Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer (Coordination, UNDAC, INSARAG)

Organizational Context

The Pacific region is highly susceptible to frequent and intense disasters, impacting vulnerable island states. OCHA's Pacific Office, established in 1999, mobilizes and coordinates effective humanitarian action with national and international partners. It supports national efforts to protect lives and livelihoods, providing surge capacity through staff, UNDAC, and coordination of the Pacific Humanitarian Team. OCHA OP also supports information management, financing, and promotes UNDAC and INSARAG methodologies to enhance regional preparedness and response capabilities.

Job Purpose

The Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer will support the OCHA Office for the Pacific Islands in coordinating humanitarian action and enhancing disaster preparedness and response capacities across the region. The role involves promoting and applying UNDAC and INSARAG methodologies, assisting national authorities in strengthening emergency response teams, and supporting training and capacity-building initiatives. The officer will monitor humanitarian situations, facilitate information sharing among UN agencies, NGOs, and governments, and contribute to reporting and knowledge products. During emergencies, the position will support response operations, including coordination, information management, and liaison functions, potentially involving deployment to affected areas.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support the promotion and application of UNDAC and INSARAG methodologies across the Pacific. This includes assisting national authorities and partners in strengthening National Emergency Response Teams (NERTs) and response mechanisms based on UNDAC principles. The role involves supporting preparedness, capacity enhancement, training, and workshops related to disaster response coordination. The volunteer will monitor and report on humanitarian situations and emergency operations, establishing and maintaining contacts with UN agencies, NGOs, regional organizations, and government counterparts to facilitate coordination and information sharing. Responsibilities also include contributing to the development of situation reports, briefing notes, and other knowledge products, and supporting engagement with partners and donors. During emergencies, the volunteer will assist in response operations, potentially participating in UNDAC missions and deployments to affected areas.

Work Experience

While no specific experience is required, demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in humanitarian affairs, disaster management, emergency preparedness, civil protection, or urban search and rescue is desirable. Familiarity with UNDAC and INSARAG methodologies is advantageous. Experience supporting disaster preparedness, response operations, training, or capacity strengthening initiatives is beneficial. Experience working with government institutions or humanitarian partners is also desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include adaptability, flexibility, building trust, client orientation, communication, planning, organizing, respect for diversity, and teamwork. Specific expertise areas include emergency preparedness, crisis response, and safety and security. Strong drafting, communication, coordination, and organizational skills are desirable.

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