Humanitarian Affairs Officer- Assessment Field Support, P-3

Date of issue: 29 August 2011

Post title and level: Humanitarian Affairs Officer- Assessment Field Support, P-3

Duty station: OCHA Geneva

Duration: 4 months - with possibility of extension

Deadline for applications: 12 September 2011

Vacancy Notice number: OCHA/G/33/2011

Expected Entry on Duty: As soon as possible

                                                United Nations Core Values:

                             Integrity - Professionalism - Respect for diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting This position is located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The HAO-Assessment Field Support reports to the Head of Assessment and Classification of Emergencies Project within the Policy Development and Studies Branch (PDSB) of OCHA.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Humanitarian Affairs Officer- Assessment Field Support will be responsible for the following: -Supports the development of a training program for OCHA staff on coordinated assessments in cooperation other relevant OCHA sections; -Supports the deployment of OCHA staff and CASPAR (Coordinated Assessment Pool and Roster) members to OCHA field offices to carry out assessment and monitoring support; - Establishes functioning deployment and assessment support system within OCHA, including liaising with stand-by partners, SCS, Preparedness sections and CRD (through ACE NY) to identify and respond to field office gaps in coordinated assessments; -Develops an effective internet based system (with appropriate support) for tracking and reporting on field missions related to assessments; -Develops effective deployment support guidance/tools such as checklist, CD-rom with appropriate materials, etc. and make these available on internet based platform for deployees; -Supports all other required capacity-building for OCHA staff on assessments and NATF guidance; -As required, provides technical support to OCHA field offices on assessments either remotely or through field missions; -Monitors, analyses and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situation common needs assessments and joint monitoring; -Participates in large, complex projects to include disaster assessment missions, assists in the coordination of humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations and in ensuring the necessary support for assessments and monitoring with a focus on data; -Undertakes and provides technical support to country and regional offices on matters related to needs assessments, policy guidelines, briefings, case studies, presentations, correspondence, etc.; -Organises and participates in work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partner assessments and humanitarian assistance more broadly; -Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of a range of humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and related human rights issues, including approaches and techniques to address difficult problems. Analytical capacity and in particular the ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of issues which require a coordinated UN response. Ability to identify issues and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of problems. Ability to conduct research, including ability to evaluate and integrate information from a variety of sources and assess impact on the humanitarian rights situation in assigned country/area. Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery); ability to provide guidance to new/junior staff. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Proven skills in developing and implementing training programs, and facilitating field support, strong networking and facilitation skills. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings; strong analytical and excellent inter- personal and communications skills, proven ability to function within a multi-cultural environment. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Qualifications / Experience

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international studies, information or communication studies, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, international development, rehabilitation, or other related area.

Language: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French is an advantage.

SPECIAL NOTICES AND INSTRUCTIONS:

Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

All posts are subject to availability of funds.

Applications from qualified female candidates and from nationals of non- and under-represented countries are particularly encouraged.

Diploma of completed University degree may be requested in due course.

Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions at the same level in other field duty stations. Candidates will be expected to move periodically to new functions throughout their careers and are subject to the assignment by the Secretary-General to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations.

IMPORTANT:

*** All applicants are requested to email the following documents to: paillot@un.org - it would be appreciated to Cc your application to OCHA Human Resources Section/AO at: ochavacancies@un.org )

1. Cover letter, explaining why you consider yourself qualified and motivated for this particular position;
2. Completed Summarized Personnel Information Form;
3. Completed P-11 and P-11 Supplementary Forms.

All Application Forms can be found by clicking on the following link: http://ocha.unog.ch/OCHAvacancies/

*** Please state your full name and the OCHA vacancy notice number (OCHA/G/33/2011) as the subject in your e-mail application and send one email application for every vacancy announcement.

"The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees). Also, the United Nations does not concern itself with information on bank accounts".