Humanitarian Affairs Officer

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) aims to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action to alleviate human suffering. This assignment is with UNOCHA's Regional Office for Southern and Eastern Africa (ROSEA) in Nairobi, Kenya. UNOCHA plays a crucial role in advancing Anticipatory Action (AA) to mitigate climate risks, enabling timely interventions before predicted hazards like droughts and floods impact vulnerable communities. They develop frameworks linking climate analysis with early warning systems and pre-arranged financing.

Job Purpose

This UN Volunteer assignment supports UNOCHA's efforts in Southern and Eastern Africa to scale up and mainstream Anticipatory Action (AA) in response to escalating climate risks. The role involves facilitating regional coordination, engaging with diverse stakeholders (governments, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, private sector), and contributing to advocacy on AA's linkages with climate adaptation and disaster risk finance. The volunteer will assist in monitoring AA progress, documenting lessons learned, and supporting field missions related to disaster preparedness and response for climate-induced emergencies. The position also involves supporting resource mobilization and participating in inter-agency coordination efforts to enhance emergency preparedness and response.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will assist in facilitating regional coordination to scale up anticipatory action (AA) through working groups in Eastern and Southern Africa. Responsibilities include supporting engagement and partnerships with key stakeholders such as governments, regional bodies, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and the private sector to advance AA. The role involves contributing to advocacy efforts by preparing briefs and visibility materials on AA and its connections to climate adaptation and disaster risk finance. The volunteer will assist in monitoring and reporting on AA, documenting lessons learned, and supporting field missions related to disaster preparedness and response for climate-induced emergencies. Additionally, the role includes supporting resource mobilization through donor mapping and proposal preparation, participating in inter-agency meetings, and performing other duties to support effective emergency preparedness and response.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required. This experience should be in humanitarian affairs, anticipatory action/disaster risk finance, climate finance, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or a related area. Proficiency in drafting reports and using computer office software packages is also necessary.

Skills

Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Technological Awareness, and Working in Teams. Expertise areas include Administration, Project Management, Programme Development, Strategy, Emergency Preparedness, and Crisis Response.

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