meetings for policy development. Participate in disaster assessments and coordinate international humanitarian assistance, ensuring necessary support and drafting situation reports. Partner with agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian programs, incorporating lessons learned and gender considerations. Manage and assist in producing appeals for international assistance and ensure proper fund utilization. Establish and maintain contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, diplomatic missions, and media. Undertake field missions for in-depth reviews. Prepare reports, documents, and communications, serving as a focal point on specific policy issues. Review and advise on policies for humanitarian principles and aid 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. Field experience in emergency situations is essential. Experience within the UN system or a comparable international organization and in civil-military coordination is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, communication, and accountability. Ability to analyze issues, conduct research, work under pressure, and maintain professional conduct. Effective speaking and writing skills, active listening, and clear communication. Taking ownership of responsibilities, meeting commitments, and operating with integrity.