Humanitarian Affairs Associate

Organizational Context

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is part of the UN Secretariat, tasked with coordinating global emergency responses to save lives and protect people in humanitarian crises. OCHA's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) supports governments, disaster management entities, UN coordinators, and agencies in enhancing preparedness and response mechanisms for disasters and crises. ROLAC plays a crucial role in regional emergency response, managing humanitarian funds, and strengthening coordination tools, with a specific focus on supporting Caribbean nations in disaster preparedness and response.

Job Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Associate will support the OCHA Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) in its mission to enhance humanitarian preparedness and response across the region, with a particular focus on Caribbean countries. The role involves contributing to the coordination, advocacy, and information management efforts of OCHA. The Associate will provide essential logistical and substantive support for workshops, seminars, and coordination meetings, assist in the preparation of various communication and reporting documents, and contribute to the development of analysis notes and other key products during preparedness and response phases. This position is critical for strengthening OCHA's mandate and ensuring effective humanitarian action in complex emergencies.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Coordination Unit, the UN Volunteer will contribute to OCHA's mandate by supporting coordination, analysis/communications, and information management units. Key responsibilities include providing logistical and substantive support for country and regional workshops and seminars. The Associate will assist in convening coordination meetings, preparing necessary documents, holding pre-meetings, taking minutes, and following up on action points. This role also involves supporting the creation of presentations (PPTs) and assisting with presentations when required. Furthermore, the UN Volunteer will contribute to the development, review, and editing of crucial documents such as key messages, talking points, donor reports, weekly humanitarian situation reports, and response presentations. The Associate will also support the preparation of various unit products, including analysis notes and reports, especially during preparedness and response periods, by liaising with field coordination colleagues and other key actors. Other related tasks as required will also be part of the role.

Work Experience

A minimum of one month of relevant experience is required. Demonstrated interest or experience, up to three years, in humanitarian affairs within a complex emergency environment is highly desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Creativity, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Technological Awareness, and Working in Teams. Specific expertise areas include Communication, Community Development, and Crisis and Emergency Response.

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