Jobs - 50481- Humanitarian Affairs Officer - UNOCHA

Humanitarian Affairs Officer - UNOCHA - (Open to Somali Nationals Only)

Location :

Garowe, SOMALIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

22-Oct-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-9

Duration of Initial Contract :

Six (6) Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Six Months (with possible extension)

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The situation in Somalia remains fragile with continued political instability, climatic variability, and lack of basic social services. OCHA’s role is to coordinate effective and principled inter-agency humanitarian response and ensure that relief assistance reaches the people who need it in a timely manner. In line with OCHA’s global mission, OCHA Somalia continues to:

Advocate for access to basic services, especially water, sanitation, education and health for vulnerable communities, including the collection, analysis and dissemination of information to humanitarian partners, and negotiation of access;
Support the government efforts and humanitarian organizations in relocation of internally displaced and return;
Coordinate the implementation of humanitarian response in Somalia with UN agencies and programmes, national and international NGOs and local authorities/communities as appropriate, with focus on strengthening the cluster approach;
Enhance a protective environment that respects the human rights of all, including IDPs, returnees and minority clans.

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Sub Office, Puntland, the HAA is expected to have comprehensive knowledge on the issues in Puntland and Somalia as a whole. The incumbent is expected to play key role in ensuring the primary objectives of OCHA Somalia are met.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Analyse humanitarian situation;
Develop and implement proper strategies which will be suitable with local contexts;
Develop and maintain coordination and cooperation mechanisms among stakeholders;
Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management.

Analyse humanitarian situation focusing on achievement of the following results:

Gather information on issues affecting the humanitarian situation, including political, security, social and economic developments, with a special emphasis on their impact on vulnerability, displacement and protection;
Provide analysis of the operating environment, with the aim of assisting in the establishment of accepted frameworks for engagement and disengagement in areas of conflict.

Develop and implement proper strategies which will be suitable with local contexts focusing on achievement of the following results:

Facilitate the development and implementation of strategies aimed at building the capacity of local authorities and communities to better respond to humanitarian crisis;
Develop appropriate strategies to improve the application of humanitarian principles and develop ground rules for humanitarian interventions;
Strengthen protection strategies in the relevant area of operation, in particular for women, children, and minorities and displaced communities.

Develop and maintain coordination and cooperation mechanisms among stakeholders focusing on achievement of the following results:

Reinforce existing coordination mechanisms and assist in the establishment of new field coordination for a wherever required;
Liaise closely with the Office of the UNDSS, UN agencies, NGO’s and other partners to ensure a safe and effective operating environment.
Facilitate the coordination of humanitarian interventions through developing routine information and idea exchange with local and international aid actors, and participating in and facilitating joint field assessments, evaluations and routine monitoring mechanisms;
Support, in collaboration with UN agencies, NGOs and other local partners, the development and monitoring of the implementation of the Common Humanitarian Action Plan in the relevant area of operation;
Improve the participation of local actors in the relevant area of operation, including authorities, beneficiaries, and civil society, in the planning and implementation of aid activities.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

Identify sources of information related to coordination. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to country policy goals;
Provision of referral services for agencies without field representation to access national institutions and processes and for national partners to access the expertise of agencies without field representation;
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
Organization of trainings to UN staff on coordination issues;
Performs other duties as required.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Play a strategic role in identifying humanitarian and access issues and problems to be addressed in the Region of responsibility. Develop innovative suggestions and approaches to deal with technical issues. Timely delivery of outputs, in accordance with overall objectives and policies. Serve as an effective spokesperson and form strong partnerships with relevant parties to help meet OCHA’s objectives with respect to overall policy initiatives and coordination of humanitarian and emergency assistance.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays strong cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver tasks on time;
Ability to participate effectively in a team;
Ability to manage complex problems proactively and effectively, including responses to field based emergencies;
In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues;
Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills;
IT competencies in Word, Excel, Power Point and the internet.

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrates strong analytical and management skills;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Acceptance of additional responsibilities and capacity to work under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree or equivalent in political science, sociology, law, international relations or related field with minimum one year relevant experience;
A first level university degree in relevant field with a combination of minimum 3 years relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

Relevant professional experience, preferably in complex emergency and inter-agency contexts, dealing with relief and transitional issues;
Familiarity with UN policies, rules and procedures, particularly in relation to humanitarian response and coordination, and knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian assistance, especially the humanitarian reform agenda;
Ability to research, analyzes, evaluate and synthesize information;
Ability to express clearly and concisely, ideas and concepts in written and oral form;
Knowledge/working experience in UNOCHA is desirable;
Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of e-mail and MS Office products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.)

Language requirements:

Proficiency in both oral and written English and Somali;
Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.