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Humanitarian Affairs Officer, P4

11:20:00 AM
Humanitarian Affairs Officer, P4
Department/ Office:
COORDINATION AND RESPONSE DIVISION
Duty Station: NEW YORK

Posting Period:
15 November 2011-14 January 2012
Job Opening number:
11-HRA-OCHA ODNY CRD-21574-R-NEW YORK(G)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in New York. The incumbent reports to respective Section Chiefs of the Geographical Sections within the Coordination and Response Division (CRD).

Responsibilities

The incumbent of the post acts as Desk Officer for a particular region/set of countries. Under the overall supervision of one of the Sections Chief of the Geographical Sections within the Coordination and Response Division (CRD), he/she is responsible for the following duties:

  • Collect and analyze information on current and potential complex emergencies in order to prepare briefs and recommendations for the Under-Secretary-General/Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) on measures required to mitigate existing or impending humanitarian crises in their assigned region/countries;

  • Undertake field missions as required including deploying on short notice to serve as part of OCHA surge capacity for emerging and intensifying crisis;

  • Represent the Section in inter-agency needs assessment missions, task forces and meetings, including at the senior level;

  • Liaise, consult, and exchange information with the other Secretariat departments, to ensure the necessary synergy between the work of OCHA and these departments; with United Nations agencies, NGOs headquartered in North America, other operational agencies, donor governments and Member States.

  • Liaise, build relationships and strengthen partnerships with a broad range of humanitarian actors and stakeholders including the Permanent Missions of Member States.

  • Support OCHA field offices in facilitating good humanitarian coordination including the four pillars of humanitarian reform, working closely with relevant OCHA sections and branches.

  • Assist in the organization of appeal launches and brief coordinating mechanisms such as Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), InterAction , Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs (ECHA) and Executive Committee on Peace and Security (ECPS);

  • Prepare and review briefs, reports and oral statements on emergency situations and natural disasters for the Security Council, General Assembly, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and other inter-governmental bodies, as well as the IASC, and other coordinating bodies. Draft notes, briefing and talking points for OCHA senior management.

  • Communicate the humanitarian concerns of the Humanitarian Coordinators and the United Nations operational agencies to the Secretariat departments, the Office of the Secretary-General and political organs of the United Nations; develop positions and strategies for humanitarian advocacy related to specific disaster and emergency situations; respond to queries from individuals and organizations concerning the work of OCHA and the United Nations.

  • Assist the Chief of Section in undertaking activities of a managerial nature (preparation of work plans, development of staff training plans, Performance Appraisal System etc.) and carry out tasks delegated to him/her (including being Officer-in-Charge of the Section) at the request of the Chief of Section.

    Competencies

    Professionalism:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of, and exposure to, a wide range of humanitarian experiences, emergency relief and related human rights issues;

  • Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity, to include ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of issues which require a coordinated response;

  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and strong research skills;

  • Very good knowledge of region or country of assignment, including the political, economic and social dimensions;

  • Ability to work under pressure; very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs.

  • Demonstrated ability to synthetize information and formulate clear recommendations and action points; and understanding of the roles of, and first hand experience from working with, different humanitarian organizations, including non-UN humanitarian organizations.

  • Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian principles and humanitarian law; Sound knowledge of the institutions of the UN system

  • Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.

Accountability:

  • Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments

  • Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards

  • Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules

  • Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments

  • Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

    Education

    Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, public administration, development, law, social science or related field. A first level university with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

    Work Experience

    A minimum of seven years of progressively relevant experience in humanitarian affairs, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, peace-keeping, or other related area, of which several years in a field mission is required. Experience in producing substantive analytical reports is required. Experience with humanitarian reform including the cluster approach is desirable. Experience in contingency planning is desirable.

    Languages

    English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required. Knowledge of French and/or another official UN language is highly desirable.

    Assessment Method

    Evaluation of qualified applicants may include a substantive assessment, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

    Special Notice

    • Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.

    United Nations Considerations

    The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

    No Fee

    THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

How to apply:

In order to apply for this position, please go to the following link: https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.U...

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