Background

Under the overall supervision of the HoO/Team Leader for the Humanitarian Coordinator’s Office (HCO), and with support and methodological guidance from the Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officers the incumbent facilitates humanitarian activities in the country. The support provided to the HCO focuses on the following three sets of activities:

• Preparedness;
• Support to emergency response;
• Development of national humanitarian coordination networks.

For this purpose, the humanitarian team works with the HC and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), national and local authorities when appropriate and relevant humanitarian partners in the country.

The National Humanitarian Affairs Officer will support coordination of the implementation of humanitarian activities by working together with relevant staff in the HCO and will support implementation and monitoring of the humanitarian activities and will be a key player in promoting a client-oriented approach by facilitating interactions with operational humanitarian agencies in Syria.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Emergency Response Fund (ERF) Manager, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• The Programme Officer of the ERF unit in Syria will report directly to the Fund Manager for the Syria ERF;
• Fund Management;
• Oversees fund allocation processes ensuring necessary coordination with relevant counterparts in line with the Fund Terms of Reference (ToR) and allocation guidelines;
• Ensure revision of project applications to meet the sectorial focus, adhere to guidelines, budgetary procedures, clearly stated target beneficiaries and goals;
• Monitor the overall performance of the ERF to advise the Fund Manager for informed decision-making and recommendations on all actions;
• Oversee recipient organizations’ compliance with the ERF’s financial and administrative rules;
• Support recipient organizations through the project cycle and support compliance to rules as stipulated in guidelines;
• Assess targeting mechanisms across all projects and gender mainstreaming to support recipient organizations in reaching the most vulnerable people and meeting their needs;
• Collaborate with relevant government partners, sector groups, NGOs, OCHA/UN Agency Field and Sub-Offices to coordinate and monitor projects and activities funded by the ERF;
• Ensure that the feasibility and relevance of project applications (within the context of the relevant sector concerns) are assessed ensure completed proposals meet the set ERF standards;
• Oversee progress narrative & financial reports of projects from relevant recipient organizations and provide feedback on time;
• Perform other duties as required by the ERF Manager or other OCHA priorities and special projects;
• Facilitate peer to peer monitoring of ERF supported projects and follow up on reports and recommendations;
• Conduct continuous and regular field level monitoring and evaluation visits to project sites, prepare reports and follow up recommendations;
• Information and Web Related Duties;
• Overall responsibility to provide and maintain content on the ERF website, including creating and updating information products (content, photos, etc.), contact lists, and special articles and updates with support from OCHA IMU;
• Work closely with the Information Section and the IMU unit in the production of hot-spot maps and other publications;
• Update and maintain all ERF related documents;
• Create and maintain Briefing Packs for potential donors to the Fund;
• Perform other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Team Leader and other Humanitarian Affairs Officer;
• UN agencies;
• International and national NGOs;
• Relevant government departments.

Impact of Results:

Assist the Regional Humanitarian Coordination’s Office in identifying significant humanitarian issues Develop well-reasoned, innovative suggestions and approaches to problem resolution.  Help meet organizational objectives and provide sound analytical inputs and advice with respect to coordination of humanitarian action.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism:

• Proven analytical skills: ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solutions;
• Good knowledge of the country context, including the cultural, political and economic dimensions;  
• Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender, social-economic issues;
• Strong  negotiation  skills:  ability  to  lead  and  gain  assistance  of  others  in  a  team endeavor,  and  to articulate  coherent  arguments  to reach agreement;
• Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment;
• Very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and sound knowledge of the institutions of the UN system.

Judgment and Decision-making:

• Apply sound judgment to resolve a range of issues/ problems.

Planning and Organizing:

• Proven ability to plan and organize, establish priorities, manage and monitor work plans, coordinate competing demands, and work to tight deadlines.

Technological Awareness:

• Solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet applications, and relevant software packages, including e-mail.

Communication:

• Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively; including
• Ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations, articulating options concisely, conveying maximum information, making and defending recommendations.

Teamwork:

• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Shares knowledge and experience;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to perform a broad range of activities aimed at effective and efficient functioning of the ERF;
• Ability to provide efficient and quality inputs for the ERF Board review discussions.

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;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in project management, political and economic sciences, sociology, law, international relations, or related field.

Experience:                                                                                                                                              

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in management of natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation and development. in providing management advisory services;
• Experience in the region would be an asset;
• Knowledge about the UN and RC systems would be an advantage;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required. 

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.