Humanitarian Affairs Officer, P4

Date of issue: 1 September 2011

Post title and level: Humanitarian Affairs Officer, P4

Duty station: OCHA Geneva

Duration: 1.5 months - with possibility of extension

Deadline for applications: 9 September 2011

Vacancy Notice number: OCHA/G/35/2011

Expected Entry on Duty: As soon as possible

                                                United Nations Core Values:                                Integrity - Professionalism - Respect for diversity  

Org. Setting And Reporting This position is located in the Geographical Coordination and Monitoring Section (GCMS), External Relations and Support Mobilization Branch (ERSMB), OCHA Geneva. The SHAO reports to the Chief of Section. GCMS mobilizes operational, political and financial support for emergencies and promotes inter-agency and in-house coordination in responding to sudden onset disasters and emergencies at the Geneva level. While the Section reports to the Chief of ERMSB, it maintains a functional link and works in close coordination with the Coordination and Response Division (CRD) in New York.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the HAO will be responsible for the following: Acting as the section focal point for specific region. This includes remaining up-to-date on humanitarian developments, ensuring that substantive work programmes and programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion, co-coordinating diverse projects in the Section, and, in liaison with other organizations of the United Nations System, donors and agencies as appropriate. Providing substantive input in the preparation of position papers and reports for presentation to OCHA Senior Management and other policy-making organs, as appropriate. Participating in international, regional or national meetings and providing programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue, or holding programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. Contributing to the reporting to intergovernmental bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/ substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports. Supporting system-wide advocacy and coordination efforts related to humanitarian coordination issues by promoting strategic dialogue on country and region-specific issues with key humanitarian partners in Europe, i.e. specialized agencies and member states. Providing information to Permanent Missions in Geneva. Maintaining up-to-date information and analysis of coordination issues, facilitate the sharing of information on trends and policy among agencies, member states, in the field and at headquarters, in pursuit of common humanitarian understanding and messaging. Participating in donor field visits, inter-agency, disaster assessment and other missions, as may be required. Serving as focal point for response during the initial phase of a large-scale sudden onset disaster, in consultation with the Coordination and Response Division of OCHA NY, on matters related to the situation, OCHA response management, inter-agency coordination, briefings, messaging and information. Preparing situation reports to the international community, apprising of situation to date and specifying unmet needs. Contributing to the production and/or monitoring of appeals for international assistance; ensure the proper use and spending of donor contributions channeled through OCHA, as may be required. Ensuring that the outputs produced by the area of responsibility maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensure that all outputs produced by the Section under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates. Preparing inputs for the work programme of the Section, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. Carrying out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Section, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates. Facilitating the recruitment of staff in the area of responsibility, as appropriate, taking into due account geographical and gender balance and other institutional values. Managing, guide, develop and train staff under his/her supervision. Fostering teamwork and communication among staff in the Section, as appropriate, and across organizational boundaries. Results expected: Provide sound, innovative advice and counsel on a wide range of complex issues/problems, including to national and international officials on developing strategies to deal with humanitarian affairs and related issues on a long-term basis. Effective leadership and efficient planning, development, implementation and monitoring of the work unit's program to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of results. Effective utilization, supervision and development of staff. Serve as an effective spokesperson internally and externally. Establish effective collaboration and partnerships with officials at all levels inside and outside the organization.

Competencies:

PROFESSIONALISM: Expert knowledge in the technical field of work in general and in the specific areas being supervised in particular; proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues; ability to review and edit the work of others. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. 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. MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly. JUDGEMENT/ DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, finance, business administration or management. or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience, including management experience, in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation and development, or other related area, including at least 5 years of experience at the international level. Other Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations.

Languages: Fluency in oral and written English is required; Knowledge of a second official UN language is an advantage.

Special Notice:

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 INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR APPLICATION:

*** All applicants are requested to email the following documents to: walters-ballet@un.org and, 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/35/2011) 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".