Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Head of Strategic Coordination
Organizational Context
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is part of the UN Secretariat, responsible for coordinating humanitarian actors to ensure coherent responses to emergencies. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action, advocate for the rights of those in need, and promote preparedness. This role is based in Khartoum, Sudan, reporting to the Deputy Head of Office under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, OCHA Sudan.
Job Purpose
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer / Head of Strategic Coordination serves as a senior policy advisor, contributing to the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance and safeguarding humanitarian principles. The role involves monitoring and analyzing humanitarian developments in Sudan, leading complex projects, and coordinating international emergency assistance. Responsibilities include preparing situation reports, assisting in appeals for international aid, and ensuring the proper use of donor funds. The position also focuses on capacity building for emergency situations, developing country-specific indicators, and initiating technical cooperation projects. Furthermore, the role involves preparing studies, facilitating interagency collaboration, and providing support and information to relevant UN bodies, while also leading and mentoring the strategic coordination section.
Responsibilities
Serve as a senior policy officer, advising on policy direction and reviewing issues related to humanitarian principles and assistance delivery. Prepare policy position papers and monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian developments in Sudan. Lead and participate in complex projects, including disaster assessments, and coordinate international humanitarian assistance, ensuring necessary support and preparing situation reports. Assist in producing appeals for international assistance and ensure proper use of donor contributions. Support capacity building for emergency situations, develop and monitor country-specific indicators, and recommend actions. Initiate and coordinate technical cooperation projects in disaster response and preparedness, including formulating proposals and providing technical support. Analyze and introduce new technologies for disaster warning and management. Organize studies on humanitarian issues and facilitate interagency meetings. Prepare OCHA reports, studies, and policy guidelines, and provide support to relevant councils. Partner with humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate assistance 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 on specific policy issues, staying abreast of developments and liaising with stakeholders. Participate in planning and preparation of unit budgets and work programs. Provide leadership and mentorship to the strategic coordination section.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, or related fields is required. This includes at least three years of field experience in emergency situations (complex emergencies or natural disasters). Experience supporting Humanitarian Country Teams and inter-cluster coordination groups is essential. Experience leading the humanitarian program cycle, developing response plans, providing strategic guidance, and facilitating inter-agency coordination is also required. Experience managing teams and supporting field operations is necessary. Experience within the UN Common System or a comparable international organization is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, communication, planning and organizing, judgment/decision-making, strategic leadership, high-level humanitarian coordination, engagement with national stakeholders, analytical capacity, ability to work under pressure, gender mainstreaming, effective listening and responding, information sharing, goal setting, time management, risk assessment, and team leadership.