Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Head of Sub-Office)
Organizational Context
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), part of the UN Secretariat, aims to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action. This role, as Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Head of Sub-Office) in Kosti, Sudan, operates under OCHA Sudan's leadership, with potential relocation based on operational needs. The position contributes to ensuring a coherent and principled humanitarian response.
Job Purpose
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Head of Sub-Office) is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on humanitarian developments and emergency situations in the assigned area. This role involves coordinating international humanitarian assistance, liaising with diverse stakeholders including government officials and NGOs, and ensuring effective program planning and evaluation. The incumbent will also contribute to policy development, prepare appeals for assistance, manage donor contributions, and provide policy advice on humanitarian principles and delivery. The position plays a key role in facilitating coordinated humanitarian action and supporting decision-making processes to alleviate human suffering and promote sustainable solutions.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include maintaining regional contacts for operational support and advocacy, monitoring and reporting on humanitarian situations, and preparing studies on relief issues. The role involves coordinating international humanitarian assistance for complex emergencies, ensuring necessary resources are available, and drafting situation reports. It also includes partnering with agencies to plan and evaluate programs, assisting in producing appeals for international aid, and managing donor contributions. The officer will establish and maintain contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Additionally, responsibilities cover supporting field missions, coordinating the Humanitarian Programme Cycle, preparing policy analyses, and serving as a focal point for policy-related issues. The role also involves advising on humanitarian principles, organizing inter-agency meetings, and providing guidance 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. Essential experience includes managing field teams in humanitarian operations and leading inter-agency coordination groups or assessment missions. Experience within the UN system or a comparable international organization is desirable, as is at least two years of field experience in emergency situations within the last five years.
Skills
Professionalism, creativity, and accountability are key competencies. This includes knowledge of humanitarian assistance and emergency relief issues, analytical and research capabilities, ability to work under pressure, and effective communication. Skills also encompass problem-solving, decision-making, and the ability to integrate information from various sources. Experience in managing teams and coordinating inter-agency efforts is crucial.