Background

The Office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs(OCHA)  in Yemen has responsibility for inter-agency coordination in complex emergencies and in natural disasters. In the context of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in parts of Yemen, the OCHA Office has a specific responsibility for disseminating information and policies to the humanitarian community, authorities and donors, as well as supporting resource mobilization efforts; assisting in the identification of humanitarian priorities and needs and the coordination of resource mobilization efforts; and disseminating information on the impact of complex emergencies, response thereto and the need for international assistance.
 
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Humanitarian Affairs Officer of OCHA sub-office in Haradh (Yemen) the Humanitarian Affairs Assistant (HAA) will contribute to the development of the field sub-office and is expected to set deliverable results within the respective Area of Responsibility (AOR).

In support of the Field Coordination Unit, the Humanitarian Affairs Assistant works in close collaboration with various Units in the OCHA San’aa office, various UN agencies, NGOs, authorities, local communities, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities

Monitor, assess, report and analyse general protection issues and specific issues as identified by the Haradh Sub-office:
  • Monitors all local sources of protection related information including media, agency reports and through regular contact with governmental and civilian institutions and key informant;
  • Triangulation and verification of information including prioritizing and undertaking field trips, meeting with the affected population and representatives of the local communities/authorities;
  • Contribute to the drafting of internal and external reports as identified by the Field Unit and the head of the sub-office;
  • Analyse trends, identify emerging areas of concern and ensure that necessary responses are integrated into the Field Coordination Unit.
Supports monitoring and assessment of Humanitarian developments:
  • Assists the HAO in the development of trend analysis of political, social, economic and security developments;
  • Supports in monitoring any access related maters and the impact on the local people and the humanitarian workers;
  • Participates in regular field assessments to gather and verify information needed to understand the impact of    displacement in specific groups;
  • Supports joint assessments with other UN and INGOs when needed or requested.
Supports field coordination and humanitarian action:
  • Prepares for coordination meetings at the local level to identify humanitarian issues and seek for response mechanism jointly with other stakeholders, including invitations, logistics, minutes of meetings and information dissemination;
  • Liaises with the local authorities when requested by the HAO and Field Unit;
  • Support the HAO-to transfer information on IDPs registration, returnees to the Information Management Unit to
  • Support the consistency and accuracy of their mapping;
  • Assist in drafting minutes of meetings, data entry, field trip reports, records of completed assignments and any other records as necessary.
Office Administration and Logistics:
  • Ensure the continuation of the office institutional memory by maintaining electronic filing and backup systems, including picture archiving, electronic shared documents as agreed by San’aa office;
  • Regularly maintaining and updating all contact lists, meeting schedules and activity reports;
  • Assists non-Arabic speakers to communicate with the local people/ Act as interpreter and carry out translation work (Arabic/English/Arabic).
Monitor, assess, report and analyse  general protection issues and specific issues as identified by the Haradh Sub-office:
  • Monitors all local sources of protection related information including media, agency reports and through regular contact with governmental and civilian institutions and key informants;
  • Triangulation and verification of information including prioritizing and undertaking field trips, meeting with the affected population and representatives of the local communities/authorities;
  • Contribute to the drafting of internal and external reports as identified by the Field Unit and the head of the sub-office;
  • Analyse trends, identify emerging areas of concern and ensure that necessary responses are integrated into the Field Coordination Unit.
Supports monitoring and assessment of Humanitarian developments:
  • Assists the HAO in the development of trend analysis of political, social, economic and security developments.
  • Supports in monitoring any access related maters and the impact on the local people and the humanitarian workers;
  • Participates in regular field assessments to gather and verify information needed to understand the impact of    displacement in specific groups;
  • Supports joint assessments with other UN and INGOs when needed or requested.
Supports field coordination and humanitarian action:
  • Prepares for coordination meetings at the local level to identify humanitarian issues and seek for response mechanism jointly with other stakeholders, including invitations, logistics, minutes of meetings and information dissemination;
  • Liaises with the local authorities when requested by the HAO and Field Unit;
  • Support the HAO-to transfer information on IDPs registration, returnees to the Information Management Unit to support the consistency and accuracy of their mapping;
  • Assist in drafting minutes of meetings, data entry, field trip reports, records of completed assignments and any other records as necessary.
Office Administration and Logistics:
  • Ensure the continuation of the office institutional memory by maintaining electronic filing and backup systems, including picture archiving, electronic shared documents as agreed by San’aa office;
  • Regularly maintaining and updating all contact lists, meeting schedules and activity reports;
  • Assists non-Arabic speakers to communicate with the local people/ Act as interpreter and carry out translation work (Arabic/English/Arabic).

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates commitment to UNOCHA’s mission, vision and values;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning
  • Shares knowledge and experience;
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
Leadership and Self-Management
  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:   
  • Secondary School. University degree is desirable but not a requirement.
Experience:
  • Five (5) years of  relevant national or international experience;
  • Excellent computer skills, in both English and Arabic.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in Arabic and English both spoken and written required.