Humanitarian Affairs Officer
Organizational Context
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is a UN Secretariat department responsible for mobilizing and coordinating effective humanitarian action with national and international partners. OCHA aims to alleviate human suffering, advocate for the rights of people in need, promote disaster preparedness and prevention, and facilitate sustainable solutions. The organization operates with a national office in Bamako and field sub-offices in Gao, Menaka, Timbuktu, and Mopti.
Job Purpose
The Humanitarian Affairs Officer will support the Head of Sub-Office in coordinating humanitarian aid and emergency response in complex situations. This role involves monitoring and reporting on the humanitarian situation, organizing studies on humanitarian aid, and facilitating inter-agency coordination meetings to support policy development and decision-making. The officer will participate in large-scale projects, including disaster assessments, and assist in resource mobilization efforts. A key aspect of the role is establishing and maintaining contact with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, diplomatic missions, and media to ensure effective information dissemination and collaboration. The position requires contributing to the production of international aid appeals and ensuring the appropriate use of donor contributions.
Responsibilities
Monitor, analyze, and report on the humanitarian situation, relief efforts, and emergency response in the assigned area. Organize and prepare studies on humanitarian aid and related issues. Facilitate follow-up work, including inter-agency technical review meetings, to support policy development and decision-making. Participate in complex, large-scale projects and disaster assessment missions. Assist in coordinating international humanitarian and emergency aid, ensuring necessary support is provided. Collaborate with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate aid programs, incorporating best practices and lessons learned. Support the production of international aid appeals and oversee the proper use of donor funds. Establish and maintain contacts with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, diplomatic missions, and media. Undertake and support technical assistance missions and field visits for in-depth reviews of coordination mechanisms. Prepare and contribute to various written reports, documents, and communications. Serve as a focal point for specific policy-related issues, liaising with humanitarian organizations and donors. Review and advise on policy matters concerning humanitarian principles and effective aid delivery. Organize and participate in working groups, meetings, and conferences with partners on humanitarian aid and emergency relief. Provide guidance and potentially supervise junior staff.
Work Experience
A minimum of two years of proven experience (with a Master's degree) or four years of proven experience (with a Bachelor's degree) with the UN or international organizations in humanitarian aid or development cooperation is required. Experience in participating in meetings, conferences, and consultations on humanitarian aid and emergency relief with other agencies and partners is also required. Knowledge of humanitarian issues and the International Humanitarian Architecture (IHC) is necessary. Experience in report writing and production is essential.
Skills
Professionalism, analytical skills, problem-solving, research capabilities, ability to work under extreme pressure, teamwork, effective communication (oral and written), negotiation, and reporting.